Along a Coastal Road

Along a Coastal Road
Photo by Reverend Steve Waites

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Autumnal Reflections



Fall is a time of transition where consciousness at all levels slowly but surely starts to turn it's focus from the external to an internal awareness.

Days become progressively shorter and cooler, except, that is, in places such as sunny California where due to the lack of ocean fog, the warmest part of the year usually occurs between Labor Day and All Hallows Eve.

Change is in the air, and the sensitive among us can feel it. Summer pastimes such as family vacations, trips to the County Fair or the numerous Street Fairs are becoming just fond memories, as the Earth rapidly approaches the second Equinox of the year, where day and night are once again, just for a fleeting moment, perfectly aligned and in balance!

In farming communities across the land, crops have ripened. It is here that seemingly everyone is active and ready to move forward.  But it's more. In metaphysical terms, it  is the true harvest time, for it is said that what was planted in the Spring will now come to fruition.

Our understanding deepens. Breathe In, breathe out. Become aware of the natural cycles that surround us. Nature is in essence, constant movement, an exquisite elemental dance of epic proportions.  

Inwards and Downwards we descend, as we enter this dark and mysterious season. Feel the womb of mother Earth calling. This is where we may allow ourselves to enter a place of profound peace and tranquility. For we are on the cusp of a time of rest, renewal and healing......

Blessed Be.     


Reverend Steve Waites, M.Th
Sacred Foundations, Inc.
Trustee, Instructor

Reverend Waites has spent a lifetime studying sacred geometry,
ley-lines and indigenous cultures and rituals.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Caring Neighbor August Asset of the Month



Young people experience caring neighbors

Newsletter Content
This document is designed to help adults throughout Silicon Valley develop materials and activities to promote the asset of adult role models. Newsletter Content The following text may be used in organizational newsletters. Please include the attribution at the end of the article.

The Importance of a Caring Neighborhood
Research shows that youth who reside in caring neighborhoods have higher grades, better self-esteem, reduced crime, and less drug use. And, caring neighborhoods are safer: a study of 343 Chicago neighborhoods discovered that in a caring community, youth experience less acts of school absence, graffiti, and violence. Other benefits of a strong neighborhood include a greater sense of community and easier conflict resolution among neighbors. A caring neighborhood creates a better environment for everyone regardless of age.

Unfortunately, in Project Cornerstone’s 2011 survey, only 52% of 4th-6th graders and 37% of 7th - 12th graders reported that they feel that their neighborhood is caring. To help raise awareness of this important asset, August is Caring Neighborhood month in Silicon Valley. The following discussion topics can help you work with young people to become aware of the ways that their neighborhood is caring and identify possible opportunities for improvement.
 • Which adults “keep an eye” on neighborhood kids when they’re playing outside to help keep them safe?
• Which adults and families in the neighborhood can you turn to for help in case of an emergency? Help your family identify a “safe house” on every nearby block where they can go if they need help.
• Which adults and families should you get to know better? How might you approach them?
• Are there any neighbors who might benefit from assistance such as a senior citizen who may need help with their yard work, carrying groceries, or taking their trash and recycling to the curb?

This article was provided courtesy of Project Cornerstone’s Asset-a-Month program. For more information, visit www.projectcornerstone.org.

Activities

For families: 
• Make an effort to get to know your neighbors, and help your children understand the importance of strong neighborhood bonds. Encourage your children to share toys or activities with other kids on the block.
• Invite another family to go with you when you walk your dog, or ask if you can join a family when they walk theirs.
• With your children, make a map of your street and write down names and a few facts about each neighbor.
• Volunteer to house- and pet-sit when your neighbors go out of town.
• Throw a neighborhood party! Invite everyone on the block for food, fun, games, and the opportunity to get to know each other better. Be sure to plan activities for youth of all ages.

For all adults
• Learn the names and interests of the kids in your neighborhood, and find areas that you have in common. Offer to teach a new skill or ask the young person to teach you.
• Let families know that your home represents a “safe house” where their children can come if they need help.
• “Check in” with children and youth who are playing outside, and help them stay safe.
• Establish an emergency contact list for neighbors so that everyone can be reached in case of an urgent matter.At
• Volunteer to pick up a neighbor’s children from school or programs.
• Treat neighbors of all ages with courtesy and respect.
• Attend a game, play, or event in which a neighborhood youth is participating.
• Be aware of graduations and other major events in children’s lives.
• Create an email list or online group for neighbors. This is an easy way to share announcements, invitations, plans, and concerns.
• Support local youth in their fundraisers. Even if you don’t care for cookies, candy, wrapping paper, or the other items that the children are selling, your support of their activities shows that you value their goals and efforts.

