Enhancing Your Intuition and Spiritual Connection
by Julie King

In this modern, seemingly chaotic world, inner balance is paramount to our personal stability. Listening and learning to trust our inner guidance is the key to navigating the swift changes taking place in our lives. When we feel anxious, our ability to totally trust our inner wisdom can become a bit wobbly. For myself, I find I need to refresh my connection to the Divine in joyful and fun ways these days for my intuition and stability.

As a longtime teacher of psychic development, I know everyone is psychic and they connect to the “Other/Great Mystery” or what we may call spirit, god, goddess, etc, in their own unique way.  There is no technique or spiritual practice that will work for everyone as we are like tuning forks ready to receive spiritual insights that are tuned to our individual frequencies. So we might need to experiment in order to hone our ways of connecting and find what really works for us.

We live in a primate “vehicle” on this Earth and we can enhance our psychic abilities by incorporating conscious sensory awareness of the body. Our physical senses and subtle senses are equally important and they work in tandem creating a beautiful dance.

For instance, the five physical senses of sight, smell, touch, hear, and taste correlate to the extrasensory perceptions known as the “clairs” used to connect to the spiritual realms.

Clairvoyance is “clear seeing” of divinatory information and manifests as visions of past, present or future, beings, other dimensions, and more.  Clairalience, or clairscent means “clear smelling” such as noticing fragrances that are not present in the physical environment.

Clairsentience means “clear feeling” such as experiencing a “gut feeling” about something or someone and also feeling others’ pain and emotions.  Clairaudience means “clear hearing” of sounds such as celestial music, other’s thoughts, and interdimensional sounds.

Clairgustance is  “clear tasting” which can manifest as tasting nectar while praying or meditating.

Claircognizance means “clear knowing” which is the ability to know something with no prior knowledge and combines all of the senses.

In order to stimulate psychic awareness, try to combine practices and involve your physical senses. For instance: get comfortable, lie down, close your eyes and listen to some instrumental music (fairly loud) and notice do you get any images with the music? How does your body feel? Do you have any emotional responses? Do you think or feel loved ones that you miss whether living or deceased? Do you feel like you are traveling in space? If you want to move your body then move it! Put on a different kind of instrumental music. If you get nothing and think it is a waste of your time that is fine. It is an experiment.

Another exercise is to take time to go lie down and close your eyes on a nice patch of grass under the sun. Notice any sounds that you hear, feel the warmth of the sun on your body and the ground on your back. Let your thoughts drift, float, see if you feel you are traveling. Notice the sounds  as you try to hear them close and then farther away. What smells do you notice?

Is there a breeze? Any taste as you focus on the smells? Is it too hot, or itchy and feels stupid?

It does not matter, it is an experiment. Try this same type of exercise at night under the stars and moon and see which you prefer. They will both stimulate your energy centers and support your Auric field.

One more is to get comfortable,  sitting or lying down, and in the quiet, try to visualize yourself suspended in a sea of color. Any color. Is it sparkly? Does it feel comfortable or does it make you anxious? Change the colors or visualize being surrounded by space and planets. If nothing happens it is okay. Then get up and put on some music and dance!

The whole idea is to bring more awareness into your sensual body by trying different scenarios. This cross-platform simple type of exercise will stimulate your psychic and physical senses by feeding the subtle body through your physical body.  It is a type of refreshment for the Soul and yes it will increase your psychic awareness also.

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Julie King has been a professional psychic, healer and spiritual teacher for over 45 years. She has studied with numerous spiritual teachers around the globe and has been been featured on radio, tv and print media.You can book a reading with her at Crystal Visions or email her at juliekingbiz@gmail.com.

Link to previous Blog Post: A Neo-Druid on Synchronicity by E.B. McDonald

A Neo-Druid on Synchronicity
By E.B. (Formerly Meredith) McDonald

You’ve probably heard the term ‘Synchronicity’.  If we are of the same age we may have first seen the word on an album cover. You may have read this article because the word keeps popping up and something in you says ‘read that!’ If so, you have experienced the phenomenon of Synchronicity and you are ready to pay attention. Replace the word ‘Synchronicity’ with ‘Omen,’ ‘Sign’ or ‘Coincidence’ and you get the idea. Usually, by the time we identify the thing that keeps popping up we are driven to learn WHY?

