COMMON TOXIC INGREDIENTS IN SKIN CARE AND COSMETICS TO AVOID

Poisonous Ingredients in Skin Care, Hair Care
and Make-Up

The ingredients lists on skin care and cosmetic containers and bottles can read like a foreign language and it is difficult to decipher which ingredients are safe for us to use on our bodies, and which are to be avoided.

Most commercially made creams, moisturisers and lotions contain numerous dangerous and toxic ingredients. Unfortunately, the majority of these ingredients are completely legal for companies to add to their skin and body care products, regardless of whether they are toxic for us or not.

The skin is our body’s largest organ, and anything we put onto our skin soaks through the layers of the skin and enters the bloodstream. Our health and wellbeing is our own responsibility, therefore it is up to us as individual consumers to check the labels on what we purchase and make informed choices about what we are, and are not, willing to put on our skins and into our bodies.

There are many common toxic cosmetic ingredients in skin care and cosmetics to avoid, such as Dioxane, Parabens, Toluene, Triclosan and Sulphates, Propylene Glycol, Phenol Carbolic acid and Paraffin to name a few.

DIOXANE
Dioxane is a by-product of many ingredients such as laureth, polysorbates, PEG and ethoxylated alcohols. Dixane is a synthetic derivative of coconut, which has been linked to certain cancers. The liver and nasal passages are most vulnerable to the affects of Dioxane.

Unfortunately, Dioxane is most often not mentioned on most labels and is a hidden ingredient in many so-called ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ products which state ‘comes from coconut’ or ‘coconut derived’ on their labels.

PARABENS
Parabens come in the form of Etyl, Methyl, Butyl and Propyl. Parabens are most often used as preservatives, and due to their low cost they are used extensively in many skin care, cosmetics and ‘beauty’ products. As they mimic human estrogen, these products have been linked to breast cancer, although there has been no conclusive proof to date. It is advisable to avoid products that include these ingredients.

PARAFFIN, PETROLATUM and MINERAL OILS
Paraffin (also known as Mineral Oil) is a clear liquid oil that has no scent and does not spoil.

Petrolatum is a common toxic ingredient in skin care products and cosmetics, and is a semi-solid mixture that is either colourless or pale yellow. They are a by-product of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil, and are the core ingredients in Bio-oil, Petroleum Jelly (eg. Vaseline), Sorbolene, some lip balms and many ‘baby care’ products.

These petroleum based products coat the skin and clog the pores and create a build-up of toxins which can slow and distort cellular development and create premature signs of ageing. Petroleum based products have been implicated as a major cause of eczema and similar skin conditions, and are a suspected cause of some cancers. These toxic ingredients in skin care products can also disrupt normal hormonal activity.

PHENOL CARBOLIC ACID
Phenol Carbolic Acid is found in many skin creams and lotions, hair dyes and sunscreens. It is a product made from the distillation of coal tar, and can be made synthetically also.

Phenol Carbolic acid may cause convulsions, paralysis, circulatory collapse, coma and possibly even death due to respiratory failure.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Propylene Glycol are used as humectants in many skin care and cosmetic products as a means of helping the skin retain moisture. It is also said to enhance the assimilation of some of the other compounds and ingredients of the product into the skin.

Propylene Glycol, a common toxic ingredient in skin care and cosmetics, is included in anti-aging creams and is also used in brake fluid, anti-freeze and photographic chemicals.

Propylene Glycol, when used on the skin, is a potential skin irritant and cancer-causing agent that has been linked to kidney and liver problems and may even inhibit cell growth within the body.

SULPHATES
Common toxic ingredients in skin care and cosmetics to avoid are Sulphates such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES). These are foaming agents most commonly used in shampoos, soaps and bubble baths and products that produce a foam or lather.

These ingredients are derived from the ‘sulphuric acid’ family and have been developed as oil-stripping agents. They strip and deplete the natural oils from the skin and hair and may cause skin irritations such as rashes, dryness, roughness and flaking of the skin.

Sulphates are absorbed through the skin and are stored in the body and build up within the heart, liver and brain. Sulphates can mimic the human estrogen hormones and are linked to cancer (particularly breast cancer) as well as other health issues.

TOLUENE
Toluene is a colourless, flammable liquid solvent derived from coal tar and/or petroleum.

Toluene has been shown to be extremely poisonous and is well known to cause damage to the central nervous system. It can also cause a lowered blood cell count, anaemia and damage to the liver and kidneys. Studies have shown that pregnant women who have been exposed to toluene have given birth to babies with various abnormalities and deformities.

When used on the skin Toluene breaks down the skin’s natural protective layers, resulting in dry, itchy skin and rashes.

Toluene is a common toxic ingredient in skin care and cosmetics to avoid, and is in almost all synthetic perfumes, fragranced oils and other fragranced products. It is used in nail polishes, cosmetics and most skin care products.