At School or in Youth Programs

• Schools, religious organizations, and youth programs can help create a sense of community in the neighborhood. Visit with your immediate neighbors to help them understand your programs and enlist their help in keeping children and youth safe.
• Hold events for the neighborhood, such as a Halloween carnival or ‘open house’ with children’s activities. Neighbors can learn about your programs and visit with each other.
• Develop a service project where youth in your programs volunteer in the nearby neighborhood, such as picking up litter or assisting the elderly with chores.
• Discuss ways that youth can create a caring community in their own neighborhoods.

Resources
• National Night Out is an annual event involving citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from thousands of communities in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno.
• The National Neighborhood Watch Program pairs neighborhood groups and law enforcement to work together to create safe communities. For more information, visit http://www.usaonwatch.org/ 
• Ian Chamandy of Portland, Oregon has created a detailed manual titled “How To Throw A Great Street/Block Party And Transform Your Neighborhood Into A Tight-Knit Community,” which covers a range of activities before, during, and after the party that ensure a successful event. To view the manual, visit http://www.streetparty.net/ and click the link to download the manual.

About the Asset-a-Month Program
The goals of the Silicon Valley Asset-a-Month program are to help align adults throughout our diverse community in their efforts to promote positive youth development by fostering developmental assets. For more information about the Asset-a-Month program, contact Project Cornerstone at (408) 351-6482 or info@projectcornerstone.org.




Reverend Felecia Mulvany, D.D.
President, Sacred Foundations, Inc.

revmulvany@sacredfoundations.net
www.sacredfoundations.net


877-877-4275

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Reflections upon the Season of summer


Summer usually associated with south and high noon within the context of the Medicine wheel, is normally viewed as the season of maximum growth, when all that is within the natural world comes to fruition, ripens and fulfills the promise first realized with the onset of Spring, which in itself was the time of new beginnings and fresh opportunities.

The festival of Summer Solstice or the longest day marks the pinnacle of the outward expansion of  life-sustaining energy, where we may choose to flow effortlessly and collectively into a period of completion and reflection thus gaining an understanding of our achievements within the sacred web of life.


Traditionally if we look back at European tradition, we find the first half of the season from April/May onward involved the intense labor of tending the crops and farm animals, working in the fields and orchards; all of which would hopefully be rewarded by a bountiful harvest.  




Therefore Midsummer day was welcomed as a chance to celebrate the blessing of the Sun God and more importantly kick back, relax and have fun, with such activities as Midsummer Bonfires, dancing in the streets, village fairs and various sporting events.

Nowadays, even though many live in cities we can still honor this event and the healing power of our nearest star by going out into nature during the long warm evenings, to enjoy hiking, biking or just strolling around the neighborhood and becoming one with the energetic flow and empowerment that surrounds us.  

As a heads up:- Just remember, sun screen and plenty of water may be a requirement, depending upon your specific circumstances and time of day!!



Reverend Steve Waites, M.Th
Sacred Foundations, Inc.
Trustee, Instructor

Reverend Waites has spent a lifetime studying sacred geometry,
ley-lines and indigenous cultures and rituals.



Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Springtime Meditation




God and Goddess of creativity, giver of life renewed, surround this sacred space in your divine love and protection.

The earth is reborn in spring time, buds burst forth with new life, as the Sun reaches higher into the sky.

All things are young, playful and full of promise as we ask that the warm breezes of renewal and rebirth empower us

Go within to uncover the quiet moments of grace and solitude as we breath into our very essence the spirit of this new season which holds so much promise for growth and understanding.

With this understanding,  We ask that our hearts be open to the beauty of creation and our minds be empowered with the awe and wonder that is our birthright and inheritance here upon our blessed mother Earth.
  

Blessed be.



Reverend Steve Waites, M.Th
Sacred Foundations, Inc.
Trustee, Instructor

Reverend Waites has spent a lifetime studying sacred geometry,
ley-lines and indigenous cultures and rituals.

