Sophia's Children

Who's Your Muse?

From time immemorial, we have invoked the Muses, or spent our time waiting and praying for The Muse's visit.

Poets, bards, master craftsmen, magicians, and visionaries alike credited the Muses for fanning the fires of creativity and whispering the inspired words (or notes, or images) that would find their way into expression.

The Greeks told of Nine Muse Goddesses, and our ancient ancestors in other cultures and traditions told of and invoked their Muses, too.

They knew that when they invoked the Muse or other archetype, they were inviting specific energies and aspects of their own higher Selves into expression.

Each also lamented those times when the Muse seemed to be on vacation, throwing the cycle of creativity into its fallow, regenerative phase.

Who among us doesn't know the dreaded Writer's Block or creative dry spell, where inspiration seems to have gone the way of the Dodo?

And just in case you're wondering ...

You don't have to consider yourself to be a poet or musician, bard or visionary in order to allow the possibility that each of us has our Muse. You included.

In fact, each person (and perhaps animal and plant for all I know) has a unique combination of gifts, experience, and purpose that our Muses (and other inner-helpers or Spirit Allies) would inspire into expression.

Two of my Muses are Polyhymnia and Urania, the Muses of sacred sound and song (or chant-mantra, in my case) and Urania of the Stars ... astrology, astronomy and other celestial inspirations. Calliope calls for my attention, too, by stirring the poetic heart and soul into expression.

These Muses join forces with other inner-helpers and Spirit Allies to remind me of the Power of the Word and to keep me on path (which is sometimes, I'm sure, an exasperating job for them!).

So what about you? Who's your Muse ... or Muses?

There are a few ways to find out and then cultivate a more active relationship with your Muse.

• Just Ask. I know, it's insanely obvious but often overlooked when it comes to our inner-helpers and Spirit Allies, including our Muses. Call out (ask!), and then pay attention for the response. It might come in dream, meditation, or through a message your receive as you go about your day.

• Chart It.  See where the Muses show up in your astro-blueprint ... your natal chart. There are Muses assigned to specific 'inspiration gates' during the zodiac year, including one or two that govern your birth date.

• Intend and Intuit. Check out the Muses and see which one calls to you, and then invoke and work with her in a playful experiment and creative adventure.

It's the perfect time to cultivate a relationship with your Muse to help to fan the fires of renewed or fresh inspiration, intuition, and creativity -- just what we need during these shapeshifting Transformation Times.

To explore and activate your inner-guides & Spirit Allies, invoke your Muse, or to track the pattern in the Chaos of Now, join the Academy of the Divine Feminine or schedule an individual Muse Session or two with me and we'll invoke the Muse together.

On another note, I'm exploring the possibility of moving Sophia's Children to Wordpress - I'll keep you posted. To stay tuned and keep from missing new Muse Foods, follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and sign on to receive The Wake-Up Juice e-newsletter.

Happy adventuring, and lots of Love in the meanwhile.

Musefully Yours,

Jamie

Image Credits: Minerva and The Muses, by Jacques Stella (1596), the Musee du Louvre; The Muses Urania and Calliope, by Simon Vouet (1634); and The Dance of Apollo with the Muses, by Baldassare Tommaso Peruzzi

 

 

Very Venusian - Muse Food & The Celestial Now

Don't miss the unique opportunities of this emerging Spring of Venus, seasoned with the other unique celestial events of Now.

For those of you who are answering the call (or feeling the stirrings) of the re-emerging Divine Feminine, this is a special season to tap into Goddess, World Soul, with ancestors and ancient selves whispering, "Remember, remember...".

But even if you don't feel 'into' the Sacred Feminine, Goddess or Mystic life, you can let the celestial events and their uniqueness and beauty awaken your Muse, clarify and fortify your truest values, and stoke your Courage of Conviction.

Here's a snapshot:

On (5/15/12), Venus stations retrograde in Gemini -- take a look at where this occurs in your astro natal and solar house for how this might come to life for you.

On Sunday the 20th, we have a New Moon in Gemini and a full (annular) solar eclipse at zero degrees Gemini, which adds more juice to your Venus in Gemini cocktail.

This sets the table for a more rare event: Venus crossing between the Sun and Earth. The next time this will occur is in the year 2117, so it won't happen again in this lifetime.

And let's not forget the infamous Uranus-Pluto square of mid-June as we head on into a peak solar flare CME year. Yes, we're adventuring into the Zap Zone.

It's quite a line-up over the next month or so, with strong archetypal and energetic messages for us in this time of Great Turning and collective shift. For a more detailed astro-update, see the link below.

For now, here's a feast of inspiration to help you navigate through the energies of Now.

The themes and flavors of NOW?

Venus and Gemini feature prominently, so this is your inner Venus dancing with your inner Mercury (or Hermes) for revisioning and new expression.

Read my recent blog entry on Venus in Gemini & Iris the Rainbow Goddess so you can refresh your vision as a member of the Rainbow Bridge.