TRICLOSANS
Triclosan is used as an ‘antibacterial’ agent in many commercially made soaps, detergents, deodorants, acne treatments, toothpastes and mouth washes, amongst other personal body care products and cosmetics. Unfortunately, Triclosan not only kills bad bacteria, but also good bacteria.

Triclosan has the potential to disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system and thyroid-effecting hormone levels. Toxic Triclosan accumulates in the body and is then stored in the body fat of humans. Triclosan reacts with the chlorine found in drinking water, and forms into dioxins, which have been shown to be a probable cause of many cancers.

When buying skin care, body products and cosmetics, always check and re-check the ingredients labels. Parabens, Toluene, Dioxane, Phenol Carbolic acid, Paraffin, Propylene Glycol, Triclosans and Sulphates are common toxic ingredients in skin care and cosmetic to avoid.

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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

Preparing To Meditate

In order to maximize the many beneficial effects that can be obtained through meditation, it is important to first prepare the mind, body and environment. Preparation is a fundamental part of any ritual or process.


A PLACE TO MEDITATE
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.  If you are able, find a place that you can use regularly for the purpose of meditation. Over time, a pleasant, calming atmosphere will build within your chosen space, as the atmosphere will reflect the positive energy produced by your meditation.


LIGHTING
Subdued soft lighting is most conducive to meditation.  Candle light is the best kind of lighting for a dark room.  (‘Spirit’ is/are unable to ‘see’ artificial lights, but are attracted to the flame of a candle). If a candle is not available or appropriate, a low-wattage bulb or low setting on a dimmer-switch recommended. If you are meditating during the day, draw the blinds and/or curtains accordingly.


TEMPERATURE AND CLOTHING
During meditation, ensure that you are in a warm, moderate temperature, as the body’s temperature usually falls slightly during meditation.

Ensure that you choose to wear loose-fitting clothing so that you are as comfortable and unrestricted as possible.


It is also recommended that you NOT wear shoes, as barefoot is more conducive.  Barefoot is best, although socks are fine if the environment is cool.


DIET
You physiological state will play a part in the quality of your meditation. It is best not to meditate too soon after eating a meal.  It is not essential to ‘fast’ prior to meditating, although fasting can act as a physiological aid, producing a state conducive to the focusing of attention.  (Fasting is often practiced by Yogis prior to meditation).


A sensible diet with the emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruits, rather than heavy protein and fats, are most conducive to meditation. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, cocoa and carbonated soft drinks containing sugar and/or caffeine. Sugary foods should also be avoided.  What you eat can affect how your function mentally.


When the stomach and digestive system are at ease and functioning well, the bodily environment is conducive to optimum functioning of the brain and nervous system.


TIME
There is no particular ‘best’ time of the day to meditate. For most people time is determined by events such as work schedules and family commitments. It will be up to the individual and their lifestyle that will determine the best time to meditate. 


Some people may prefer to choose to set time aside in the evenings, as this may help them to relax and overcome the stresses of the day and encourage a good nights’ sleep. Others may prefer an early morning meditation in order to feel energized for the day. Yet others may feel most comfortable meditating in the middle of the day. It is entirely up to the individual.


Meditating at the same time every day can be beneficial as the mind, body and spirit become accustomed to the routine, as you are programming yourself to meditate at that particular time.


Regardless of the time of day or evening you choose to set aside to meditate, it is best not to have any pressing commitments directly afterwards.


HOW LONG TO MEDITATE
The amount of time spent on daily meditation is determined by the type of meditation technique you choose.  Generally, meditation can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, or even longer.  It all depends upon the individual and the technique/s used. You will need to establish what is best and most suitable for your own personal needs and requirements.


POSTURE
When preparing to meditate, a straight-backed chair is ideal. If you use an armchair or lounge, prop yourself up with some firm pillows so that your back is straight. Ensure that you are able to place your feet flat on the floor.


Rest your hands comfortable so as to not be a distraction. Rest them on your knees or thighs, palms facing upwards, or you can also hold your hands cupped in your lap, with one hand resting on the other.


Remember to keep your spine as erect as possible in order to achieve a good balance of relaxation and alertness.

 Once you have found a position that suits you, it is recommended that you use it every time you meditate. Your body will become used to that particular posture, and your mind will associate it with meditation.


You may prefer to sit on the floor, but if you are a novice you may initially find this uncomfortable. The most important thing to remember is that you will experience a better, more fulfilling meditation if you are comfortable.


BREATHING TECHNIQUES
It is important to fully relax the body before beginning any form of meditation. Breathing techniques are designed to assist the body to relax.


Breathing is a powerful tool for meditation, and many traditional meditational systems use breathing techniques in order to regulate breathing, which in turn helps to calm and still the mind.


An essential lesson to remember is to always breathe through the nose, as the nose serves to warm the air that is inhaled to a suitable temperature prior to it entering the body. Nasal breathing also filters out many of the dangerous elements and impurities in the air, serving as a protective filter.


