HOLISTIC HEALTH FAIR

On Sunday 26th DH and I went to the Holistic Health Fair that was organised by Jan, my Herbalist, as a fundraiser for the local Samaritans. We got there between 11 - 11.15 am, as planned, and, after showing our tickets and having the backs of our hands stamped with a little flower image, had a slow once around the room to suss out where things were. Being a not overly huge room it didn't take long. :0)

The first thing I did was head for Jan's own stall to have a quick natter with Anne, the receptionist, who is currently off work due to recuperating from a knee operation. She looked well, despite still being in a reasonable amount of pain and discomfort, though she was glad to have the Fair as an excuse to get out. Jan came over to ask how I was going on the new meds and I fessed up that I'd stopped taking them as they seemed to be making the stomach problems worse. As it happened it was a good choice - I was supposed to have stopped taking the Candigest tablets before taking the new tablets as they don't work together. So I had to remain relatively tablet free (just taking the medicine before meals, the Chromium Complex first thing and the Acidophilus last thing) until Tuesday, then start taking the L-Glutamine before each meal from then on. Am I glad for that: it was getting a bit much trying to remember what to take and when! LOL I then bought some more herbal teas to replenish my stock.

Next up was the belly dancing demo, by Shimea and The Shimea Dancers, which took place on the small stage within the room. That was toe-tappingly good and the outfits the ladies were wearing were gorgeous, all jewel bright colours and lots of jingling coins. It was also good to see that there were a range of body shapes and sizes amongst the performers - no need for me to be self-conscious at all, if I start going to classes! LOL Later in the day I managed to have a quick chat with one of the ladies to find that regular classes are held out at a local village and a beginners session is on Friday nights - I grabbed a leaflet, to get the details of the lady who takes the classes, so I can find out more.

As it was getting close to the time for the first talk of the day, DH (who had been to the hotel's conference room for meetings etc before) took me through, to show me where to find it. Good job he did as it was at totally the opposite end of the hotel to where the Fair was being held and I doubt I'd have found it on my own - there was a distinct lack of signage. As it hadn't started yet we decided to head back to the hotel's reception desk and ask about meals: the Carvery had to be booked in advance, so we duly booked for 1pm.

Back to the conference room and the door was open. Surprisingly, DH said he was interested in the subject - Singing Bowls and Sound for Healing - and would stay.

Good job he did as, initially, there were just the two of us in there before two other people joined us. The talk consisted of a brief history on Tibetan Singing Bowls, how they are made and the uses to which they are put, such as religious purposes, meditation and sound healing. John Thornberry, the guy giving the talk, uses them as musical tools and as sound therapy to treat a variety of illnesses and also uses them to clear houses, including clearance of unwanted spirits/ghosts! It was interesting to see the tools used to make the bowls sing and the different sounds and resonances each bowl produced when "played" - the resonance could be felt through our feet and within our bodies, an odd but not unpleasant sensation. We were then invited to have a play. DH dived up straightaway to have a go and was soon making his chosen bowl produce lovely sounds..... it took me a little bit longer to get the knack but when I did it was singing quite well and it was a lot of fun. As John - or rather Jet, as he's known professionally (his initials) - doesn't sell the bowls I'm now looking forward to the next M,B&S event, as I'd like a bowl for use as a meditation tool and for clearing the house when needed. It's such a shame this workshop wasn't better attended - it deserved to be. Later we visited Jet's stall and bought some of his CD's:

The top CD is relaxation music and, boy, does that work well! Himalaya Song uses the bowls, synthesised sounds and Jet's voice chanting, which is good for meditation (tried it - it is), and Voices of the Bowls is of the singing bowls and is another one for meditation, though I haven't tried it out yet.

After the talk we returned to the main room to have a better look round the various stalls. We talked to quite a few of the stall holders and picked up leaflets for various alternative therapies and also some free samples of a natural skin care range to try out. The aloe vera stand was quite good and DH got to try out some of their cream for aches and pains - I didn't try it because I'd already got some moisturiser cream on my hands from the other stall and didn't want to mix the two. DH was so impressed with the aloe vera cream that he went back later and bought some.

By this time it was almost 1pm, so we headed for the restaurant. DH had soup and carvery while I had a herbal tea and carvery. The young waitress was very helpful when I explained I was on a special diet and was dairy intolerant - she brought some unbuttered potatoes from the kitchen for me. We were quite impressed with the food, helpfulness and surroundings and will go there again some time. :0)

Another walk round the event room later and it was pretty obvious that I wasn't going to get a tarot or angel card reading of any description from any of the readers in the hall - they were busy all of the time. No problem, as I didn't really feel the need for one. We don't usually have therapies at these events either, as there's no way you can relax when you're on view, with people walking past. I did manage to have a word with John, the Reiki Practitioner who treated my Dad, and thanked him for the help he gave - Dad really rated him and I told John so. He actually remembered us which was nice. I took one of his leaflets, explaining that though I went to Aureen for my treatments I thought DH would benefit from having Reiki and would be happier seeing a chap, so I hoped to get him to the Clinic soon. It was an interesting chat: it seems John was once in Aureen's Development Circle and benefited much from it. :0)

At 3pm I headed off for the second talk I was interested in: Connecting to the Shamballah with the Archangels and Ascended Masters. DH popped out to the car for a sit down and chill with his laptop, muttering something about Grand Prix as he went. LOL The talk was taken by a chap called Wayne and was better attended - around 8 or 9 of us, all sat in a circle of chairs. After the talk there was a short guided meditation. Unfortunately it all seemed a little rushed, so I didn't get fully into it (have found I need to do some relaxation techniques before attempting to meditate and to take things slowly - guided meditation CD's don't work for me because of this). I did come out of it feeling uplifted though, so something had obviously worked at some level. I came away with another leaflet: Wayne will be running a two-weekend Master Healer workshop at the Clinic later in the year and participants will gain a 13d Master Healers certificate that's recognised by the British Complementary Medicine Association. Jan was right, I would enjoy it and am mighty tempted, though unsure if I can justify the cost at this stage.