Other recent entries here at Sophia's Children on the Black Madonna, Mary Magdalene, Lunar and Chiron energies add specifics to this time of bringing the medicine of the Feminine back into the world.

Igniting your Muse is another great theme of Now, and I'll be writing more about that soon.

I've been getting reacquainted and working with my Muses, Urania and Polyhymnia, for example.

The energies of now are fertile and ripe for aligning with and giving expression to the Muse of your heart and soul.

Who are your Muses? Stay tuned for more (or send me an email if you really need to connect with your Muse now).

This is a time of rich inspiration, assessing and realigning with your truest, deepest, heart-and-soul values and ways to authentically express them in the world.

And it's a time of being inspired by the beauty around you, the rich blessings of Spirit and Nature, no matter what other crazyass chaos is whirling.

And speaking of crazyass chaos whirling...

It's also a time when the energies of Now and New are a sandblasting, tornado-whirling force of destruction for all that is not truly you, and I know all too well that having your life sandblasted is ... how shall we say ... a beeyotch.

During Whirl Times, we can take inspiration from the Whirling Dervishes of the mystical Sufi tradition, who whirl as a way of connecting with the Divine.

Can we allow the stretch of consciousness and see our Personal Whirling as an opportunity to connect with the Divine -- what's truest and most vital and valuable?

If you're there now, in the Sandblast Loss Zone, I'll be posting more about this soon. In the meanwhile, find some wisdom in one of my previous ESMA posts - Strong at the Broken Places.

And if some kickass courage and Feisty Feminine juju is what you need to zap the Demons of Fake Fears, introduce yourself to the Goddesses Durga and Akhilandeshwari.

While we're being inspired and wired (or rewired) in the coming weeks, we can also soothe our frayed nerves and energies. Check out the Leisurely Taurus post here at Sophia's Children, along with Calming Remedies for Intense Energies post.

If you're feeling the need for a more dedicated checkin, send me an email and we can schedule a personal session to explore your unique situation and see what might work best for you.

And last but not least, a few tech glitches and referrals have me exploring a new home for Sophia's Children at Wordpress.

I'll keep you posted, but in the meanwhile, follow me on Twitter or Facebook and sign on for The Wake-Up Juice Newsletter to receive all of the fresh inspiration along the way.

Lots of Love in the meanwhile,

Jamie

Image Credits: Emerald Butterfly from Nature's Crusaders, the Bee Goddess Bhramari, artist unknown; and Iris the Goddess from Atkinson Grimshaw.

Connect more deeply with the re-emerging Feminine through The Academy of the Divine Feminine -- the gift of a one-on-one tele-session goes to those who join ADF now.

For details on the Astro-Flurry of the coming few weeks, take a look at one of my favorites -- Stephanie's update at Planetary Apothecary.

A Very Lunar Weekend

[Updated on May 9, 2012]

The May 5-6 weekend is one of those prime times to be aware of the moon, and how the Lunar cycles and aspects affect your own lunar nature.

Think flow, moods, psychic and intuitive nature, emotion, expanded inner-vision, and heightened sensitivity and/or intensity.

And more intense juiciness in some long-ago sacred and now taboo themes.

Lunar Weather for the Weekend

Over the weekend, we have the year's greatest perigee 'super moon', meaning that it will appear bigger and brighter than any other full moon of the year.

(Check out the link below for more on that and other cool 'space weather' info.)

Most everyone at this point understands that the moon affects waters and tides. Since we're made up of a high percentage of water, that means it would affect us, too. We notice that mostly, perhaps, in our moods and emotions -- our subconscious GPS.

The full moon is occurring in Scorpio, which is all about depth, intensity, transformation, sexuality, and the mystical and shamanic. Scorpio's animal totems are the scorpion and the phoenix.

With the Scorpio full moon (and if you've got prominent Scorp energy yourself), it's good to go gently so you don't sting people with the scorpions tail. Instead, we'll see if we can transmute those energies, irritants, and fears that might get magnified and allow our inner Phoenix to rise from those ashes.

Even cooler, the full moon Sabian Symbol is "A woman filled with her own Spirit." That's an emerging myth coming into new life in our times.

But the super full moon isn't the only Lunar news we'll want to know about this weekend.

On Friday afternoon (just as I'm writing this) and most of the day Sunday (May 6), the moon will be 'void of course', meaning that it makes no major aspects with other astro-energies during those times.

I've noticed that when the moon is void, I feel a bit more untethered, floaty (or FLOWty), dreamy, and contemplative. I've heard this from others, too, even though they know nothing about lunar VoC times.

Between the void of course and the super full moon, we may notice that our empathic nature and sensitivity is magnified, so do what's necessary to soothe and TLC (see the 'amped up energies and calming remedies post from last week for more on that).

This Moony weekend with its void of course Friday and Sunday, and super full moon smack-dab in the middle is optimal for intuitive, empathic, psychic forays, for meditation, opening to receive Divine guidance or higher wisdom, dreaming, and visioning.