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Reflections upon the season of Spring

Photograph by Reverend Steve Waites, M.Th

This is a good time for purification, which can be realized in purely practical terms as spring cleaning or taking the opportunity to remove the accumulated clutter from our lives. For now is the time to move forward into the bright new future of expanding possibilities.   

Spring is an intimate season, with the culmination of creative energy occurring at the equinox, the time where, for just a fleeting moment, day and night are of equal length.

We are reminded that spring fever is upon us, as the cycle of seasons which is forever in motion allows the goddess of nature to spread her green cloak across the land and heal the damage wrought by the Winter.

A magical transformation takes place, as the trees sprout new leaves and blossom, new grass breaks forth into a magnificent carpet of emerald green and everywhere flowers produce a riot of color, thus celebrating the renewal of life.


Reverend Steve Waites, M.Th
Sacred Foundations, Inc.
Trustee, Instructor

Reverend Waites has spent a lifetime studying sacred geometry,
ley-lines and indigenous cultures and rituals.

Service to Others - April Asset of the Month


Young people serve in the community one hour or more per week.

This document is designed to help adults throughout Santa Clara County develop materials and activities to promote the asset of adult role models.

Newsletter Content
The following text may be used in organizational newsletters. Please include the attribution at the end of the article.

The Importance of Service to Others
Community service, volunteering, and service learning do more than allow youth to help the community—these activities also provide youth with the positive experiences, relationships, and connections that help them thrive. Research shows that the developmental asset of service to others results in higher academic performance, increased self-esteem, reduced incidence of depression, better problem-solving skills, and increased community involvement as an adult.

Unfortunately, most youth in Santa Clara County don’t participate in significant service to others. In Project Cornerstone’s 2011 survey, 32% of 4th-6th graders and only 47% of 7th-12th graders reported that they serve in the community one or more hours each week. To help raise awareness of the importance of this developmental asset, April is Service to Others month in Silicon Valley.  One reason that youth may not serve is the perception that their assistance isn’t welcomed—a Gallup poll found that adolescents were four times more likely to volunteer and help out in the community if they were asked, but only half of a national sample of youth reported that adults asked them to help out. Youth gain the greatest benefit from service programs that enable them to “do” instead of observe; to work with supportive adults; to demonstrate responsibility, to explore their own interests and ideas, and to reflect on the meaning of their activities.

The following discussion topics can help young people recognize the value of service to others and identify new kinds of service opportunities:
• Ask a young person to complete this sentence: “One way I’d like to change the world is…”
• What are some needs or problems that you see and are concerned about in the community? What do you think can solve these issues? What can you do to get the ball rolling?
• If you had to commit one year after high school to performing service in your own community, elsewhere in the United States, or abroad, where would you go and what would you choose to do?

This article was provided courtesy of Project Cornerstone’s Asset-a-Month program.
For more information, visit www.projectcornerstone.org.

Activities


For families







• At mealtime, share your recent community service activities with your family.  This discussion demonstrates that your family values service, enables you to role-model community service, and opens a discussion about ways to help in the community.
• Serving others doesn’t always mean taking on a big commitment—it can be as simple as picking up litter in the park, helping an elderly neighbor unload their groceries, or bringing a meal to a sick neighbor.
• Have a family meeting to consider the idea of a family service project, and make sure that everyone participates regardless of their age. Have everyone list their volunteer activities to see if others are interested in helping, and talk about additional causes that each member would like to support.



For all adults







• Create youth-oriented volunteer opportunities that are diverse in the amount of time, energy, and expertise required. To make sure that youth get the most out of the experience, provide adequate training and make sure that the youth understand how their efforts will make a difference.
• When seeking volunteers, don’t just reach out to the high-achieving youth in leadership programs! Young people from all backgrounds deserve the opportunity to experience the benefits of service.
• Be sure to affirm and recognize the efforts of all the youth who serve. 

At school or in youth programs

• Service learning programs that link educational or program objectives with opportunities to address real-world issues are a proven strategy for increasing developmental assets. Resources to help get started with service learning programs can be found in the “Resources” section below.
• Start a service club for youth! Work with the group to identify a list of causes that they care about (e.g., animals, education, environment, creating safe places for youth to hang out, health care, disaster relief, homelessness, peace, etc.) and identify ways that they can help. Help the youth research the need,
define goals, create a plan (being sure to consider the potential needs and feelings of the recipients), and implement their service ideas. Be sure to guide the youth in reflecting on their experience at the end of the project.
• You can also create service opportunities for youth within the school or program itself. Work as a group to list needs that youth have observed at the site, like picking up litter or refereeing games for younger children, and ask youth to choose which needs they’d like to address. If their choices require the permission of other staff members, have the youth choose a team of representatives to present their offer to the person in charge, and coach them on how to make their presentation.