When we breathe through the mouth we allow impurities to enter our body freely. Also, inflammation of the respiratory organs often results from breathing in cold air through the mouth.


When we inhale and exhale, a combination of oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. We also inhale ‘prana’. ‘Prana’ is a Sanskrit term which means ‘absolute energy’. Prana is found in all living things and is considered to be the active principle or vitality of life itself. Proper breathing provides a constant supply of prana.


In meditation, deep breathing floods the body with the extra energy and oxygen, which helps to calm and still the mind.


It is important to keep an even rhythm between inhalation and exhalation in order to maintain balance.


Practice a basic breathing technique by inhaling slowly and fully. Visualize the air as it enters you nose and fills your lungs and entire body. Exhale slowly and smoothly, gently releasing all of the air.


Meditation is like any other activity, and to do it well takes practice. By persevering you will be able to expand your meditative state. The more you meditate, the more in tune with yourself you will become. Allowing yourself the space and time for practice is a rewarding experience on many levels.


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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

FENG SHUI - The Basics

When learning how to use Feng Shui, we come to know about the natural flow of energy, finding balance and harmony, creating peace, activating positive energies and dispelling negative ones. Feng Shui is about harnessing the forces of energy in the nature to be of benefit to us and our environment.


Feng Shui (pronounced ‘foong shway’, ‘foong swee’ in Cantonese and ‘fong shwee’ in Mandarin) is the ancient Chinese art of design and placement and is a system of living life in  harmony with your environment and with the natural rhythms of nature, whilst utilizing the dynamic flow of energy in the Universe in order to bring greater happiness and good fortune.


Feng Shui means ‘the flow of wind and water’.  The wind disperses the life energy (qi or chi) and the water contains it.  The object of Feng Shui is to allow the qi energy to move around your home, office, gardens  -  your total surroundings, without getting trapped in corners or halted by obstructions.


When we learn how to use Feng Shui in our everyday lives, we are able to improve the Feng Shui of our homes and offices by simply making some alterations to our surroundings.  This can be done by moving furniture around or even changing structural elements such as installing a window, doorway or skylight.  Suncatchers and symmetrical faceted crystals hung in the centre of a window will draw in chi into a room.


A well positioned home will be auspicious and will bring happiness to its inhabitants.  Trees behind a house gives support for good fortune and happiness.  Gently undulating land and open spaces in front of a house will bring good luck.  If your home is in a green and luscious area, chi can wrap itself around your house, which encourages good luck.  Places that face the direction of a warm breeze will have excellent Feng Shui.


A cluttered house is not auspicious as it creates an excess of Yang energy and makes chi flow the wrong way. 


A welcoming light outside your front door will ward off negative chi, and encourages visitors.  A sharp door by an incline is very inauspicious.  The size of the front door is very important as large, spacious doors invite good fortune and friendly visitors and guests;  whilst small doors bring bad luck and visitors who are disinclined to leave.


A doorbell or door chime creates a good flow of chi.  Bells dispel negative energies. 


Overhead beams and protrusions are inauspicious, and placing yourself beneath them may cause anxiety and in the extreme, may even cause dis-ease and disharmony.


Working on the levels of perception, we can alter the flow of energy by using ‘cures’ such as windchimes, fish tanks (aquariums) and water features, bamboo flutes, plants, crystals and mirrors. Chi (or qi) flows more effectively along curves and curving lines rather than straight lines.  Angles and corners produce ‘secret arrows’.


‘Secret arrows’ are negative ‘sha qi’ (shar chi) and need to be negated or ‘cured’.  This can be done by screening off the corner with potted plants, trees, windchimes and/or crystals. Indoor plants are useful for softening and hiding sharp angles and corners that create ‘secret arrows’ of sha qi (shar chi).


Symmetry is important in all aspects of Feng Shui. When choosing furniture and furnishings for your home, garden and office, ensure that their shapes are balanced.  The shape of furniture should reflect the shape of the room.  If a room is square, a round, square or octagonal table is appropriate.


If a room is ‘L’ shaped it is important to create two contained spaces by using a partition, a screen or bookshelves.  If a room is rectangular, a rectangle table is most auspicious.The placement of furniture should follow the protective ‘armchair’ shape favoured for the position of house and land.  This way beneficial chi can enter, move around slowly, then return to nature.


Place furniture against the walls and avoid placing chairs in a position that places the occupant’s back to a full length window or doorway, as this leaves the back vulnerable and leads one to feel insecure. Sleeping with your head towards the East encourages the best flow of chi to ensure a restful night.  Mirrors facing the bed upsets the flow of chi during the night, disturbing a good night’s rest and making one feel restless.


When we learn how to use Feng Shui, we find that colour is also important.  It has the ability to make a room seem smaller or larger, cooler or warmer, cheerful or depressing. 