That sounds pretty optimal to me (given that my natal moon is so close to my rising sign that it acts as a second key archetype for me).

So if you've been frustrated and wanting intuitive and Divine guidance, or seeking a vision or to practice with your intuition, the Lunar energy weather this weekend will feel very cooperative.

Just give yourself and others some space for extra sensitivity, moodiness, or even a few of those 'scorpion stings'.

If you are ultra sensitive and empathic anyway, you'll want to keep this in mind because you'll be picking up on other people's intensity, thought chatter, and moods, too. Extra self-care is a very fine priority for times like these -- particularly since we're in a time of heightened sensitivity and intense energies anyway.

(For extra support, check out the Energy & Intuition bundle in the VIP collection or email me to schedule an energy & intuitive guidance session.)

If you're connecting with the re-emerging Feminine, remember that Luna is an archetype of the Great Mother. Since we're in Taurus-and-Venus time, the Feminine is calling for our Love and attention.

And last but not least, if you're astrologically curious, check out Rhea Wolf's Turningwheel Astrology article about the deeper themes of this weekend.

For even more good intel on the energies and the Sabian Symbol -- plus a gorgeous image of the Madonna -- check out Lynda Hill's blog entry.

Wishing you lovely Luna-tending during this very special Lunar Time.

Love,

Jamie

Image Credits: Full moon image from NASA, photographed by Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao on the International Space Station. The beautiful 'water bearer' is Circe by John William Waterhouse (1892).

For updates on current space weather, check out SpaceWeather.com

Leisurely, Sensual Taurus Time

This morning's 'to do' list got set aside for a leisurely walk along the river, soaking up the sun's warmth, surrounded by budding trees, blossoming flowers, and a few sweet, tiny little finches and a petite woodpecker.

That is so very, very Taurean.

And lo! Today is the first day of the Sun's passage through Taurus, an Earth-sign and Venus-ruled archetype.

What's more, Saturday ushers in the New Moon in Taurus.

We've all got Venus and Taurus somewhere in our astro-blueprint. For some of us, like moi, they're 'primary flavors'. Look at your astro natal chart for clues.

And with transiting Venus traveling through Gemini, we're getting activated by two very different kind of energy: body-centered, Earthy, sensual and deep values, meeting Venus-influenced quick-silver thought and communication.

We'll want to weave these together to really flourish with these energies.

(Read this and the Venus in Gemini: Iris the Rainbow Goddess post to get a sense of the two.)

Here's how I see Venus expressing herself Taurus-style:

Venus in her Taurus mood doesn't like to be hurried.

In fact, I'd guess that Venus in Taurus detests being rushed.

When you're in a rush, you simply miss all kinds of sensual delights and messages that are Divinely bestowed and too-often overlooked in the mad-ass rush we've all gotten sucked into.

These are the very things that give life meaning, remind us of our deepest values and worth, and inspire us from the Earth and body outward.

I see Venus in Taurus doing the leisurely stroll thing, finding a perfect patch of lush grass, surrounded by flowers and hummingbirds and butterflies, and enjoying a truly luscious, sensuous picnic.

She appreciates the feast, visual and otherwise -- after all, the Earth produced such bounty, and someone lovingly and creatively prepared it. It would be a sin to not appreciate that and savor each mouth-watering bite!

She might share her luscious picnic and natural oasis with a beloved and similarly sensual, affectionate beau -- one who truly delights in her delight.

Goddess Sophia, so devoted was she to her vision of the Divine human and the Earth-Garden habitat envisioned for them, that she sent a part of her own Divine Spirit to enliven the Earth so she could be just that close to us.

That is Taurus and Venus. The abundant, loving lusciousness of the Divine Feminine, brought to Earth, and respected as such.

It's no coincidence (Divinely speaking) that Earth Day is situated during Sun in Taurus Time, since Taurus is the Earth lover, the Earth Goddess, and the Green Man.

Taureans are sometimes categorized as being 'hard workers'. That's a Puritan-Work-Ethic varnish.

More accurately, when the Taurus-Venus in us is soul-centered and Earth-centered (that body wisdom!), she is connected to the deepest of all values. It's more about 'Right Livelihood' -- heartful, soul-infused work that benefits all and is thus a joy.

After all, you can't be in your heart and body wisdom if you're not in your body, yes?

This little snapshot of Venus in Taurus reveals that when she's soul-centered, she has a deep knowing of and appreciation for the truest and deepest of all values.

As Taurus's ruler, Venus in her Taurean mode reminds us that the seeds nest in the dirt of the Earth, incubating and then sprouting and sending their tender yet super-strong tendrils towards the surface to bud and bloom, blossom and beautify.

We follow suit -- going deep within to find those worthy, soul-aligned seeds that, with nourishment and nurturing, find their way into (preferably beautiful) expression in the world.

A perfect Venus-Taurus saying? Stop, and smell the roses.

Feel the warmth on your face. Breathe in the lusciousness of the air. Taste the fruits of the Earth. Listen to the birds and bees and breeze. Be reminded that this is abundance.