Additional Resources
• The Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley’s Santa Clara County Youth Volunteer Guide provides a comprehensive list of service opportunities for youth 12-17, arranged by areas of interest and kind of service available. The guide includes coaching for youth on what to say when they call an agency for information or visit the site for a volunteer interview. For more information, visit http://vcsv.us/youthguide.shtml.
• A wealth of information about service learning is available at Search Institute’s “Service Learning and Asset Building” Web page at http://www.searchinstitute.org/content/service-learning-and-asset-building.
Resources include a free guide to service learning in community-based organizations as well as fact sheets, resources, and links to information from national service learning organizations.

About the Asset-a-Month Program
The goals of the Silicon Valley Asset-a-Month program are to help align adults throughout our diverse community in their efforts to promote positive youth development by fostering developmental assets. For more information about the Asset-a-Month program, contact Project Cornerstone at (408) 351-6482 or info@projectcornerstone.org.


Reverend Felecia Mulvany, D.D.
President, Sacred Foundations, Inc.

revmulvany@sacredfoundations.net
www.sacredfoundations.net

877-877-4275

Thursday, February 28, 2019

March Multifaith Calendar

Multifaith Calendar
MARCH 2019

2 Nineteen Day Fast begins*—Baha'i
3 Meatfare Sunday - Orthodox Christian
   Transfiguration Sunday – Christian
4 Maha Shivaratri – Hindu, Hare Krishna
5 Shrove Tuesday - Christian
6 Ash Wednesday - Lent begins- Christian
10 Cheesefare Sunday—Orthodox Christian
11 Clean Monday - Great Lent begins - Orthodox Christian
17 Orthodox Sunday - Orthodox Christian
St. Patrick's Day - Christian
19 St. Joseph's Day - Christian
20 Equinox
     Ostara - Mabon * - Wicca/Pagan Northern and
     Southern hemispheres
     Nowruz (New Year) * - Persian/Zoroastrian/Baha'i
     Holi (Festival of Colors)/ Gaura Purnima —Hindu
     Ta’anit Esther -- Jewish
     Purim * - Jewish
21 Hola Mohalla - Sikh
     Magha Puja Day (Sangha Day) – Buddhist (Thailand,
     Lao, Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka)
25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Christian
28 Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zarathushtra) ** -
     Zoroastrian

Sacred Foundations, Inc.
Spiritual Center and School of Divinity
www.sacredfoundations.net

Spiritual Gatherings & classes held at
Laughing Giraffe Therapy Center
100 O'Connor Drive #14, San Jose CA 95128
See schedule & RSVP at www.meetup.com/Sacred-Foundations-Inc

Monday, February 25, 2019

Intro to Earth Magic




Details
This month Steve will be introducing us to working with Earth Based Spirits. He will start with a quick review of the basics and finding balance then delve into an overview of working with Earth Based spirits. Questions are encouraged.
We pass a donation basket to help us pay for our space, please give what you can. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. As a 501c3 nonprofit all donations are tax deductible.

To learn more about us and what we offer, visit ourwebsite
www.sacredfoundations.net
Sunday, March 10, 2019
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Laughing Giraffe Therapy
100 O'Connor Dr #14 · San Jose, CA

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

YOUTH AS RESOURCES - February Asset of the Month


Young people are given useful roles in the community.

This document is designed to help adults throughout Silicon Valley develop materials and activities to promote the asset of adult role models.

Newsletter Content
The following text may be used in organizational newsletters. Please include the attribution at the end of the article.

The Importance of Youth as Resources
People of all ages want to feel that that they make a contribution and play a meaningful role in their community, whether at home, at school, or in the neighborhood. Research shows that youth who feel valued and useful have higher self-esteem, a greater sense of personal control, reduced delinquency, greater social and personal responsibility, reduced substance abuse, and better social skills.

Most youth in Silicon Valley don’t feel that they have opportunities to contribute to their community. In Project Cornerstone’s 2011 survey, only 53% of 4th- 6th graders and 35% of 7th-12th graders reported that they are given useful roles. To help address this  problem, February is Youth as Resources month in Silicon Valley. This asset focuses on including youth in decisions that affect them and creating participation and leadership opportunities where their contribution makes a difference.