Consideration needs to be taken when choosing colours.


Light represents energy.  Natural light is excellent Feng Shui.  Table lamps that create soft pools of light are also good Feng Shui as they encourage relaxation.  Candles and the energy of Fire adds Yang (masculine) qualities to a Yin (feminine) area.


Mirrors can be used to combat shar chi (sha qi) by deflecting negative energies and encouraging positive sheng qi.  Mirrors should be positioned where it can reflect a pleasant view or scene from outside.  A mirror should also be placed in windowless rooms.


Stagnant qi can be activated and moved by the use of windchimes.  If you can see your back door from your front (and vice versa) qi will run straight through without having the opportunity to move around the home freely. Hanging a windchime just inside the front door will slow the qi, bringing you opportunity and prosperity.


Fish and water are auspicious in Feng Shui theory and practice. Water represents life and good fortune and brings positive energy.  Moving water, such as aquariums and fountains, help to stimulate qi. Placing an aquarium filled with fish helps to stimulate chi, and their movement and colour can bring a boost to your finances. The effect of water is calming to the mind, body and soul. Outdoor ponds should be naturally shaped with sloping banks.  


The most auspicious number of fish to keep are 3, 6, 8 or 9.


Sheng Chi is good chi, and it is created by energy flowing in a meandering fashion.  Gently meandering water creates auspicious good chi.


Shar Chi is bad chi.  Sharp, spiky plants creat shar chi, and are best avoided. The elements of nature need to be in balance in order to create good or auspicious Feng Shui.  If the elements of nature are not in balance, it may attract negative shar chi.


Feng Shui balances Yin and Yang.  Yang is masculine and is ‘active’.  Yin is femeinine and is ‘passive’.  Yang is hot and Yin is cold.  A good balance of Yin and Yang is essential.  Too much Yang energy can cause confusion, accidents and even nightmares.  Excessive noise creates Yang.


Too much Yin energy can lead to physical inactivity, stagnant energy, an accumulation of coldness and a gloomy frame of mind.  Water is the best cure for too much Yang energy. 


The calming influence of water creates a balance of Yin and Yang.  Wearing the colour red is a helpful cure for too much of the Yin energy.  Red can also uplift the mood.


If you are looking for friendship, display personal items of sentimental value in pairs in your home and surroundings.


Once we have learned and practiced how to use Feng Shui to change the flow of energies in our environment and in our lives, we come to find positive health, wealth, happiness and wellbeing.


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Joanne Walmsley
Sacred Scribes

Letting Go Of Negativity

Many of us struggle with the part of ourselves that wants to be rid of old negative patterns. It is now time to make a conscious effort to do this, because if we remain in our 'old ways' we will miss out on so much that lies ahead. It is time to leave the baggage behind.


Often, we have difficulty letting go of past memories, hurts and emotional issues eventhough they cause much distress and soul-pain, and ultimately leads to so much destruction of the 'soul-self'.


To allow the 'letting go' to take place, dictate to the soul that certain issues that may have caused you to harbour negative emotions, no longer serve you, and it is time for them to leave your life. They will not go unless they are asked to, as it was you (us) who placed them there to start with.


We are designed to utilize our unique talents and gifts and to use our free-will for the betterment of ourselves and others - not to dwell in a life of heart-pain.


It is time to move forward without any old negative clutter dragging along behind us. We are to cleanse ourselves and our souls of our 'old ways' in preparation for the new, positive energies to be ushered in. Wash away the stagnant and negative characteristics of the self that hold us back from the many gifts this life has for us.


It is a time of great change - and it is time for us to change.
Let your light shine brightly ...


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Joanne Walsmley
Sacred Scribes

Pursuing Your Passion and Purpose and Turning Your Spirituality Into Your Career

If you aspire to have a spiritually-based career or begin a heart-based service whereby you are helping others and bringing enlightenment, healing and love to the world, be encouraged to follow your passion. It is a sign of your destiny and soul path – and it is time to begin!

Each person has a personal soul mission or life purpose. This mission is something you agreed to undertake and learn during this lifetime prior to incarnating. Lessons may include such themes as learning to be compassionate, self-reliant, a leader, or about forgiveness, patience or sharing with others. There is any number of these soul growth lessons for us to learn and each of us has our own set of life themes and lessons.

In addition to their own personal soul missions, some people agreed to take on a ‘global’ or ‘Universal’ mission which may involve helping other people, the environment, campaigning passionately about a cause or two (or more), helping and caring for animals and/or working for humanity’s benefit in general. These souls/people are known by a variety of names such as Lightworkers, Star Seeds, Earth Angels, Indigos and Crystals amongst others. They come in the form of healers, teachers, authors and speakers, whose primary goal is to enlighten and assist others

When you are a lightworker your higher-self and soul KNOW you are, whether your conscious mind realizes it (yet) or not. Lightworkers, Star Seeds, Earth Angels etc feel a sense of purpose, a compulsion to help others and have a genuine love of the world and all it encompasses. They naturally attract people in need of help and are innately sensitive to the needs of others. At times they may feel overwhelmed by others’ energies as they are so sensitive and/or empathic.