And then, having been nourished and reminded of that, bring that earthy inspiration and body wisdom into your communication (Iris the Rainbow Goddess can help with that!).

Love and Lusciousness,

Jamie

Image Credits: Ariadne and My Sweet Rose by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917)

 

Venus in Gemini: Iris the Rainbow Goddess

One of our personal archetypes has just gone Mercurial.

Have you felt it yet? If not, you will.

Read on for tips, so you'll be in the know about working with this energy in your life.

The Timeframe, Energies & Themes

The planet Venus entered Gemini territory in early April for an unusually long stay.

Compared with typical Venus transits of 3 or 4 weeks, we'll all be experiencing our inner-Venus ala Gemini style through early August.

Venus is considered a 'personal' archetype, symbolizing our experiences with harmony (or not), abundance (or not), beauty (or not), and love (or not).

She shifted from grounded, Earthy, sensual Taurus to quick-minded and communicative Gemini. From Earth to Air. Right on time to add to the Zap Zone Energies (see my recent post).

Given that this is a longer-than-usual transit, amidst the backdrop of the much-prophesied 'year of transformation' that is 2012, I wanted to really open to the deeper opportunity offered by Venus in Gemini.

As soon as I asked the question, guess who came to mind ... very appropriately (as you'll see)?

Iris the Rainbow Goddess.

If you haven't met the rainbow Goddess Iris, allow me to introduce you -- you're in for a lovely treat.

And if you'd like to get to know her further, you now have a three-month window of opportunity that makes it easier than usual.

You'll definitely want to make good use of your Iris Time while Venus transits Gemini.

Allow me the luscious honor of introducing you to Iris, the Rainbow Goddess of Hope and High-Vibin' Word.

Iris has a unique place in Greek mythology.

She is said to be the Great Goddess Hera's most trusted messenger, and the Great God Zeus sees Iris in the same way.

Even more unique, Iris is able to easily travel between the realms of Heaven and Earth, air and sea, and even to the Underworld and back, bringing vital information and messages between the gods, and between the gods and humans.

So she's a Shaman's Goddess, and the spirit ally for wordsmiths and communicators, who deal in Word Magic whether for good or ill.

Since we all use words -- and the power of the Word -- that applies to each of us, too.

Iris's name is said to derive from the Greek word eiro, meaning 'messenger' and also 'to join' -- as in a communication bridge that connects.

As I reflect on that, I couldn't help but think of Eris, a goddess associated with disruption, amongst other things. Perhaps she signifies the 'other side' of Iris? More on that below (and in another article as well).

Iris is usually seen with a winged staff or caduceus, and a ceramic pitcher from which she pours out Divine guidance.

She has an angel's wings, and sometimes winged heels as well, allowing her quick, light flight as she travels between the realms.

And she's associated with the rainbow, wearing a rainbow-colored robe and leaving behind a rainbow calling-card: Iris was here (or Iris is here). Sometimes she's thought to actually be the rainbow itself.

So what does this tell us about Iris?

She is a most trusted messenger and herald, respected in all of the realms -- a masterful, trusted, Divinely gifted communicator.

She is adorned with the winged staff or caduceus, so her communications are healing and high-vibration, perhaps even illiminating and enlightening.

She wears the rainbow robe and embodies or leaves her rainbow symbol as her calling card, symbolizing 'the rainbow after the storm' and also the hope and promise of the same.

Her rainbow robe also symbolizes the 'rainbow body' or 'light body' -- our own energy field when it's in its natural Divine vibration.

Even more, she is a spirit ally and messenger of (and to) the Divine Feminine, and the Sacred Masculine as well, generously endowed with the magic of the Word.

Perhaps Iris was the Muse for Dr. Emoto in his work with the effect of high or low-vibration words on water crystals -- and thus on us, too, since we are made mostly of water.

While Venus is in Gemini, Iris the Rainbow Goddess can be a spirit ally in our conversations with the Divine, and she can help us to increase the radiance of our own and others' rainbow-light-bodies through the use of beautiful words and communications.

This relates to our inner-chatter -- the Word-habits we've internalized -- as well as communications with others, and with the Divine.

Of course, her very example hints at the lower-vibration potential of Venus in Gemini -- a misuse of our power of the word by way of chronic negative chatter and gossip, for instance.

This is what made me think of Eris, sometimes called 'the Goddess of Discord'. Might Eris be the effects and energies we see, feel, and experience when we misuse or negatively use the power of the Word?

I'll be writing on this theme very soon (look for 'Lakshmi's Evil Twin' in the subject line!).

Iris the Rainbow Goddess -- and the energies of Venus in Gemini -- remind us that words and images have their unique vibrations, and can either be healing and illuminating or poisonous and harmful.

But if we ask for Iris's help, with gratitude and respect due to her as the most respected Divine messenger, we can elevate our communication, gain some additional understanding and mastery of our Word-power, and maybe even become rainbow-bringers ourselves.