Carl Jung, one of the Fathers of Psychology, married the Science of Physics with the science of Psychology by coining the term.  He describes Synchronicity as “An Acausal Connecting Principle.”  Our ‘western’ world view is vastly driven by causality.  There is a logical reason for everything that takes place with no value placed on information received by our psyche.  When the randomness of daily life (Physical Reality) enters our perception (Psyche) and sends a message that sparks recognition and meaning, Synchronicity is at play.

So . . . what does this have to do with you? Glad you asked! Nothing – absolutely nothing.  Unless . . . you ever find yourself feeling disconnected from the world around you; maddened by the thought that you are missing something; or just plain curious about that crow that shows up every morning and caws three times.  Speaking for myself – all of these things have caused me to envelope my life with a symbolic radar that has served me well.  If you’d like to build one of your own – read on!

For the purposes of this article I will be using the terms ‘signs’ or ‘omens’ to refer to the images, sounds, words, living things, and objects that represent the ‘physical’ aspects of Synchronicity. Agreed? (If not – feel free to replace those word with ‘doo-hickey’ or ‘wossname’ for Pratchett fans)

We are going to start with the most important step to living a vibrant synchronistic life.  Symbols and coincidences are great for fleeting moments of good memories or chuckles. And the phenomenon happens to every living soul. But our purpose here is to weave these signs into a tapestry that answers bigger questions about life and helps us feel supported and even validated in our decisions.

If you are squeezing up your face with an expression of minor dread thinking …. She’s gonna say ‘JOURNAL’, damn it, …. You’re right!!! Tell them what they’ve won, Dr. Jung! That’s right – a pen and paper. (Preferably a bunch of papers all bound up together so that you can easily refer back to your notes. They have a Killer selection at CRYSTAL VISIONS) I use spiral bound weekly Calendars like ‘Llewellyn’s Astrological Calendar’ so that the pen can hook into the spiral and the space to write isn’t intimidating.  That’s where I write the random happenings of my day that might just develop into signs and omens.

If you hate writing with a pen and paper – type it up in word or excel.  Excel offers great tools for being able to use your journal as a reference book.  I’ve just never managed the discipline to keep this up.  But, if you live on a laptop or tablet – go for it!  You may also be more interested in a photo journal.  iPhone recently added an App called ‘Journal’ that will actually suggest things happening on your calendar or photos you took as journal topics (Yeah, I know it feels creepy.  But just think of it as an extension of the Universe sending you signs).

The purpose of writing things down may seem obvious, but let me explain.  The act of writing or taking a photo makes what is just another momentary experience into something solid. It is, now, something YOU created.  It may be like a sandwich – consumed and forgotten.  Or it may be something a year from now that changes your view of yourself and the world around you (And . . . I do not exaggerate. I have made startling connections from a few words written with a DATE included).

So, what constitutes a ‘sign’? Literally anything. A song that keeps popping up; a bunny crossing the road; a billboard with a tiger on it; a word; something in a dream; something in a reading (those count double) – literally anything that makes you notice. Write it down with a date and time, if possible. Go an extra step and look it up – and write it down. (I love Ted Andrews’ ANIMAL SPEAK for this, but there are thousands of books of symbols and omenry)  Tarot and Omen decks are great for this too.  The more you explore the meaning of symbols, the better your messages to your future self will become.

Again, Synchronicity is a vast and constantly occurring phenomenon. Hopefully, this article has introduced the concept and triggered an interest that will lead you to a next step.  I highly recommend Pam Grout’s E-Squared books. They are full of exercises to connect psychology to physics or, if you prefer, your mind to the universe.