Lightworkers are aware that there is something important that they are destined to do during their lifetime. Although they may not be sure of what they may entail exactly, they know within that they will be shown and guided in Divine right time. For some there may be a sense of urgency, as though there is so much to do but not enough time to do it all. Follow this urge and get on with ii.

The main soul or life purpose of lightworkers is to extend and send out Divine love and healing. Radiating this healing light and energy naturally brings peace and love wherever they go. All that a lightworker does is done with Divine unconditional love.

Whether you are a spiritual teacher, life coach, author, speaker, healer or any other spiritual facilitator, the most necessary ingredient is that Divine spark of love infused with and into your work.

When considering your spiritually-based profession or career take a look at your true passions. You may need to define your particular niche so have a look at your hobbies, your beliefs and values and WHO you really are.

What topics truly excite and motivate you? What are you naturally/Divinely good at? Are you a talented writer, a brilliant public speaker or are you naturally drawn towards the healing arts? Maybe you are a dab-hand at all of them. What is your topic or focus? What will you teach, write or speak about?

Listen to your intuition, inner-voice and your heart. Listen to your Higher-Self as it already knows. Your feelings, when beginning or pursuing a career within the spiritual professions, is your best guide.

Make sure you put your heart and soul into your work. Being genuinely passionate about what you do keeps the momentum and enthusiasm flowing.

SELF CONFIDENCE, FAITH AND TRUST
That compulsive urge and/or dream of becoming a spiritual facilitator is much more than just an idea - it is a sign.

Often what holds many back from pursuing a spiritually-based career is a ‘fear’ of lack. The questions raised may be along the lines of "how will I be able to support myself and my family financially?" "If I quit my day job will I be able to survive financially?" "What would people think and say?"

Many people hesitate becoming public speakers, healers and teachers due to fear of ridicule, rejection and/or ostracism. Yes, there will be those who will criticize and judge you - but that happens regardless of whatever path you take, and there will always be those who dwell in the negative. Continue along your path regardless. Don’t listen to nay-sayers or negative, unsupportive people.

These are common stumbling blocks - but ones which can be overcome with a little faith and trust in the Universe. When you are undertaking your true soul mission, TRUST that all you need will come to you in Divine right time. You will attract the people who you are to work with, the appropriate clients or students and the appropriate environment/s.

When we love our work everything else falls into place. When you genuinely love what you do your main focus is not money-based but rather love-based - and the Universe will take care of the rest.

"When a man is willing and eager, the gods join in."
- Aeschylus

So, becoming a ‘professional’ spiritual worker entails being paid appropriately and fairly. Many lightworkers have trouble accepting money for the work they do. The idea is uncomfortable to them as their only desire is to shed their Divine love and light.

Consciously, money doesn’t enter into it. Those who are uncomfortable with the idea of accepting payment for spiritual work are often those who subconsciously recall past lives when many lived in communal or kibbutz type settings. In those times all food and shelter was provided for them, leaving one free to focus on their spiritual practice without concern for the need to derive an income.

In today’s world though, we need an income to pay our bills, rent, mortgage, transportation and day to day living expenses. How can you expect to run a business (and your life) without the appropriate resources?

People around the world go off to their ‘jobs’ everyday with the knowledge that they will be paid for their efforts. Why should it be any different for you? Many people are paid an hourly rate or a salary for the work they do - that’s why they go to work. Why should that be any different for those who work in the spiritual fields? Your payment for the work you do is no different to that of any other healer, such as nurses, doctors and the like.

Making money from the work you do is in line with the Universal Spiritual Law of Giving and Receiving. The energy and vibration of your intentions will dictate the viability of your spiritual endeavour. If you enter a spiritually-based career with the sole intent of making money and/or finding fame, then you are most likely to fail. It is appropriate to earn an income from your spiritual work, but it can not be your main focal point.

Some lightworkers suffer from being shy, timid, lack self-confidence and/or are indecisive. This is ‘fear’ based and may stop them in their tracks. This is where the Universal Spiritual Law of Action comes into play. This law states that when you take action in the direction of your soul purpose (no matter how small that step may be) the Universe will take greater action in your desired direction, supporting your goal and encouraging further positive action on your behalf.

By taking action in the direction of your aspirations you are making a commitment to yourself and something that is of the utmost importance to you - and is of benefit to the world around you. That action step can be large or small – it doesn’t matter as long as it is a positive step forward. The Universe reacts and responds to your intentions so any step or action you take in the direction of becoming and ‘being’ a professional spiritual healer/teacher/writer/speaker will be a declaration of your intentions. Trust the Universe to open the right doors for you.