As always, if you have a more prominent Venus or Gemini in your astrology blueprint -- like my own Venus-rising and Gemini moon nearly conjunct my ascendent -- this is an even more important archetype, teacher, and purpose-illuminator for you.

You can see where Iris the asteroid is placed in your chart, too, for additional insight on where her gifts (or shadow) might show up for you.

How do you see Iris the Rainbow Goddess & Divine Word Master working in your life?

Share your thoughts, musings, and questions below (or if you prefer more privacy, send along a direct email -- you'll see the email link in the upper sidebar).

And if you'd like to bring Iris the Rainbow Goddess alive within yourself -- and elevate your communication and 'power of your Word' -- send me an email and schedule an individual session.

In the meanwhile, lots of love and shiny rainbow communications!

Jamie

Image Credits: Iris the Rainbow Goddess on Greek Vase from Theoi.com; Morpheus and Iris, by Pierre-Narcisse Guerin (1811); and Iris the Rainbow Goddess by John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1893).

Calming Remedies for Intense Energies

Have you been feeling the amped-up, ZAPified energies this past week or so?

It's not new -- we're officially in the 'Zap Zone is the new normal' kind of time. But some times are zappier than others.

Though things have been a mite quieter on the solar flare CME front -- thanks be for that -- the last week has featured a lot of shifting energies of the Zap variety.

The Zap energies were illuminated and magnified by the beautiful, awe-inspiring full moon in Libra -- a sign (archetypal energy) ruled by Mercury.

Zap.

Plus more zappage from the Uranus-Pluto square -- something that's just starting to ripen. We'll be tasting this tense, transformation-sparking energetic for the next few years. Think 1960s, with a boost.

Add Mercury stationing direct, and Mars stationed direct on April 14th after nearly 3 months retrograde (a more internal focus that seems to slow down forward-momentum).

I've found that Mercury plus Uranus = mega zap. Any of the other energy influences just add to the Zap Fest.

And right now, we've got Mercury and Uranus aplenty (see the Venus in Gemini blog entry for more).

I used to describe this vibe as 'feeling like I've been electrocuted', but I like the very witty Mystic Medusa's use of the phrase Zap Zone. It's definitely appropos.

If you're even moderately sensitive to subtle energies, you'd be feeling the zap energies: restless, amped up, anxious, interrupted sleep, mood-waves, heightened sensitivities to other people's energies and thought-waves, and/or fatigue, among other 'symptoms'.

And since these have not been so subtle energetics, you might have been feeling the Zap even if you aren't usually energy sensitive.

The energetics along with the big changes and stress-provoking challenges so many of us are experiencing -- including moi -- it's really, really important to tend to the self-care practices.

This will become more and more an issue as we continue to progress through 2012, and extra-true when you add solar flare CME blasts to the mix.

The snapshot? Uber-zapped nervous systems and energy fields need soothing and grounding.

Here are a few energy & vibrational healing practices from my own 'Zap-Zone Survival Kit' that I find helpful:

• Lavender essential oil -- used for millennia to sooth the nerves and mind.

I use Young Living's lavender essential oil (let me know if you'd like to order some). Dab it on the back of your neck, beneath your ear lobes, on your upper heart, and inner wrist, and breathe it in.

• Flower Essences -- If you're feeling freak-out zapped, try Bach's Rescue Remedy or FES Five Flower Blend. I find Walnut, Honeysuckle, Olive, and Mustard handy options for change-times, too. If you're in the Fear Zone, it's Mimulus or Aspen for you. Mind chatter gone crazy? White Chestnut.

• Breathing -- No joke. When we're freaked, or zapped, our breathing tends to go shallow and our bodies contract. Breathe deeply and gently. Full breaths, so your belly fills out. A couple of simple full breaths can work wonders. For a special breathing practice (and treat), see Bee Breath below.

• Mantra -- I returned to a daily mantra practice last Summer, and feel sincerely grateful for it daily. Why?

Because some of the crappola that's popped up over the last six months would have not too long ago had me icy cold with fear, up most of the night, and puking from the stress.

Despite a few 'trigger moments', I've felt relatively centered, present, and even kind of calm. The daily mantras -- powerful vibrational and sacred sound -- have made the difference.

You pick a mantra, or several, for the vibration, based on what you might be experiencing or feeling. Sometimes you pair it with a mudra (see the Ta'Nit and 'No Fear' entry just before this one!) or kriya (movement), and sometimes you do a specific type of breathing or 'pranayama'.

It all adds up to calming, centering, balancing, shifting your vibe and ultimately shifting those ingrained fear-habits.

• Bee Breathing -- this is a specific 'pranayama' exercise that vibrates the upper heart or thymus area -- one of those areas where you're likely to feel the zap, fear, or anxiety in your body.

The proper name for this is Bhramari pranayama, which means Bee Breath.

I call it an 'inner OM', because as you exhale your breath, you're vibrating Ohhhmmmm without opening your mouth.