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EB McDonald started Weekday Spirit (@weekdayspirit) to share ideas and practices that will infuse our mundane moments with bright sparks of spirituality. She’s been a Druid Priest, a financial planner, an event seller, an accountant, a performer and has seen daily magical moments in every profession. She reads tarot and runes at Crystal Visions – call for appointment times or email her at magic@weekdayspirit.com

Link to previous Blog Post: Tarot Mysteries Hidden in Plain Sight by Allison Frank

WHAT’S UP – May 2024

Belinda C. Dunn

Taurus New Moon

May 7 @ 11:22 pm

Sagittarius Full Moon

May 23 @ 9:53 am

Spring is well under way by now, and any slowdowns or delays are in the past. Perhaps a late frost threatened tender young buds, or tempestuous winds stripped the ground bare. This is all part of the cleansing power of nature in preparation for fertile growth ahead. This sentiment applies to our personal lives as well. Between Mercury retrograde most of April, Mars in Pisces, and the reset of a monumental Solar Eclipse, it’s time to put the past to rest. Planetary energies during May signal full speed ahead.

First, Mercury continues its lengthy stint in Aries, but returns to the exact degree of retrograde around May 13-14. Known as the shadow phase, this means all decisions/plans/communications from mid-March onward, are wrapping up and resolving. On May 15^th, Mercury leaves Aries to enter Taurus, and attention naturally turns to more practical and grounded matters.

Transiting in Pisces throughout April, Mars just entered Aries, and May begins with an energetic push of can-do action. The ideas, dreams, visions and inspiration during winter months have been sorted through for practicality, and are now ready for manifestation. “Just do it,” is more than a Nike slogan, it’s an attitudinal mindset exemplified by Mars in Aries.

Excellent for any activity that requires effort such as competitive sports, athletics, physical fitness and rehabilitation, Mars transits through Aries every 2 years. Across the board, in all types of endeavors, taking initiative can be challenging, but once the ball is rolling it is much easier to continue the momentum. The last two weeks of May are especially activated when Mars energizes themes around the recent Solar Eclipse (19 degrees Aries).

Last month, one of the most important planetary trends of 2024 activated as Jupiter conjoined Uranus on April 20. This aspect was not just for a day, but continues to offer support and possibility for years to come, especially in the areas of sustainability, agriculture, earth sciences, environmental causes, landscape beautification, productivity and economic progress.

On May 7^th, a Taurus New Moon assists in grounding projects and manifesting visions. Each and every New Moon is optimal for seeding intentions; really taking the time to sit with, clarify and state intentions. Considered the most fertile zodiac sign, Taurus ensures growth when conditions are right. The astrology chart demonstrates an impressive line-up of Venus, Moon, Sun, Jupiter and Uranus, all in Taurus. Despite a social atmosphere riddled with chaos and uncertainty, there is a movement toward simplicity and serenity as the majority of people choose to build security, as much as humanly possible.

However, in these turbulent times, the ripples and waves of dissent continue to undulate over the landscape, locally and globally. As Pluto begins its long term transit through Aquarius (2023-2043), humanity is facing down numerous dire consequences beginning with neglect of natural law. It is up to people to adjust and survive on an evolving planet, not the other way around.

It is fascinating to watch the symbols and signals when a major planet, such as Pluto, changes zodiac signs. For example, the epic film, “Oppenheimer,” made its debut last year, winning numerous awards, including Best Picture. Historically accurate, the film expertly depicts the heretofore little known story of the development and detonation of the first atom bomb. Taking place in the decades following Pluto’s discovery in 1930, the film conveys a stark picture of reality, what is at stake for humanity, and global implications.

Other signposts of Pluto entering Aquarius are visible. Artificial intelligence is a big one, and here to stay. The long term effects of technology on the human organism, especially the development of young minds, has widespread implications for the health and sanity of society. As authoritarian leaders battle it out, concentrated power is in the hands of a few. Already there is a massive humanitarian crisis due to warfare, climate change, immigration, and economic disparity. What do these issues have in common? On some level, they affect everyone to some degree, underscoring the fragility of life on planet Earth, and the urgent need to come together in solving world problems.