Back to the main room again and I indulged in a little more retail therapy when I spotted these:


Who can go to any of these type of events and not come away with some kind of crystals? Certainly not me. LOL I also bought a nice ethnic style bag from another stall - lots of embroidery with shisha mirrors incorporated into the patterns and added shell embellishments. Ideal for taking the bits I need to the Clinic with me and much nicer than the small plastic bag I usually use.

Finally I had a natter to the Acupuncturist from the Clinic, Janet Mort. Interesting, to say the least. After taking my pulse and asking me several health questions, making notes as she went, she told me that she felt that underlying much of my health problems was something from the past. She wouldn't pry but felt I'd experienced something that I'd kept bottled up inside me for a long time and, though she felt it had been released at some point, it had left behind its impression - when "the lid occasionally popped off " that, it upset the balance of my body and caused further problems. That totally floored me! I know Jan doesn't discuss her patients with any other practitioner (unless given permission to do so and I hadn't) and I'd never met the Acupuncturist before then, yet she'd hit the nail on the head: I do bottle things up, specifically the deaths of my parents and my anger at the medical negligence that led to both - then the feeling that I'd let something go in my recent Reiki treatment. She picked up on this just in that short while - impressive! I gave her permission to talk to Jan about her findings, so that Jan can use the information she gives her to help pinpoint the tweaks she may need to give my medicine. I also took a leaflet with her details, with a view to hopefully having a course of treatment at a later date - those needles are nowhere near as scarey as I'd imagined! LOL

By this point the event was drawing to a close, with many of the stall holders packing up, so we said our goodbyes and went home - tired but happy after a very enjoyable and interesting day.

HERBALIST - TAKE TWO

I was back at the Clinic to see Jan on Wednesday morning, to check how the change in meds is working on my stomach and to see if the medicine needed any further tweaking. It was a bright Spring day and the sun was shining so it was a nice day to venture out on.

When I arrived Jan said I'd walked up the stairs with a real spring in my step...... I pointed out that I was also barely out of breath too and that's a vast improvement as those steep stairs used to turn me into a wheezing wreck. Another sign of improvement. :0)

We then discussed my latest food diary sheets, how my stomach had been during the week, how my monthly had been and how I'd generally been feeling. The diet is going well and I'm still enjoying the plainer foods, though have found that the new tablet regime cutting out the afternoon snack occasionally leaves me feeling really hungry by the time we sit down to our evening meal - so I've started bulking up on the amount of salad I eat to try and compensate for that..... but I do have a bad habit of increasing the carb as well (rice or cous cous). My stomach has gradually settled down, though it does still have its moments - cutting out the foods I've shown an intolerance for has helped and so has the change in medicine - but there's still more room for improvement. As for the monthlies: that's where the biggest change seems to be happening, as the flooding and clotting had decreased a little to how it usually is. Jan smiled when she heard this as it's a sign that the herbal mix is starting to really get to work now but she pointed out that I may find I start a little early each month - in other words, no longer on a 28 day cycle but a shorter one. If it's only a few days and it's less trouble I won't mind. The moods were yo-yo'ing a little but that's being addressed..... I just need to give the medicine a little longer for it to work on them - compared to how I was: there are many more up days than down.

One thing I did mention was the taste of the meds. If I thought the first lot was dirty stuff...... this concoction is waaaay worse! Of course the last lot was quite pleasant tasting, so I'd got lazy about taking it. Then I had this seriously dirty stuff and, instead of chugging it to the back of my throat and swallowing, I let it touch my tongue.......... and got a full-on hit to every single taste bud in my mouth. I retched and shuddered - and every time since have made sure I chug like a well seasoned boozer! Thankfully Jan has added more mint to this mix so it's helped to take some of the edge off, though it's still far from pleasant. Still, it's working so it's worth putting up with! :0)

There was a little mild disappointment when she weighed me: I'd put a pound back on. Needless to say, the carb portion is back down and the salad and veg portions have been increased to compensate. There are still a few weeks to my holiday to get that pound and a couple more off so it's not going to get me down. :0)

Jan reckoned it was now time to tackle another of the problems that the candida fungus gives you: a leaky gut. Apparently it does something to the gut so that it allows the toxins from the waste to leak back into your system where it "poisons" your body - this is one of the main causes of all the ill health people suffer from when they have this condition. So I'm now taking an L-Glutamine capsule before each meal - that's taking a bit of getting used to. I might just start rattling when walking soon. LOL

Jan seemed pretty pleased with how things are going and has given me two weeks of medicine this time, as she'd like to see me before our holiday to double check progress.