It's called 'Bee Breath' or Bhramari Pranayam because you're making a buzzing sound that vibrates your heart center.

It's fun, and doing it for a few minutes seems to really notch down anxiety and relax the muscles around the chest. Try it for yourself and see.

Here's a good summary of the Bee Breath and benefits, and here's a good video from Quick Fix Yoga that shows the technique.

• Take a 'Beer Bath'. If you're feeling frazzled and stressed, you've got to try this. Serious soothe fest.This is actually a post-shamanic-session remedy to neutralize nasty energies in your field as well as calm your nerves and body.

Pour yourself a hot bath (your ideal 'hot' temperature). As the water is running, add 1/4 of a cup epsom salts and three bottles of beer (with or without alcohol ... your choice). While this seems pretty evident, take extra precaution with the bottles (or pour the three beers into a plastic pitcher before you head into the bath).

If you've got it, add 7-10 drops of lavender oil (not perfume). No bubbles or soap. Dim the lights, add a candle or two if you've got the space. Climb in and soak for 15 or 20 minutes if you feel comfie with that. Do the 'bee breath' for a bit if you want, or just chill.

• Feet on the Ground. Walk, take your shoes and socks off and dig your toes into the dirt (if weather allows), stroll through a park or forest trail.

Putting your feet to the ground for a mindful walk in a relaxing place helps. A lot. Were it not for my 'walking habit', I probably would have lost it a long time ago. You can do prayer or mantra while you walk to shift the vibe even more (and keep Crazy Mind from walking with you!).

Though there are many energy management & vibrational healing approaches, these are a few things I turn to daily now that the Zap Zone is becoming the 'new normal'.

Think of these times and the Zap Zone as a skin-sloughing (like the snake) and birthing all rolled into one.

In the meanwhile, surf -- and soothe -- the Zap. Believe me, this will prove more and more helpful.

If you have questions or want to share your own Zap Soothers, post your comments below. I welcome it, and it helps others, too.

If you prefer more behind-the-scenes communication, or want to explore an Energy & Intuitive session, feel free to send me an email (you'll see the email link above right or in my profile).

Lots of love,

Jamie

Image Credits: Lightning Zappage from U.S. NOAA. Young Living Lavender Farms.

The Returning 'Divine Feminine'

Greetings!

As we all feel the increasing pull into a new era and a new way of being -- and feel the old paradigm slipping away, sometimes from beneath our feet.

We're being ever drawn and invited to remember and reclaim the Divine Feminine awareness and gifts within and around us.

The Ways of the Divine Feminine have been marginalized, brutalized, suppressed, and buried underground.

But instead of dying away, the Divine Feminine gestated, like a seed underground in the cold of Winter, finally cracking through the seed shell, winding Her way up through frozen ground, and is now sprouting green buds throughout the world.

And it's a good thing, too.

Seriously. All we need to do is look at the news on any given day to see the whackadoo imbalance that's run dangerously rampant. Enough of that.

The Way of the Feminine is just what's needed for a more yin-yang balanced way of existing, being, creating, knowing, and relating. And these capacities are vital to awaken and embody for personal and collective healing and wholing.

You'll find a lot about the Feminine in my blogs, particularly Sophia's Children.

And if you're really committed to that call and want to deepen your relationship with the Feminine, join me in the Academy of the Divine Feminine ~ I've created a wealth of audio programs to support you on your return to the Feminine, drawing from my own Journey of Return.

Take a look...

Blessings,
Jamie

Image Credits: Seed sprout, from Omega Gardens.

Flowing in Piscean Waters

I've been feeling very dreamy these days, and even more empathic than ever, if that's even possible.

And I haven't felt like doing a whole lot -- a sort of blasphemy in a culture shaped by the 'Puritan work ethic', in which 'idol hands breed the Devil's work'.

There was a time in my life, not so long ago, where I wouldn't have admitted that, because I would have thought it was 'work ethic' heresy, too.

I've since come a bit more (okay, a lot more) to my senses.

Welcome to Pisces Territory, where we're introduced to a more right-brain, Feminine mode of being and doing.

My initiation into this deeply flowing, creative, nonlinear, intuitive, compassionate energy came with Neptune's long transit through Aquarius (1998-2012), and particularly when it was joined by Uranus transit through Pisces (2003-2011).

I had to laugh when I read Paola Emma's delicious blog entry on the Pisces New Moon (2/21/12) and Neptune transits.

Paola, creatrix of Living New Moon Astrology, describes the Neptune transit and the influx of Pisces influence perfectly.

The part that applied to my own experience over these years?

"On the other hand, if you are mainly a practical person, busy with your family and career, goal oriented and used to getting your own way,  you could find Neptune and Pisces’ transits a somewhat bewildering experience, bringing you out of your comfort zone, in strange and foggy back alleys...," Paolo writes.

That was me, to a tee. It's only recently that I can laugh about it.

With the Sun, Moon, Neptune, and Chiron joining forces in Pisces on the new moon, we were all truly awash in Piscean waters.