Why this focus on Pluto? Drilling down, this powerhouse of a planet is stationary April 29 – May 7, beginning a retrograde phase on May 2. Astrologer Erin Sullivan writes, “At the station-retrograde the planet is virtually at a standstill, and has appeared so for a couple of weeks. Its power has become concentrated and its apparently inert station creates a sense of impending change, but the quality of change is unknown. The mood of a station-retrograde is one of suspense.” Retrograde for the next 5 months, Pluto goes direct on October 11, another major turning point of 2024.

Moving on . . . there are many fortunate developments throughout May as Sun and Jupiter are closely aligned, exactly conjoining on May 18. Be aware of a palpable energy shift on May 20 as Sun enters Gemini, and Jupiter closely follows, entering Gemini on May 25^th. Of course, Sun transits through Gemini yearly, but Jupiter’s orbit is significantly longer, 12 years. We can look forward to Jupiter in Gemini until June 2025.

The contrast between Jupiter in Taurus during the past 12 months, and Jupiter in Gemini for the next year, promises to pick up the pace, and quickly! While Taurus has supported slowing down, grounding and getting back to basics, Jupiter in Gemini indicates a readiness for discovery, learning, and expanded horizons.

“The cat is out of the bag,” so to speak. No more stalling and beating around the bush, Jupiter in Gemini is frank, talkative, engaging, friendly and transparent. This is the zodiac sign of siblings, neighbors, relatives, short journeys and education. Jupiter’s benevolent rays of open mindedness suggest a growing atmosphere of interest in discussing differences, cultivating commonality, teaching and reaching across the fence.

In many cases, this trend increases the potential for shrugging off animosity, and stepping away from disagreements for the sake of relationship. However, since Jupiter’s influence is to enlarge and expand, the flip side can produce heightened allegiance to cherished belief systems, fixed opinions, and extreme dogmatism. Certain factions may become even more reactionary, vocal and impassioned, mobilizing to defend entrenched beliefs, rightly or wrongly.

Overall, the culminating Full Moon on May 23 is optimal for taking the pulse on emerging trends. By now, Sun is in Gemini, and the Moon opposes in Sagittarius. This combination ramps up activity, movement and travel. A sense of freedom permeates the air as schools begin to let out for summer, and graduations take place across the country. Experiential learning takes the place of book learning as vacation plans get underway.

Awesome and inspiring, every Full Moon stirs the soul, lighting up the landscape and dispelling darkness. Not only is this an astronomical phenomena, but a Full Moon heightens and sensitizes emotions while illuminating human affairs. A point of culmination, little remains hidden, especially in the human psyche, and this Full Moon is potently charged with revelation, a real turning point for the nation and world.

The zodiac sign of Gemini functions as journalist, teacher, conversationalist and storyteller. Sagittarius rises above the fray to take in the big picture, aiming for the real truth, and nothing but the truth, in the administration of justice. In the astrology chart for May 23, both Sun and Moon harmoniously aspect Pluto in the early degrees of Aquarius.

From all appearances, Pluto stirs up trouble, but its primary action is to expose corruption, purge dysfunction, and detoxify environments, leaving little untouched. While many issues linger from the past, begging for resolution, Pluto in Aquarius is more about where we are going, than where we have been. A reckoning of gigantic proportions is taking place across the globe. Of course, this can’t happen over night, but the wheels of transformation are already in motion, and the next several years are crucially important.

From the standpoint of astrology, multiple planetary cycles are in various stages of completion, and a new age is dawning. But, even in darkness, there are glimmers of saving Grace. Reflecting on the recent conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus, a message rings true, “Cultivate gratitude and appreciation in daily life. Notice the little beauties in front of you every day. Nature’s gifts, freely give, are priceless. Take the time to find a pace you can live with that incorporates relaxation and recreation, balance is key.”

Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with over 40 years experience. She is available for your personal consultation.

belinda@astrodelight.com; 828-215-2101; www.astrodelight.com

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