So it’s time to take action – NOW!

The best and most authentic way to teach (in all its’ forms) is to live your life in accordance with your principles and values. Live your life as a role model of what you are teaching. Walk your talk and talk your walk.

Allow people to familiarize themselves with you prior to booking an appointment. This can be achieved in many ways such as by writing an article for a metaphysical/New Age magazine in print or on the internet; set up a website or blog and write a short biography about yourself and the services you offer; organize and run a workshop; use word-of-mouth, and of course, keep a positive attitude and focus. The Universe will respond in kind by providing your audience.

Visualize yourself living your spiritual career right now. Bring it into the present rather than some far-flung time in the future. Visualizing it happening in the future rather than in the present keeps it in the future. Visualizations and affirmations are very powerful tools to utilize when bringing your dreams to fruition. Affirming your intentions is an integral part of engaging the laws of the Universe. Visualizing, affirming and taking action steps bring the reality of your successful and fulfilling spiritual practice to the forefront, in the present moment. Declare it to the Universe today.

Present yourself and your spiritual services to the public and have faith and trust that the Universe will send you appropriate opportunities.

When you put your efforts, heart and soul into giving someone a spiritual reading, a healing, running a workshop or giving a counselling session, it is appropriate that you receive something in exchange. This is important in regards to living a balanced life.

When you give, give, give and keep giving of yourself your energies become depleted and enthusiasm and passion wain. It is vital to balance the ‘giving’ with an equal measure of ‘receiving’. This is a need of basic human life. Do not deny yourself what you deserve and require as this is undermining yourself in every way.

If you only give out and do not allow yourself to receive, eventually you will begin to have feelings of resentment, of being bound, burnt-out and drained of energy. Deep down you’ll wish that others would acknowledge and fulfil your needs - but if you do not clearly stipulate those needs, then others will be unaware of them. This can become an on-going cycle, therefore it is important for all involved to be clear on what is required on behalf of both parties.

When someone requests a reading or appointment with you, make sure that you are clear about your needs (eg. Fees). If they choose not to book because they do not wish to pay a fee for your services, that is their choice. Do NOT sell yourself short.

On the flip-side, many people want to pay you for your services. They are thankful for and appreciate your loving help, guidance and/or healing, and genuinely wish to reward you. Not accepting their ‘gift of exchange’ can be seen as a bit of a rebuff and may lead your client or student to feel unnecessarily indebted to you. They may even feel ‘guilty’ about taking from you and not being able to give back in return.

By accepting payment for your spiritual services you and your client/student are performing a balanced exchange of energy. The giving of yourself is balanced out by receiving the payment. Your client values your services as in order to have received them they have had to exchange something of value.

When you accept payment for your services you are being supported. The income allows you to focus and devote more of your time and efforts to your spiritual practice. If you do not accept payment and cannot derive an appropriate income you will be needing to spend your valuable time and energy at a job to earn money. This detracts from your soul purpose.

Of course there will always be the odd occasion when your soul urges you to help, guide and/or heal, with payment being irrelevant. You’ll intuitively know when these situations arise and will proceed accordingly. Although no payment may change hands, you’ll be racking up some bonus good karma along the way.

It is of the utmost importance to yourself, your clients/students and your spiritual practice that you receive with thanks and gratitude.

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Your purpose and soul mission as a spiritual practitioner (in all forms) is a life-long commitment - one that will bring healing, joy and rewards to yourself, others and the world. Along the way you will be sharing and sending out blessings, love and light to all ...

LIVE and LOVE your spiritual career today!

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Joanne
Sacred Scribes

NUMEROLOGY  - The Vibration and Energies of NUMBERS

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ANIMAL SYMBOLOGY/SYMBOLISM

ANIMAL SYMBOLOGY/SYMBOLISM

Spiritual and Native American Indian Animal Symbology

A

Aardvarks: Prolonging life (healing within)

Ant: Patience

Antelope: Grace of readiness, taking action

Armadillo: Keeping the feelings of others and troubles (reflected) boundaries

Ass: Time to move forward and not rest on your laurels

B

Badger: Taking charge aggressively, showing competence in difficult situations

Bandicoot: Finding inner strength and faith to attain inner harmony

Bat: Rebirth through darkness

Bear: Reflection and introspection

Beaver: Keeping busy and productive

Bee: Reproducing the good things in life, sharing the abundance of life, organisation

Beetle: Regeneration

Bilby: Releasing fears of the unknown

Birch: Discovering truth

Bison: Manifesting abundance

Blackbird: New understanding of life

Bluebird: Opportunities, happiness and confidence

Blue Jay: Using intuition to speak the truth

Bobcat: Reconnecting with inner self and accepting one's own company

Bowerbird: Dissecting situations to take a closer look

Brolga: Over analysing, being too critical of the self

Buffalo: Prayers being answered, being of assistance

Bull: Releasing excuses to cultivating productive ideas, ideal and plans

Butterfly: Making a transformation, being reborn

C

Canary: Using the power of the voice

Camel: Conservative and proper use of resources

Cardinal: Recognising the importance of your life and the role you play within it