The following discussions can help youth recognize opportunities to serve as resources
· What would you like to share with adults about your experiences in your home, school, neighborhood or faith community?
· Who are some adults that you could talk to about making positive changes?
· How will you know when these changes happen?
· How would you like to be recognized for your contribution?

Keep in mind that serving as a resource doesn’t have to be a large effort. Adults can help youth serve as resources simply by asking them to share their opinions, skills, or knowledge, such as how to play a game or use technology such as text messaging. Remember, it’s important that young people’s efforts be recognized and celebrated! Be sure to create opportunities to show that you value each individual’s unique contributions.

This article was provided courtesy of Project Cornerstone’s Asset-a-Month program. For more information, visit www.projectcornerstone.org.  


Activities

For Families






· Hold family meetings. For example, one meeting can focus on discussing which kinds of tasks each household member is best at and enjoys the most. Then, review everyone’s current chores and make changes based on each other’s skills and interests.
· Involve children in planning events such as holiday celebrations or trips. For family events, young people can help plan menus and cook, or plan games and activities for younger children; for vacations, they can research destinations and activities.
· Ask children what they do or don’t like about their daily routines, and find ways to improve them.



 For All Adults






· Ask a young person to teach you something new—a game, a hobby, a computer skill, etc.—or to share their favorite music or YouTube videos with you. It’s empowering to be able to introduce adults something that they don’t already know.
· Ask a young person for advice on solving a challenge or completing a task. You’d be surprised at the quality of suggestions you receive.
· Be sure to notice young people’s contributions and talents in every aspect of their lives.
· Help a young person find age-appropriate opportunities to serve as resources in their community. For example, many cities and towns have a youth advisory committee or other group of young people who provide input regarding issues affecting youth.

For adults who work directly with youth
· Does your organization allow young people to sit on boards and committees that affect its mission and programs? Including youth input at the highest levels not only creates valuable opportunities for young people but also helps your organization ensure that it’s in touch with the needs and desires of the youth you serve.
· Be sure to create opportunities for all youth to feel like valuable resources. For example, a county sheriff’s office found that youth with low grades wanted to volunteer in the community as much as better students, but the community rarely asked those underachieving students to contribute. All young people deserve the opportunity to feel that their opinions and contributions are valued.

At school or in youth programs

· Create leadership and contribution opportunities in your classroom or programs. Groups such as student council, playground peace monitors, traffic safety patrol, and others are great ways for young people to feel like their contributions are valued, especially if they have some responsibility in making decisions for the group. In younger grades, classroom responsibilities like line leader help  students feel like their contributions make a difference to the class. Middle and high school students can even help interview new staff and participate in school improvement teams.
· Invite students to share their opinions and suggestions about activities, and incorporate their suggestions in the future. Give young people choices about which activities they take part in.
· Encourage young people to write letters to the editor, to companies, or elected officials to share ideas or express opinions. Help them develop and share constructive suggestions to address their concerns.

About the Asset-a-Month Program
The goals of the Silicon Valley Asset-a-Month program are to help align adults
throughout our diverse community in their efforts to promote positive youth
development by fostering developmental assets. For more information about the
Asset-a-Month program, contact Project Cornerstone at (408) 351-6482 or



Reverend Felecia Mulvany, D.D.
President, Sacred Foundations, Inc.

revmulvany@sacredfoundations.net
www.sacredfoundations.net

877-877-4275





Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Energetic Self Care


Spiritual Gathering January 13, 2019
Notes from Service


Energy Field
An electromagnetic field of energy that surrounds all living things.  Many philosophies believe that for the human the aura is comprised of energy emanating from the four bodies (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual).  

Components of the Field
Spiritual Body = Intent
Mental Body = Data
Emotional Body = Expression
Physical Body = Manifestation

Aspects of the field
Male = Active Energy  
Female = Creative Energy

 Clear, Balance, Ground, and Protect

Clear
“Clear”, suggests a freedom from cloudiness, haziness, muddiness, etc., either literally or figuratively.  kyrillion photography has shown that the human body, plants, and animals, have an energy field around their bodies.  In many cultures it is believed that this energy can be transferred from one individual to another, consciously or unconsciously.  The theory is that if you collect other peoples’ emotions, feelings, etc., your energy field acts like a sponge and you begin to mirror others’ emotions and challenges.