As she was in on her own and had time to talk I then told her about the Reiki treatment and what happened. She was delighted to hear that Aureen had felt my third eye working and said how much she thought I would enjoy coming to the workshops she planned on running, once the changes have been implemented. This led on to talk of the Holistic Health Fair on Sunday and the free workshops and demonstrations that are being held there and I am so excited about it. There are going to be bellydancing demonstrations! Not only that but the lady who does them also runs local workshops.... so I'm going to get some info on those! Yay! If beginner's classes are being held, and if I can get to them, I would so love to give it a go, as it's something I've fancied doing for a long time now........ and what a great, fun way to tone up, too. :0)

Two workshops I really fancy going to are one on Singing Bowls and Sound for Healing and one on Connecting to the Shamballah with the Archangels and Ascended Masters, which I think is a guided meditation. Not sure if my meditational skills are quite up to that but want to give it a go anyway. Reckon DH will be quite happy to come along to see the bellydancing demo but not so keen on the workshops......... so, as it's being held in a function room in one of the local hotels, he'll be able to wander along to the bar area for a pint. ;0) Then there are also lots of stalls to look round with various alternative therapies to try, Tarot and Angel card readings to be had from various readers and a couple of stalls that offer a little retail therapy too, so there's plenty to see and do. Plus the hotel has a good restaurant, and Jan says they are happy to accommodate special diets, so we can have dinner there too and make a reasonable day of it.

BTW, can you tell I'm excited about this? LOL Am planning on writing up about it all so please pop back, if you're interested. :0)

REIKI - APRIL

Saturday morning and the time for my Reiki treatment came round and saw me heading out of the door on my own with barely a second thought about it. How good that felt!

After a quick chat with Jan I went through to the treatment room. The first thing Aureen told me was some disappointing news: not only has the woman who said she couldn't find a babysitter not bothered contacting again, which probably means she's decided it's not for her, but A has decided to drop out too, due to studying for her Stage 3 Reiki and feeling the group would be too much as well. The group can't go ahead with just me and Aureen so it has to be put on hold for now. I said it was disappointing but had learnt over the years not to get upset when things like this happen, as they usually happen for a reason....... and what subsequently comes along instead turns out to be better anyway. Aureen felt the same and that it would eventually happen, then explained that it was probably due to her own circumstances that it's happened this way: her poor Mum had a fall last Thursday night and broke her hip, so she needs to concentrate on her for a while. Seems a clear case of the Universe stepping in, to me, so she can give her Mum the help and attention she needs. :0)

Aureen then asked how I'd been so I told her about the recent change in meds due to the stomach problems, that it was helping but I still had the occasional mood dips. Also about the latest weight loss, plus having practised the techniques we went through on Tuesday night. Once I'd taken off my jewellery, specs and hair scrunchie I laid on the bed, it was adjusted to the correct height and the fleecy blanket placed over me, then Aureen went to wash her hands. Once again I felt myself start to relax and the need to close my eyes, though this time as it happened I offered a silent prayer and asked the Archangel Metatron to be with us and aid in the treatment, as per the Oracle Card.

The relaxation music on, the treatment began. The main thing that was noticeably different throughout the treatment was how much hotter Aureen's hands felt, as normally it's only when she works on my head that I feel it. Tingly soles of feet from grounding again and swirls of purple and Spring green with orange being noticeable and yellow appearing. This time I got the impression of birds a couple of times and angel wings, with the word "Angel" swimming through my head several times, then Pam and I actually saw the word Pamela in my minds eye. When Aureen placed her hand on my third eye and solar plexus chakras I felt a short pulse of energy run through my body, followed by indigo blue swirling among the purple colour for the first time from then on.

A little later Aureen was working down by my feet but I again felt that someone was standing to my left and felt the urge to raise my left hand, which I did this time - it felt like a strong magnet was pulling it up. I suddenly felt very tearful and tears actually started to run slowly from behind my closed eyelids. Then I felt I had to lift my right hand, which felt like a lead weight. After staying like this for a short while I felt whatever the reason for this had been it had been achieved and let them drop, straightaway feeling a big surge of energy wash through me from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. After this I had to wipe away the occasional tears but my hand felt fine then - no lead weight feeling to it at all. As Aureen came around towards my left upper body again the room suddenly became really bright: OK I know the sun kept coming out but this was bright, so I opened my eyes to check. Yup, sunny but not overly so - closed my eyes and bright white light was there again. Nothing to worry about, just relaxed back into the remainder of the session. When Aureen had completed the treatment she touched my shoulder, said my name and asked how I was - I opened my eyes and, despite the occasional tears, wanted to giggle like a child.

Handing me a tissue, Aureen then asked if I felt her hands had been hot today, so I told her they had been and all through the treatment - she said she felt her whole body had been hot too, with the energy. She then asked if I was OK and why I cried. I couldn't really explain it or give a reason why: I told her about the impression of someone being there again and needing to raise my hand but I hadn't actually felt anything hold it when I held it up - the word that came to mind was Release...... I felt I'd let something go. (Thinking about it now I feel that then raising both hands was reinforcing this and then showing acceptance for whatever was to come next). I told her about the pulse or wave that surged through my body after lowering my hands and she said it was good: for the first time during a treatment she had felt me actually pulling in the healing energy, which I needed to do.