Cassowary: To walk the walk and talk the talk

Cat: Enhancing independence, wisdom, magic and psychic connections

Catbird: Ability to communicate, new people being introduced into your life

Cheetah: Accomplishing tasks with speed and agility

Chickadee: Healing through truth

Chicken: Fertility

Chipmunk: Respect the smallest parts of nature through inter-relationship and equality

Cock: Optimism, resurrection and rebirth

Cockatoo: Taking pride in all your own attributes

Condor: Life, unity and equality for eternity

Cougar: Learning by trial and error, initiating what has been learnt and putting it to use

Coyote: The trickster, reconnecting with the inner child

Crane: Manifesting creativity and focus on life's significance

Crocodile: Digesting and assimilating truth

Crow: Divine law – wisdom, discernment, destroying deception

Cuckoo: Going with the flow of life, Intuitiveness

D

Deer: Tenderness and sensitivity, reconnecting with the innocence of life

Dingo: Be cautious before acting, uncovering the truth

Dog: Serving humankind with loyalty

Dolphin: Breath deep to tap energy, life force

Donkey: Shouldering the load of responsibility

Dove: Peace, feminine energies, letting go of the past

Dragonfly: Breaking through illusions of the tangible world

Duck: Finding comfort through understanding your own emotions

E

Eagle: Rediscovery, having foresight, flying above situations to get a better view

Echidna: Initiating changes and embracing new things

Eel: Conductor of love

Elephant: Old age wisdom, being of assistance to other

Elk: Stamina and persistence

Emu: Nuturing, being of assistance, unification

F

Falcon: Communication, receiving inner guidance through messages

Feather: Messenger of Spirit

Ferret: Answers by using deductions and reason

Finch: A busy time with new people and experiences

Fish: A need to stay focused yet going with the flow of life

Flamingo: Opening human heart

Fox: Learning to blend in, charm and charisma

Frog: Cleanse, refresh and replenish

G

Gazelle: Sure footedness

Giraffe: Far sightedness, seeing the forest through the trees

Goanna: Assessing situations, being observant

Goat: Starting new ventures and initiating changes

Goose: Breaking free of family restraints and conditioning

Gorillas: Communication and teaching through actions

Grasshopper: Taking a leap forward, bounding towards achieving goals or solutions

Groundhog: Exploring altered states, going within

Grouse: Dancing to a new beat in life

Gulls: Understanding what is and is not being communicated

H

Hawke: Communicating through visions, psychic powers

Hen: Tend to plans and ideas that need to be hatched

Heron: Listening to your wisdom and own inner self

Horse: The proper use of gifts, talents and abilities, will, endurance, authority and talent in proper manner without abuse or misuse

Hummingbird: Knower of loving all things is to love reflection

I

Iguana: Taking the time to understand situations, being patient

J

Jaguar: Secular and spiritual leadership potential

K

Kangaroo: To give unselfishly, nurture maternally

Kestrel: Patience is the key to attainment

Kingfisher: Peace and prosperity through new life experiences

Koala: Being supportive, looking to build on solid foundations of trust, love, sharing and nurturing

L

Leopard: Understanding the patterns that lead to self mastery

Lion: Taking pride in your life and achievements

Lizard: Dreaming solutions and envisioning

Llama: Nurturing and being of assistance

Lynx: Share when asked for wisdom (secret knower of)

Lyrebird: Being accepting of oneself, trust in your individuality and self expression

M

Magpie: Talent for relieving pain of others

Mammoth: Remembering

Mockingbird: Recalling and repeating all that is heard

Mole: Seeing the dark travel under earth, looking for what is buried beneath

Monkey: Relocation, embracing change

Moose: Self esteem, becoming more self aware

Moth: Bring intangible of spirit into tangible world

Mountain Lion: Leading through example

Mountain Ram: Tenacity and willingness to meet challenges head on

Mouse: Pay attention to detail – one task at a time

N

O

Octopus: envelop in love, able to undertake more than one thing at a time

Opossum: planning and strategy

Osprey: Breaking and setting of bones

Ostrich: How to interact through communication

Otter: Being young at heart, innocence, joy and delight

Owl: Being able to hear and see all that is hidden

P

Parrot: Understanding others more efficiently, healing through colours

Panther: Leaping fearlessly into the void of the unknown

Peacock: A need for stable foundations, wisdom and vision

Pelican: Overcoming the emotional ties, learning to let go

Penguin: Awakening of dreams, spiritual connections and dimensions

Pheasant: A strong connection with family, children, fertility

Pig: Intellect and reasoning ability

Pigeon: Returning to a place that symbolises feeling at home, messages

Platypus: solitude and self discovery

Porcupine: Faith and innocence

Possum: Staying focused on goals

Prairie Dog: Reconnecting with family, life and community, becoming more social

Praying Mantis: A need to wait patiently before moving into new situations or directions