Balance
A state of equilibrium or equipoise; equality in amount, weight, value, or importance between two things or the parts of a thing.  Many of the early spiritual and physical philosophies looked at the human being, as a series of components that must be maintained in balance or disease, “dis – ease”, would occur.  The focus of any healing modality is to support the parts of the human essence to stay in a state of fluid balance just like nature.

Ground
Ground represents the lowest part, bottom or base of something.  Many Eastern, Celtic and American Indian philosophies believe that the physical body is the base of the soul.  They also believe that when you bring the physical body into harmony you are actively manifesting your soul purpose within the physical.  Ignoring the physical body thus can cause disturbance in all other aspects of your life.  A house not built on a solid foundation “Ground” will fall. Being grounded also affects the amount of energy you can run through your physical body.  

Protect
To shield from injury, danger or loss.  To guard or defend. Everyone is aware of taking care of the physical body, but how many of us are aware of taking care of the emotional, mental or spiritual bodies?  If scientist and philosophers are correct, and if we do have some sort of energy around us that can be recorded by specific photography, can we lose this energy or change or adulterate it?  In early cultures, Celt, Eastern, and American Indian, it was believed you could.  It was also taught that each individual was responsible for maintaining this life force or personal space for themselves, and for others who were weak due to illness.


Clearing your Electro Magnetic Field





Smudging
Burn Sage, Lavender, sweet grass, or other clearing smudge stick or leaves. You can smudge yourself but it is easier if there are two people so you can smudge each other. Consciously allow the smoke to remove any negative or unwanted energy, and any energy that is not your own, from your energy field. Work from the feet up allowing the smoke to take the negative energy up and away from you.

Clearing Spray
Use a glass mister bottle, preferably colored and not clear to keep algae from growing, fill it with purified water and a few drops of essential oils.  Mist yourself to clear your aura. It can also be used to clear the energy in your home, office, car, etc. The most commonly used essential oil used for clearing energy/purification is Sage. I prefer Clary Sage and Eucalyptus. You can make different spays for different purposed.     


Essential Oil Properties
Anise – Clairvoyance, Protection
Basil – Love, Wealth, Harmony
Bayberry – Protection, Control
Benzoin – Purification, Prosperity
Bergamot – Money, Uplift Spirits
Carnation – Protection, Strength
Cedarwood – Purification, Unhex
Cinnamon – Purifying, Stimulating
Citronella – Cleansing, Warding
Clove – Pain Relief, Stimulant
Eucalyptus – Healing, Purifying
Frankincense – Astral Strength, Protection
Frankincense/Myrrh – Protection, Healing
Ginger – Love, Money, Success, Power
Honeysuckle – Money, Psychic Powers
Jasmine – Love, Money, Dreams
Lavender – Healing, Love
Lemon – Call Spirits, Love, Energy

Lemongrass – Psychic/Mental Clarity
Lilac – Healing, Uncrossing, Spirit
Lotus – Opening, Elevating
Musk – Aphrodisiac, Prosperity
Myrrh – Hex-breaking, Meditative
Neroli – Confidence, Princess, Insomnia
Sweet Orange – Peace, Power, Luck
Patchouli – Mastery, Growth, Love
Pennyroyal – Purifying, Water, Gout
Peppermint – Energy, Mental Stimulant
Pine – Grounding, Strength
Rose – Love, Blessing, Fertility
Rosemary – Energy, Remembrance
Rue – Break Hexes and Jinxes
Sage – Wisdom, Clarity, Purification
Sandalwood – Spirituality, Healing
Tea Tree – Increase Harmony
Vetivert – Unhexing, Money, Peace, Love
Ylang Ylang – Euphoria, Harmony, Love


Epsom Salts
Epsom salts baths are known to help cleanse the aura.  Use one to four cups of Epsom salts in your bath water.  Twenty minutes of soaking is optimum. While in the bath state the intent; “all energies which are not mine or not in my highest and best good be released now. * Hot baths are not recommended for pregnant women and people whose bodies are unable to sweat.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to be helpful in removing toxins from the tissues of the body. Put a cup into you bath water to remove chlorine, metals, chemicals, etc.