The birds: once again she saw me wandering through the wood to the leafy glade and there being lots of birds and wild animals there. She asked if I liked wild animals: I do and have realised that I have much more of an affinity with the wild things of the world than with pets and think that the glade is my own internal sacred space or safe haven. :0) I mentioned Pam and she asked if I knew someone in Spirit with the name: yes, Mum's adopted sister, my Aunty Pam (full name Pamela) - she passed away in her late 30's/early 40's from bowel cancer. Seeing more colours is a sign that the work on my chakras is producing results already and Aureen said she felt they were clearer and working better than before. As for the third eye/solar plexus surge and indigo colour: after her barely being aware of my third eye in all the previous sessions, for the first time ever she could feel that it was active. A good sign for further development, methinks! As for the bright light: Aureen said she wasn't surprised as she had felt that all through the treatment we had been surrounded by a ball of white light.

Reviewing everything I told her I felt that the main words that covered this session were Intense and Release. The whole experience was certainly more intense than it had ever been before and perhaps that was due to my finally releasing whatever needed to go........ though, at the moment, I still couldn't say exactly what that was. Though I was tearful it was a positive and uplifting experience and I've certainly felt much lighter in my soul since then.

As for the Angels: Aureen works with them in her healing work, so she knows they are there. Aureen didn't know (and still doesn't because I didn't mention it) that I called on Archangel Metatron for help before she began and subsequently had the most intense healing treatment yet. Coincidence...... or something more? I know what I think. :0)

ORACLE CARD READING

On Friday night I felt the urge to use the Archangel Oracle cards again so took them out of the drawer. After mentally preparing myself with a little deep breathing I firstly asked for guidance, then shuffled the cards. This was the first card:

The additional message: Your Spiritual understanding is rising to another level, as you open up to new ways of looking at life. Keep an open mind, and let go of limited thinking and illusions. Pay attention to signs - information that comes to you three times or more. Notice geometric shapes and symbols in your physical and psychic vision. Know that your increased awareness may shift your relationships and career goals. I'll guide you through these changes so your life mirrors your inner experiences.

Working with Archangel Raziel: As the wizard and alchemist of the angelic realm, Raziel helps us understand ideas that defy normal logic. He expands and challenges everyday thinking in ways that ultimately have healing effects. If you hunger for deep spiritual understanding, ask Raziel to enter your dreams. You'll soul travel with him to classrooms where he'll help you uncover truths and secrets. Upon awakening, you may not fully remember or understand Raziel's teachings, yet this knowledge is permanently imbedded in your subconscious, where it guides you throughout each day.

Appropriate, given that I'd recently attended my first Development Circle meeting and currently wish to expand my Spiritual and psychic side. It reinforces the feeling that things are proceeding the way they are meant to.

Next I felt drawn to asking: What's my next step? Another shuffle and out came this card:

The additional message: Metatron uses sacred geometry shapes to clear and align the chakra energy centres in our bodies. Mentally ask Metatron to open your chakras and he'll gently send his "Metatron cube" (the shape pictured in the card illustration) through the crown chakra at the top of your head. The cube rotates downward, cleaning psychic toxins from your body and chakras. When your chakras are clear you'll feel more energised and have increased intuition.

Working with Archangel Metatron: Metatron's aura is beautiful violet and sea foam-green stripes. The crystal aligned with Metatron's energy is watermelon tourmaline.

I laughed with glee when I saw this one - how apt it was when I've been practising how to open and close my chakras and was going to have a Reiki treatment the following morning! Of course I asked Archangel Metatron to be with me and aid Aureen during the treatment....... I shall do a post about that next, so you'll be able to judge for yourself on the effectiveness of it. :0)

I then felt the need to ask one final question: Is this the right Path for me? A shuffle of the cards and this one was drawn:


The additional message: You are a spiritual teacher and an avid learner. Learning and teaching are linked in a perfect cycle in which information comes to you when you need it. Teach others about the topics that awaken your passions. The more you teach, the more your lessons are reinforced within yourself. Be open to sharing new ideas and learning about topics that aren't in your immediate sphere of interest. Your students will teach you in many ways, too. Trust in your teaching and learning abilities, as your mind is one with the Divine Mind. You are an intelligent and wise being. Know that it's safe in this lifetime for you to be outspoken in your teachings.

Working with Archangel Zadkiel: Zadkiel is the ultimate spiritual professor. He's patient, kind and has access to all knowledge. He's widely known for his ability to help human memory function. If you need to remember or memorise any information ask Zadkiel to assist. Anything that you need to know, Zadkiel is glad to teach you - just ask him questions in order to elicit his help. Sometimes Zadkiel uses the Socratic method of teaching, which means that he'll lead you so you can learn for yourself. Being observant of patterns in everything you see, hear and think is the best way to benefit from Zadkiel's teachings.

I certainly love to learn anything and everything I can, especially about the seen and unseen worlds around me, now more than ever, and read as wide a variety of subjects as possible. I wasn't so sure about the teaching until I thought about this blog and its content and how I would like it to develop - I guess by sharing the things that interest me in this way it could be considered a form of teaching. I certainly hope that all open-minded individuals find something of interest in what they read here and that it will, in however small a way, help in raising awareness of, and tolerance to, all Pagan belief systems - which is nothing scarey, contrary to what the popular press would have everyone believe. If it also makes someone aware of other possibilities out there or helps them find their own way along their chosen Path, then that would be an added Blessing.......... though my main hope is that all those that visit aren't just bored to tears. LOL :0)

Bright Blessings to all

HERBALIST VISIT - APRIL

Once the session with Natalie was over I went to reception and paid, then went with Jan into another treatment room for my regular monthly consult.