Given that Mars -- the archetype of active, aggressive yang energy -- is retrograde (chillin') in Virgo, another Feminine sign, this new moon was a wide-open channel of Feminine energies.

Needless to say, that's enough to give worshippers of the Protestant Work Ethic and left-brain zealots a real fit. (After all, great efforts have been made to minimize, marginalize, and repress it.)

One fellow, an astrologer, expressed his frustration that he didn't feel as motivated to do, do, do. Given that he is an astrologer, he understood that there's a valuable lesson in that, but still wasn't at all comfortable with it. I get it, I really do.

With Pisces and Neptune, what we hid away in the pigeon-hole of the long under-appreciated right brain is activated big time:

Heart rather than head, compassion and empathy rather than an epidemic sociopathy, flow over force, intuition balancing intellect, surrender rather than perpetual resistance, and creativity instead of logical process, connection over disconnect.

What I love about Neptune and Pisces influence is that they open the doors of different ways of knowing, rid us of our false sense of separation, and render our belief in a fundamentalist 'self sufficiency' and Lone Ranger 'tude for what they are: illusions.

We all -- every one of us -- rely on others, and on this Earth.

And I say this as someone who was, for a very long time, all about the work. I was a real believer that I was self-sufficient (and taught to believe that was the ideal).

Needless to say, that false notion has since been dissolved with the waters of Neptune and Pisces.

These energies and influences soften and dissolve the calcified places in us, and the false borders and beliefs we've erected (or inherited), just like water flowing or dripping over stones patiently, yet relentlously, erodes the sharp edges.

With Chiron in Pisces, too, until 2018, the great Wounded Healer of myth brings the healing of Piscean waters to a planet, culture, and people that have been pretty battered.

A generous dose of Pisces influence will be delivered to us for the coming years by Neptune and Chiron, giving us the opportunity for compassionate connection, healing of spirit, a renewed awareness of our creative wellspring, grace, trust, faith, and a whole new empathy and sensitivity (which might be a real challenge for quite a few people, making energy management imperative).

There is a shadow side to be mindful of with these energies and archetypes, too: unhealthy boundaries, hyper-sensitivity (taking in too much of others' energy and gunk), depression, fear, dark nights of the soul (which was also called 'the night sea journey' ), and the numbing of the intense feeling through addictions, to name a few.

I experienced a few of these, too, during my Neptunian-Piscean initiation.

Even so, it's important to remember that these are initiating us into something that's been lost and is needed again -- something we've missed to the depths of our heart and soul.

Particularly with all that's changing in the world, in long-mighty institutions and systems, and in our own lives where 'the old paradigm' has rooted -- and is being rooted out where it's no longer healthy: the heartfulness, expanded awareness, and spiritual healing of Pisces is a soothing balm.

It's message (or one of them)?

Allow old, calcified beliefs and unnecessary baggage to wash away. Take a spiritual perspective, sourced from the heart and a sense that none of us are bobbing around on the planet alone. We're all connected, and we're connected to something even greater.

Love,

Jamie

Image Credits: Moon Mum, from Paola Emma's blog entry (link above); Greenwater Strip (from SpaceWeather.com's aurora gallery); Water Reflection, from Eddie Van W. (Creative Commons)

Big Shifts & the Eyes of Our Hearts Illuminated

These are, no doubt and by any number of interpretations, fast-moving and crazy-changing times.

Teachers of the Mayan wisdom spoke of a 'big shift' in late October (2011), in which we journeyed out of the long, epic cycle of the known Mayan calendar.

Other traditions see this as a big-shift portal time, too, with quickenings and energy shifts galore.

The larger-scale changes are aimed at clearing seriously toxic juju, reclaiming and restoring balance of power, and shifting our consciousness (and behavior) a couple of notches higher.

Said another way, time seems to pass more quickly and things seem increasingly intense. We may spend a lot of the time feeling flat-out fatigued, or wired, or thinking (or saying) What the @#%!

This last week alone was a doozy, energetically speaking, with Uranus and Mercury stationing direct -- electrical energies, both -- and some solar-flare 'CME' bursts in the same timeframe (according to NASA's updates).

Can you say, "Bzzzzzzzt?"

And so we find ourselves more and more in need of that which helps us to find our center, get grounded, clear out the funk, invite in the Good Juju, and find the place of calm and clear-seeing/feeling/hearing/sensing within the swirling winds of storm.

In such times, our 'practice' becomes more and more essential, and moves higher and higher on our priority list. Without it, we're like a paperbag tossed in furious winds during a lightning storm.

Without some new devotion to our energy management and spiritual practices, we won't be able to see or sense clearly, and that feels really important right about now.

Raise that Vibe: The Eyes & Ears of Your Heart

Practice comes in many shapes and sizes, but if we look closely, we will see an essential few shining out in common among many traditions, though perhaps called by different names, using different words that point to the same or similar practices.