Q

Quail: Being observant to all that is around whilst moving ahead without doubt

Quetzal: Totally free, uninhibited spirit who is willing to express all aspects of the self

Quoll: Being courageous, finding inner strength

R

Rabbit: Not to listen to unrealistic fears

Raccoon: Protector of the under-dog, weak, frail and elderly

Ram: Learn to trust in decisions and choices as being the right ones

Rat: Through persistence and sensibility success will be achieved

Raven: Keeper of magic, who sort the void of the unknown to effect change

Rhinoceros: Trusting in your own inner wisdom

Robin: Being creative with life and opening new doors, walking your walk and talking your talk

Rosella: Tapping the inner resources to bring forth sustenance and growth

S

Seal: Riding waves of emotions and feelings to discover one's self

Skunk: Reputation and ability to attract or repel what you need in life

Snake: Transmutation, Transformation

Snowy Owl: Eliminating lies and deception

Sparrow: Believing in the power of inner strength and self worth to undertake any situation or problem

Squirrel: Gathering energy and saving a little extra for lean times

Spider: Desire to create, deciding to create, taking actions

Starling: It is alright to be yourself, be a leader not a follower

Stork: Easy labour, giving birth

Sugar Glider: Listening to your inner guidance, guides and spirits

Swallow: Letting go of old limiting feelings or habits

Swan: Surrender to the flow

Swift: Taking responsibility for actions

T

Tasmanian Devil: Feeling defensive about what is significant to your needs or wants

Tiger: Awakening the passion for life, reclaiming your power

Toucan: Warning system in jungle (trouble, danger)

Turkey : Release and give away Turtle Dove: Nurture dreams of peace

U

V

Vulture: Waste not want not

W

Walrus: Altering actions and feelings in order to interact with the changes life offers

Whale: Remembering talents and using them

Weasel: guile, stealth, ingenuity and observing the obvious

Wolf: Ability to create new paths for learning teaching

Wombat: Perseverance and persistence

Woodpecker: Strongest protection against shadow and evil

Wren: A need to look at the big picture and not be so concerned about the little things

X

Y

Z

Zebra: Nothing final or absolute, all not as it seems.

NATIVE AMERICAN ANIMAL SYMBOLOGY AND

ANIMAL MESSAGE

Crow/Raven - portent

Bluebird - happiness

Chickadee - optimism

Cardinal/Red Bird - beauty

Quail - family

Bat - macabre

Hummingbird - joy

Robin - balance

Meadowlark - protection/protective

Hawk - opportunity

Owl - diviner/divination

Blue jay - pushy

Peacock - ostentatious

Wild Pheasant/Wild Turkey - quick

Sparrows - ordinary

Mockingbird - initiative

Magpie - knowledge

Roadrunner - traveller

Pigeon on the ground - inertia

Pigeon in the air - mission

Chicken - foolish

Turkey - forgetful

Parrot - playful

Heron - spiritual

Lark - weather

Pelican - saver

Eagle - highest power

Canary - joy

Snow Goose - fidelity

Domestic Goose - quarrelsome

Wild Duck - adventure

Flamingo - grace

Red-headed Woodpecker - resourceful

Ostrich - stubborn

Dog - loyalty

Cat - independence

Goat - friendly

Bighorn Sheep - conqueror

Domestic Sheep - follower

Cow - docile

Wild Horse - freedom

Race Horse - high strung

Work Horse - plodding

Pig - intelligence

Bull/Stallion - sexual energy

Buffalo - strength

Rabbit - gentle

Skunk - defended

Porcupine - protection

Raccoon - enterprising

Possum - avoidance

Otter - playful

Badger - aggressive

Armadillo - defence

Beaver - accomplishment

Squirrel - resourceful

Turtle/Tortoise - old wisdom

Llama - practical

Camel - ornery

Donkey - helpful

Mule - stubborn

Elephant - old memory

Elk - brave

Moose - pride

Antelope - action

Lynx - psychic

Deer - loveliness

Bear - strength

Mountain Lion/Cougar - leader

Coyote - cunning

Fox - wily/sly

Wolf - organizer

Snake - challenger

Lizard/Toad - wisdom

Frog - sorcery

Chameleon - adaptable

Cricket - disharmony

Cockroach - lowest

Fly - parasite

Butterfly - friendly

Spider - deceit

Beetle - hidden knowledge

Mole - lack of foresight

Rat - survival

Mouse - busy

Whale - universal mind

Dolphin/Porpoise - teachers

Shark - killer

Sturgeon - dominant

Sea Gull - freedom

**

Joanne Walmsley

Sacred Scribes