As always, we started with the review of my food diary, symptoms noted and my relating any problems. The previous couple of weeks had seen a definite deterioration in my stomach, with severe problems with digestion and wind...... with my feeling so bad on Sunday I was ready to stop taking all the meds to see if that gave any relief - it's no fun when your stomach thinks it's a balloon and it feels like it's trying to pop. It wasn't helped that I also had what was a bad case of PMT too ("wanting to rip someone a new one" was the term that covered it!) , due to starting my monthly early - this Tuesday when it shouldn't have kicked off until Friday. (Not a happy bunny about that at all - darn thing is enough of a nuisance without it happening sooner than it should!) Jan's reaction was to tell me to chuck the last lot of medicine down the sink, as it obviously wasn't right once the old med had been mixed into it. She quickly noted down a new prescription in which she added some herbs to calm my stomach down, as well as ones for my moods.

It was pretty obvious from all this that taking the Acidophilus earlier in the day, instead of last thing, hadn't improved things so I was to go back to taking it last thing again. Stopping the Chromium Complex hadn't either so it was OK to restart that too.

Looking at the result of the Candida test Jan was baffled as to why, when I'm sticking rigidly to the diet, that the count wasn't better because it should be by now. Basically she feels the Candaway isn't working properly for me and is probably fermenting in my stomach, which won't help with digestion etc - plus I loathe the taste of cardamom and that's probably not helping. The upshot is that I'm not having the Candaway any more and am taking some new capsules instead - can't remember what they are called but in the clinical trials in America it was found these were much more effective. The Candaway just killed off the overgrowth which gives the fungus a chance of growing back - the other ones kill off the actual nuclei of the fungus so it can't grow back. As the capsules don't actually arrive at the Clinic until Saturday she very kindly gave me some from her own stash, enough to see me through and as I'm back there Saturday anyway, for my regular Reiki session, I can pick them up then. :0)

The new meds regime from now on is: 2 capsules on first waking up and then no food for an hour; 6mls of medicine before having breakfast and a Chromium Complex tablet afterwards; 6mls of med before lunch; 2 capsules two hours after last eating but 1 hour before my evening meal (will help me to cut out snacking and ensures the Candida killing stuff kills that rather than being distracted into digesting food instead!); 6mls of med before evening meal; Acidophilus capsule last thing before bed (this ensures the Candida killing stuff and the med is taken early enough so they don't kill off the good bacteria). It's going to take me a while before the timings become automatic! LOL

Meantime I now have to use my food diary to note down all feedback on: my moods, especially anxiety, depression and irritability; on digestion, such as indigestion/wind, how my stomach feels, appetite and evacuation (politest way I could think of putting it! LOL) and on my monthlies, such as flow, clotting, timings, cramps etc. Plus I now have to go back weekly for everything to be reviewed and to allow Jan to slightly adjust the meds, if needs be, until the mix is right for me, as she wants me back to feeling as good as I did before these glitches........ and so do I. :0)

She then gave me the advice on the foods I showed an intolerance to and the timings for the re-introduction of some of them (see previous post).

Finally came the weigh-in. I'd set myself a goal last time of losing 5 1/2lbs, so that would take me below 13 stone. I felt it sounded much nicer saying I'm 12 stone something rather than 13 stone whatever and when Jan told me my actual weight I did a little Happy Dance. I'd dropped from 13 stone 5 at my last weigh-in......... to 12 stone 9 this weigh-in. Yes, that's an incredible 10lbs, so I did my goal and then some! Yay!!!! Jan was so impressed when she made a note of my weight in the folder she even wrote Wow! after it. LOL Jan then pointed out that, as it was the wrong end of the month and I was probably retaining fluid, my loss could actually be more than that but I'm happy enough with what showed and having achieved way more than I'd set out to do. :0)

After paying and making an appointment for next Wednesday I left.... floating on air. LOL First call was the Post Office, then Help the Aged, where I managed to find Book 3 from the Maggie Furey series I bought last time (so that was another plus). Then I ventured even further down the High Street than ever before: I made it into Wilko's to do a little shopping, then further down to Ethel Austin to look at the clothes (quick look, wasn't overly impressed by the very young outfits in there - not into that mutton dressed as lamb thing), then back up the opposite side of the street to buy a Christening card for my cousin's grandson, stopping off in the Hospice clothing shop last thing. In there I spotted a size 14 pair of jeans for £1.00 and thought I'd risk the money just to see if I could get into them.

Once home I put everything away then grabbed the jeans and....... yes, they may be a little hugging but I can get into them and zip them up. I haven't seen the inside of a size 14 of anything in a veeeery long time. How cool is that?

So now the next goal is to try and get under 12 1/2 stone before we go on holiday on the 8th May (I've got 3 weeks) and visit Matalan to get some more size 14's as they should be slightly less hugging by then. :0)

FOOD INTOLERANCE TESTING

Wednesday morning saw me up early and ready to go walking down the local High Street for the first of my two appointments at the Earth Energies Clinic: the food intolerance testing.

I didn't know what to expect with the tests as I'd never had this type of thing done before, so it was interesting to talk to Natalie, who does the testing, and have a look at the equipment that is used before she commenced. After taking down my particulars (name, address etc, d.o.b, she went on to ask about: any definite allergies I knew of (I react to the anti-tetanus jab and something in Vick's Cough medicine, so avoid both); the general state of my health and the current treatment I'm on; things that I feel seem to affect me; if I have headaches, upset stomach's and the like and various other things, so she could get a general overview before commencing.