Prayer, attuning to Spirit, practicing the Presence of God, aligning with the Grace Stream, centering prayer, meditation, following the breath, raising your vibration, tai chi, wuji-gong, kundalini yoga mudra and mantra, flower essences, and oils ... whatever you've got in your vibrational 'magic backpack'.

The above-mentioned are just some of the approaches for beautiful, simple, powerful practices that help us open to the Divine, to Light and heightened vibration.

To the Ancients, this meant opening to the deepest and purest form of Love -- Divine Love.

In the Christian tradition, for example, in Paul's letter to the Ephesians (1:18), the evangelist says, "I pray that the Divine may give you a spirit of Wisdom and revelation as you come to know the Divine, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which you've been called."

There are many translations of this phrase, including one that says "may the eyes of your heart be washed with light," and "I pray that your hearts be flooded with light."

Other forms and translations speak of "cleansing the eyes (and ears) of the Heart."

Even attuning with such a phrase ... I pray that your heart be flooded with light , or may the eyes and ears of my Heart be cleansed ... gives us a sense of what it feels like to attune to the Divine vibe-stream, by any name.

With so much unrest and turmoil happening around and within us, opening our hearts to Light and Love, aligning and attuning with the "Divine Vibe" as we envision it, can be both our shelter from the storm and our guiding star through it.

Attuned, aligned, with our hearts washed with light, we are more relaxed and open to Wisdom, intuition, a sense of right action, loving thought and behavior ... all of the  "right brain" ways the Divine speaks to and moves through us.

May your heart be flooded with light, and may it illuminate your Way.

Love,
Jamie

p.s. Resources for the times: You'll find an Energy Management & Intuition audio-class/eBook bundle at Ivy Sea Online, and a lovely vibe-raising collection of audio classes in the Feminine Mojo Mystery School.

Image Credits: Lightning photo from NOAA; Prayer photo from Journey to Identity.

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Ancestral Wisdom in the Season of Lights

Greetings, lovelies.

It's the dawning of the super-Yin season, with fewer hours of daylight and more womby, cocoony darkness. I admit, I love the feeling of being called inward, of slowing down.

Milarepa advised us to, "Hasten slowly, and you will arrive." He was definitely talking about Yin Season and the Via Feminina.

This is also the Season of Lights, right on through the Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany to Imbolc-Candlemas.

Each culture has its own version of this Season and Festival of Lights that draws deeply from Ancestral Wisdom.

And speaking of Ancestral Wisdom, it's long been a deep, soul-stirring and heart-centered passion of mine.

This season, with its long nights and symbolism of the Divine Spark, the Light Within, raises the Ancestral Wisdom up into my awareness even more.

Already in the House:

Big-Change Energies & Archetypes

If you haven't noticed already (and I'll bet you kind of have), we are truly in an epic time of change and transformation -- with the archetypal Uranus (Promethean 'avante guard') just having rested from its multi-year mano-a-mano with Saturn (stodgy Old-Guard, Patriarchal, Masculine).

Now, Uranus readies its big stash of lightning bolts and torches of fire for an extended encounter with Pluto in Capricorn (the sign ruled by Saturn, and encompassing the Old Guard, the Big Institutions, etc.).

Add to that the solar flare 'coronal mass ejections' (CMEs) blasting streams of energy into our sphere (see NASA's site for info on this).

All that to say: When it comes to change and transformative energies, we're in the frying pan, and we haven't seen anything yet.

And so we turn again to the wisdom of our ancestors, because it's timeless and it ushered previous generations through their own epic times of whackadoodle change.

Our long-ago ancestors actually knew -- as in, 'Duh' -- that everything was energy and we're affected by and affect other things through energy.

It was such a no-brainer for them. But we sort of forgot, like Dorothy and her peeps after having been 'poppied' to sleep by less-than-friendly Powers that Be.

Ancestral Wisdom drank deeply from the well of the Feminine: the ways of being and seeing and knowing that are accessed within, and out of the harsh light and frenetic busyness of the average day.

A few Ancestral Wisdom resources & inspirations

I'll be celebrating Ancestral Wisdom a whole lot more as I begin a lovely new seven-year cycle of my own.

But in the meanwhile, you'll find a fresh-up edition of The Wake-Up Juice email newsletter, with links to several articles on Reconnecting with Your Ancestral Wisdom Legacy.

I'll be exploring the same theme -- Ancestral Wisdom, Dreams, & Transformation -- with next week's 12/20 Feminine Mojo Show guest, Katrina Martin Davenport.

You'll find a link for this in the Wake-Up Juice, or head to the Feminine Mojo Show directly to sign up for a show reminder.

And if you want a little bit of extra energy management support, check out the Energy Management & Intuition eBundle or schedule some session work for a 'tune-up'.

Wishing you twinkling lights, Divine Sparks & some good eggnog (or your holiday bev of choice).

Love,

Jamie

Image Credits: Turkish Lights; Solar Flare CME from NASA; Temperantia, by Edward Burne-Jones- Temperantia, 1872.