Rainbow Clearing
Imagine a shower of rainbow rays over your head.  As the rainbow rays (energy) flow down through and about you, allowing all stress and tension to leave your body and be washed away by the rainbow rays.  Each color represents a specific energetic frequency and will automatically flow to wherever it is needed. You may want to concentrate releasing from each of the bodies, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.  You may also cleanse the room by imagining the rainbow rays are raindrops that cleans the energy of the entire room as they fall from the ceiling.
Note: I don’t like dumping negative energy into the earth so I like to hold the intent that anything I release or cleanse be transmuted into loving, healing energy for Mother Earth to use as she wishes.  

Vortex Clearing
Standing; imagine a vortex over your head swirling down through and about you, all the way to the center of the earth.  Release anything that is not yours, not in your highest and best good, or any attached spirits.  (Send them away with love and light so they may go onto their next destination) Do this for each of the bodies, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

All systems on optimum
Imagine you are within your body’s control room, wherever that is for you. You see a control panel with lots of switches and knobs. Notice the physical, emotional, mental, psychological, and spiritual settings.  If they are not set on optimum then either move them to the optimum setting, or make a mental note so you can work on that area of your life at a later date.  


Chakra Balancing




Sit or lie comfortably, take a few deep breaths releasing any tension as you exhale.

Starting at the red base chakra turn your chakra three time to the left and three times to the right.  Pay attention to the shade and clarity of the color.  How is it turning, slowly, quickly, wont stop, not at all?  

Move to the orange spleen chakra, turning it three times to the left and three times to the right.  

Move to the yellow solar plexus.  Turn three times to the left and three times to the right.

At the heart chakra you can turn the green and rose separately or blend them together turning them three times to the left and three times to the right.  

Move to the translucent blue throat chakra, turning three times in each direction.

Indigo third eye, moving three times in each direction.
Violet crown chakra, turning three times in each direction.
Gold right foot chakra, turning three times in each direction.
Silver left foot chakra, turning three times in each direction.
White right hand chakra, turning three times in each direction.
Black chakra above the crown, turning three times in each direction.
Clear left hand chakra, turning three times in each direction.

Note: difficulty turning or stopping your chakras is an imbalance.  Clockwise is masculine energy and counter-clockwise is feminine energy.  

Grounding Your Four Bodies (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual)

Grounding Ball
Imagine a large ball of pure black or gold energy above your head with handles on either side.  (Use any color that feels grounding to you)

Beginning at your crown chakra, pull the ball down through and about you, all the way to the earth.  Release anything that is not yours or not in your highest and best good into the ball as it passes through you.  As the ball reaches the earth, allow it to dissipate carrying with it anything you have released as unconditional love and healing energy.  
Do this four times, once for each body. (Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual)

Grounding Cord
Visualize your grounding cord which extends down from the base of your spine. Allow it to drop down into the earth and wrapping around a large stone to secure it firmly inside the earth.  

Tree Grounding
Visualize yourself as a tree.  Allow roots to grow from your feet deep into the earth. Feel your roots absorbing nutrients and grounding energy up into your body.

Extend your arms up above you as branches and leaves.  Feel the nourishment from the sun on your leaves flowing down into your body.   
Crystals
Black obsidian and black tourmaline are also known to be grounding. 


Protection

White Light
Visualize while you say the following:  
I ask that the White Light of God surround and protect me.


Payer of Protection
The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Wherever I am, God is
So be it



Affirmation, Alignment, and protection
I acknowledge, I bless, I align all parts of me
I am yesterday, I am today, I am tomorrow
I am wrapped in the wings of the angels of the four corners of the earth
I go forth this day in light and love, free will and balance
Knowing who I am and what I represent

Bubble protection
Imagine you are surrounded with a pearlescent bubble. Fill the bubble with rose energy for unconditional love.  Create second bubble around the outside of the first bubble, filling it with rainbow energy.  Create a third bubble around the second bubble, filling it with white light.  

Divine Energy Projection
When you have worked with your own energy long enough,  have become more clear and balanced,  and can tell the difference between your energy and another’s,  you can change your protection from surrounding yourself with a protective energy shield to running Divine Energy down through you and out into your surroundings. This will create an aura of light and love all around you that radiates out to everyone you meet. This is the most powerful way to protect yourself and it also helps create positive energy that raises the vibration of your surroundings.


Spiritual Gatherings 
Please join us at 10:30 AM
on the 2nd & 4th Sunday's
of the month at
Laughing Giraffe Therapy
100 O'Connor Drive #14
San Jose CA 95128