This is a pic of Natalie and the equipment she uses (taken from the Earth Energies website):

It consists of the machine in the background which sends the electronic pulses through the probe she uses and into your hand or finger. What you can't see, because her arm is in the way, is the circular disk that's attached to the machine by wires and which holds the little test tubes full of little "pills" which are used to test for intolerance's. The first thing that happened was removal of all my rings (except my wedding ring which can't come off), then I had to hold what looked like a brass rod in my left hand - which was also attached to the machine by wires - whilst she used the probe on various areas in my opposite hand, swiping the metal end on a small piece of damp cloth before each application, and moving some little test tubes around in the disk container. I then had to change hands and the same procedure was repeated, though she had to turn the pulses down a little as I felt definite small belts from it this time. Every time the probe touched my hands the machine made an odd ticking noise, sometimes soft and sometimes a bit louder. This first procedure calibrated the machine, presumably to me.

Natalie then opened one of several boxes containing more little test tubes and told me that she would now be testing for food intolerances, whislt I had to hold the brass rod in my dominant right hand. The soft ticking from the box meant things were OK, a slightly higher tone meant moderate intolerance and a louder one meant high intolerance. The little test tubes looked a bit like this, but with plastic stoppers and not cork ones:

I didn't ask but guess the white "pills" contain the essence of each food. It's amazing how quickly Natalie was able to swap the test tubes, swipe the probes end on the cloth and apply it to the right side of my middle finger to test and repeat - very well co-ordinated and dexterous - though what really impressed me was that she could also hold a conversation whilst doing it all!

I noticed quite a few of the little tubes went back in the box the right way up but a few went back upside down..... those turned out to be the ones that I registered intolerances for.

The results showed moderate intolerance to: egg white and yolk; most dairy products, as in cow's milk, butter, cheese, sour milk and yoghurt; margarine; tuna fish; orange; banana; grapefruit; tangerine; lemon; garlic and paprika and a high intolerance to peas. The citrus I knew about because well before starting the candida diet I stopped eating and drinking them as they made my stomach very acid. The dairy I'd suspected for a long time because whenever I had any I saw a big increase in catarrh and sinus problems - when I stopped having yoghurt and cheese and reduced the amount of milk I had it improved. The butter is a little annoying, as we tend to use that for pan-frying fish and meat. Banana wasn't a surprise either, as when I ate them (pre-diet) they used to make me burp badly. The eggs and tuna were a surprise and was a bit upset about them showing up as I do like them, especially the tuna.

The upshot is I have to avoid dairy with it registering them all - it's olive or flax seed oil for pan-frying from now on and using an alternative to milk (rice, oat or soya milk - as reduced sugar as I can get it). Tuna I can try re-introducing after a four week break and see how it goes, eggs in six weeks and bananas would be OK in seven weeks (though they're still banned from the candida diet). I have to avoid using paprika and not eat peppered mackerel.... I'd decided to avoid the latter anyway last month as it kept giving me indigestion!

Next was the candida test, to see what effect the treatment is having. A good response should be between 90 and a 100. Unfortunately mine was down at 60, so something is going wrong and I had to chat to Jan about it. I will have a summary of the testing and recommendations posted to me in the next couple of days.

Whilst I don't understand all the ins and outs of how the machinery, electrical pulses and test tubes of pills work I feel it was well worth having it done, as it confirmed some of the suspicions I'd already had about certain things affecting me and set my mind at ease about others. It must work: how else could it have picked up on the citrus fruits intolerance when I don't eat them because I know they upset me? It also gives another overview to my health, what I take in and the effects they have, and how I can make further changes to my diet to help improve my health and reap long-term benefits from it. Now that can't be bad, can it? :0)

As this is already a long post I shall do a separate one about my session with Jan afterwards.

DEVELOPMENT CIRCLE

Last night (Tuesday) was the first meeting of the Development Circle run by Aureen, my Reiki practitioner. I got nervous, as I always do when doing something new, although not as bad as I can get, as in: I used to bring on a migraine in my earlier years or a panic attack in my later years. Avoiding either is a definite sign of improvement. :0)

The house we met in was out in a local village, the home of one of Aureen's friends........ and a lovely home it is too, all neutral colours and rustic pine doors and furniture, with two gorgeous figurines on the mantelpiece in the living room that I loved. The atmosphere was instantly welcoming and I felt comfortable straightaway. Aureen introduced me to the other lady, who I shall call A, who I later discovered had been doing healing for seven years. Two other ladies were to have joined us but one had contacted her to say she couldn't come, due to having new lambs to feed, and the other one had been struggling to find a babysitter and didn't turn up, so guess she didn't find one.

We then moved into a small sitting area off the kitchen where we all sat on cushioned wooden chairs. Aureen then went on to explain a little about what she would be covering this week and how she saw things developing in future weeks and how we would be integrated with another small group when we reach the same level as them. Next were explanations on: psychic protection and various ways of creating a bubble of protection around ourselves, such as imagining a ball of white light surrounding us, or a sphere of light that we step into then zip up behind us; how to firmly ground ourselves by imagining branches growing from the soles of our feet down through the floor and foundations and into the earth below, where they anchor themselves; what the chakras are, the main ones and where they are and the colours associated with them and how to open them to commence working, by imagining them as a rosebud in the respective colour which slowly opens out to full bloom, or a door slowly opening or traffic lights on a dimmer switch that slowly intensifies the colour; then how to close them again by imagining the opposite. She also explained how she would open and close our circle with joined hands and prayer: Aureen herself refers to a Universal Spirit, rather than the patriarchal Christian God or particular Pagan Gods or Goddesses, and told us to use whatever term we prefer when joining in the prayer. I was comfortable with her version and used it.

Once the circle was opened we began by deep breathing then trying to visualise our protection..... I say trying because my skill with visualisation is rather hit and miss, occasionally leaning towards non-existent, despite my best efforts. I may be a Pagan but I rarely do spellwork, entrusting the Universe to give what is truly needed when the time is right, so don't use the techniques frequently, as Wiccans do. I "talked" my way through it until I felt it was OK, then turned my hands face down as a sign that I was ready. We then had to say how we felt it had gone. A already has this skill, though "feels" it being placed around her, rather than seeing it with her minds eye. It was pretty obvious I was going to need more practice - the visualisation wouldn't come and the breathing bit is fine when I don't think about it and just do it but once told I had to concentrate on it it just went all over the place! A suggested that I might be trying too hard with both, rather than relaxing into and just letting it happen - reckon she was right but I did feel I was lagging way behind her level, so had to try more.

Next we had to ground ourselves which Aureen guided us through by telling us to imagine the branches growing, spreading and then anchoring into the ground - this I could do as I find it easier to imagine and I actually felt the soles of my feet tingle, so knew it had worked.

Following this we then had to start imagining energy coming through the branches into each chakra in sequence, opening each out, starting with the root (or base) chakra and working up. I used the bud to flower image but couldn't really see colour and again had to more talk my way through it. I think switching to the door imagery may work better for me in future. When Aureen asked how it went A said she could see the healing colours purple, Spring green and orange basically because she uses them regularly in her healing work but struggled to see the other colours, so needed to work on those. The only time I saw truly vivid colours was at my last Reiki treatment (the healing colours). To answer your question Julie: meditation has become a bit of a struggle for me as these days I seem to fall asleep more often than not, so am lucky if I manage to see anything at all before nodding off. If I do see anything it seems to be hints of purple more than anything else (am curious to know why you asked now :0) ). More practice is definitely needed!

Following this we were then guided through something called feeling the power. We had to imagine white light shining down through our crown chakra (top of head) through our heads, shoulders and down through our arms and into our hands, then raise our hands, palms facing, and slowly bring them together until they touched. When we'd done this Aureen asked if we'd felt anything and I was glad to say I did! It was a rather odd sensation of feeling as if I'd got opposing magnets on each palm and as I brought them together the "magnets" were trying to keep them apart, or as if I was holding a small globe. Result! LOL

Next was closing down our chakras, followed by the closing of our circle and then a discussion of how we felt things had gone. One of the drawbacks of meeting in a semi-detached house is that there's no control over noise from neighbours and, whilst Aureen is able to block this out, A and I both found the occasional sounds distracting, so we shall use a little background music in future to help overcome it and begin with a little more relaxation/breathing before going on to do meditations or visualisations, to set the mood. We will also try a little psychometry - though I'm not really expecting much from myself with that at this early stage.

To be honest I feel as if I was more in touch with my inner self and intuition, and more in tune with my body, when I was in my twenties and that I've since managed to "kill" it off, partly because DH was uncomfortable with such things or straight out didn't believe (though he's now much more open-minded). Partially atrophied through lack of full use probably best describes it, so it's a case of using some mental physiotherapy to get things working and allowing them to flow smoothly once again. I have homework to do: practicing the visualisation techniques of protecting, grounding and opening and closing my chakras, so it will become easier for me to actually see it all happening in my minds eye.

All told it was a positive experience, despite a bit of an inferiority complex about my skills (or lack thereof), and I felt something in what we had done had worked as I came away buzzing and looking forward to next weeks session.

ORACLE CARDS

I've let this blog concentrate mostly on my visits to the Herbalist and Reiki practitioner recently which is a good way of keeping track of how my weight loss journey and treatment is proceeding but that doesn't necessarily make it thrilling reading at times. It's also not quite how I envisioned developing this blog either so, with that in mind, I thought it was time to start reintroducing posts on other things......... such as the things that interest me and also the tools I use as I journey along my Path.

At one of the M,B&S events I went to a couple of years ago I was having a browse on The Magick Thread book stall, one of my regular stop offs. Actually to call it a book stall doesn't quite do it justice, as they also sell Tarot and Oracle cards of all descriptions, the cloths to do spreads on and bags to hold them in, Almanacs, Diaries (pocket and larger), calendars etc etc - many with a Pagan/Wiccan theme. As I browsed I found myself being drawn to a particular set of Oracle cards so, having learnt not to ignore this instinct, I bought them. The cards are the Archangel Oracle cards by Doreen Virtue:

Inside the box is a small guidebook that gives details of how to use the cards in various ways, explains a little about each angel and what message they have and a more in-depth explanation of that message. There are also 45 cards: the deck is based on 15 archangels drawn from Jewish, Cabalistic, Christian, Catholic and Islamist traditions, with 3 cards with different meanings for each archangel. The artwork on them is just beautiful:

So what's a Pagan doing believeing in angels - surely it's a contradicition? Well I don't see it that way, as I think we all have a guardian angel, no matter what our faith or belief system, and that this has been the case since humans first started walking on Mother Earth....... and, let's face it, our ancestors were, originally, Goddess worshipping Pagans. Before the current main patriarchal religions evolved there was established belief in spirits of nature, beings of light and energy, that were inherent in all living things - especially so by the Celts, who also believed that all people had what they called an Anam Cara (or Anam Chara) > a Soul Friend....... and what better description of a guardian angel can you find? :0)

Since buying the cards I've used them whenever I've felt the need, or felt drawn to do so, and have always had a relevant message or messages from them. How do I know? I'll share a couple of examples.

Having told Aureen I was interested in her Development Circle and before having the last, and very enlightening, visit to see Jan I pulled this card:

The additional message: Your Spiritual understanding is rising to another level, as you open up to new ways of looking at life. Keep an open mind, and let go of limited thinking and illusions. Pay attention to signs - information that comes to you three times or more. Notice geometric shapes and symbols in your physical and psychic vision. Know that your increased awareness may shift your relationships and career goals. I'll guide you through these changes so your life mirrors your inner experiences.

Working with Archangel Raziel: As the wizard and alchemist of the angelic realm, Raziel helps us understand ideas that defy normal logic. He expands and challenges everyday thinking in ways that ultimately have healing effects. If you hunger for deep spiritual understanding, ask Raziel to enter your dreams. You'll soul travel with him to classrooms where he'll help you uncover truths and secrets. Upon awakening, you may not fully remember or understand Raziel's teachings, yet this knowledge is permanently imbedded in your subconscious, where it guides you throughout each day.

Speaking to Jan just a few days after pulling this card I revealed I was a Pagan which led to an extremely interesting talk on related things. She also told me about the plans she had for the Clinic and of how she would then be able to develop the Spiritual aspect to it, which she felt more and more drawn to do, and the types of workshops she would like to offer. I was pretty excited about it all, as much of what she will introduce is of interest to me and will also help me to develop my own Spiritual side - the first of these is the Angel Workshop at the end of May. Just as I'm starting to go back out into the world....... the doors present themselves and begin to open and as I start to do more of what I feel drawn to do and my own Spirituality develops then my outlook, awareness and goals will be bound to change and all should be for the better. :0)

Coincidentally, since drawing this card my dreams have been a little more vivid and full of symbology - though not necessarily of the geometrical kind. I've also been noticing little white feathers turning up all over the place too. :0)


As I finished taking the pics of the cards I got the urge to shuffle them and pull another. As I prepared to do this I had two questions rolling around in my head: What do I need to know? Who is with me? Normally it's best just to focus on one question but, try as I might, I still had both buzzing in my head - so I went ahead and began shuffling them. As I did this two cards seemed to almost jump out of the stack, so I took them and put them on the cloth:

What do I need to know? The Prioritize card with Archangel Metatron was the top card.

Additional message: What's your calling? What makes your heart sing? When you focus on these areas your joyful energy increases, which benefits everyone. Take charge of your schedule and spend more time on projects and activities close to your heart. Make choices that honour your priorities and support your life's mission.

Working with Archangel Metatron: Metatron is one of two archangels who once walked upon Earth as human men (the other one is Sandalphon). Metatron was the prophet and scribe, Enoch, who ascended after his exemplary Earth life. He continues working as a scribe and record keeper in heaven. He helps people develop organizational and record-keeping skills as well. When you call upon Metatron he motivates you to organize your priorities.

Well, if anyone needed help in getting organized then it's definitely me! LOL There are so many things I want to do and struggle to fit in because I'm not sure which to prioritise - which means I either flit round like a butterfly, doing a little on this and a little on that, and getting nowhere fast.... or take the lazy option and don't bother because it's much less hassle. There are so many projects that have been on the back burner for a long time, especially in the house jobs department, that they've got to an overwhelming level and it's difficult to know which to begin with, so the floundering carries over there too. So the message is loud and clear there!

Who is with me? The Hello from Heaven card with Archangel Azrael was the second card.

Additional message: Your loved ones aren't far away; in fact, they're quite near. In your quiet moments you can feel their presence. These really are true visitations and I ask you to trust your intuition. You may notice dream visits from deceased loved ones. Know that your loved ones are happy, free of all suffering, and want the same for you. Your loved ones want to work with your guardian angel to help you be peaceful, so watch for other signs from heaven.

Working with Archangel Azrael: Azrael is know as "The Angel of Death" since his primary role is to help people cross over to heaven at the time of their physical death. Far from being a morbid role, Azrael surrounds the newly crossed-over soul with loving light to make the experience uplifting and comforting. Azrael helps deceased loved ones make contact with their living family members and friends. You can ask Azrael to bring you a message or dream visitation from your loved ones in heaven.

My jaw dropped with this one as not only is it so relevant but I'd been thinking of my Mum and Dad again just that morning and especially remembering the hospital visits to see Dad, prior to him being taken to the hospice. These days I quickly shake those thoughts off, as they're not happy ones and it's not how I want to remember him. Glad to say that I do occasionally have those dream visits and also have those feelings that certain loved ones are around. It's usually something small and innocuous: starting to hum a particular song that Dad loved, suddenly realising what I'm doing and feeling that he was near; or one of Mum's sayings popping into my head, out of the blue, and getting a sense of not being alone. Then there are the messages from my Tarot reader, from Aureen and again from Ian Lawman at the Psychic evening we went to last year - all relevant and all confirming that our loved ones are still around, even though we can't always see (or sense) them. :0)

So that's why I both use these cards and love them: they are full of beautiful imagery and give positive, helpful and relevant messages when consulted.