Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Chakra System of Animals Guest Post Copyright article provided courtesy of Patinkas © 2009

Chakra System Animals
SanskritChakraPlease Note: The information contained below is not meant as a substitute for seeking professional help if you have an animal who is sick, injured or you think may be unwell.  Always seek help and advice from a qualified veterinary surgeon in the first instance. 
Introduction
Animals, in common with all other living beings, have a chakra system.  This system is a complex network of spinning, energy vortices (often called ‘petals’ in Eastern traditions) which run throughout the entire body.  Universal energy (Prana, Chi, Ki) flows in and out of the chakras, along the meridian system, into the aura and then finally into the physical body.  The energy flows two ways; inward and out.  Therefore, every thought, act and emotion affects the chakras and is mirrored in the aura.  Likewise, external stimuli, both positive and negative, have an effect on the chakras and leave their mark in the aura (including physical injuries).  This is the same for animals and humans alike.

For those unfamiliar with the chakra system, if you imagine the subtle energy body (made up of chakras, linked to meridians and contained in the aura) as being like a car engine, and the physical body is the actual vehicle which the engine drives, it is not difficult to see that when the car starts to perform less effectively or even breaks down, that it’s the engine which needs repairing or re-tuning and not the car bodywork.  It’s the same with the subtle energy body. When we re-charge/realign the chakras - get them spinning in harmony and at the correct rate – you get the physical body running smoothly once again.
Animal Chakras
Animals have 8 Major chakras, 21 Minor chakras and 6 Bud chakras.  Alongside the seven Major chakras that animals share with humans (Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral and Root), there is another Major chakra which is unique to animals.  It is called the Brachial or Key chakra. This chakra was discovered by the world’s foremost, internationally renowned, animal healer, Margrit Coates (click here to visit Margrit’s web site, The Animal Healer).
Animals have:
  • 8 Major Chakras
  • 21 Minor Chakras
  • 6 Bud ChakrasDog Face Chakras - Copyright © Patinkas 2009
The Brachial chakra is located on either side of the body, in the area of the shoulders.  It is the main energy centre in all animals and links directly to all other chakras.  It is the centre which relates to animal-human interaction and any healing should always begin at this chakra.  Animals which have a strong, healthy link with their human companions usually have a vibrant Brachial chakra, as it is the centre where the animal-human bond is formed and carried.

The Bud chakras are found one on each foot (pad, paw, hoof, etc) and one on the skin at the base opening of each ear (see right). They are especially receptive to subtle energy vibrations; for example changes in the weather like a thunderstorm, or even impending, major earth events like an earthquake or hurricane. The Bud chakras located in the feet are often used to source areas of energy in the ground which are beneficial to the animal. When they find these areas they may paw the ground before either laying or rolling on the spot (not to be confused with a dog finding something ‘smelly’ to roll in!). Standing on such an area can also help ground an animal. 

The 21 Minor chakras in animals are sensory centres and can be found, in among other places, on the nose, tail and ears.  Whilst the Bud and Minor chakras are smaller energy centres than the Major ones, they are every bit as important and assist in the function of the Major chakras.
Below: Illustration showing position of the Major Chakras, the primary Minor Chakra and Bud Chakras on animals. Whilst the illustration is of a horse,
the placement is the same for all animals (allowing for scale and body shape). See bottom of page for dog illustration
Horse Chakras - Copyright © Patinkas 2009
Cat paw showing Bud ChakraUnsurprisingly, most animals’ senses or instincts are far more finely tuned and sensitive than humans’ (although some animals are more developed than others, like dolphins).  As a result, animal chakras are usually far brighter and larger in comparison to ours. Their strong sixth sense emanates from the primary sensory centre; one of the 21 Minor chakras. This is located at the bridge of the nose, below the Third Eye or Brow chakra.  Animals are constantly absorbing and computing sensory information; far more so than humans owing to their reliance on instinct for survival.  Aside from using the Bud chakras in their feet as mentioned above, they may also be seen rubbing a part of their body against a tree, rolling on the ground or even rubbing up against their fellow animal or human companions to stimulate a chakra.  An animal who has suffered from physical, mental or emotional trauma, however, may not always be able to repair the resulting energetic imbalance and this is where we find signs of disease (dis-ease) present.

Each chakra corresponds to an aspect of the self; thought, emotion, senses, instinct and so on. Whilst governing the same physical areas, animal chakras have, however, developed or evolved slightly differently from humans’.  This can be further defined with differences between domestic and wild animals.  For example, you tend to find a more developed Heart chakra in wild animals (strong herd hierarchy) plus a more pronounced Root Chakra (stronger sense of survival).  With a wild horse you will see a stronger flight response (Solar Plexus chakra) than in a Thoroughbred, which is a man-made breed.  Then we have neutering or castration of domestic animals; which strongly affects the Sacral (or Spleen) chakra. 
Above: Photo showing position of Bud Chakra on a cat’s paw
Brief Overview of Animal Chakras:
Location, Function/Purpose, Signs of Imbalance and Body Areas Governed, Gemstones


The 8 Major Chakras:

Chakra
Location
Function/ Purpose
Signs of Imbalance
Body Areas Governed
Gemstones
Brachial(primary ‘Major’ chakra – healing should start at this chakra)
between shoulders (on a horse, just below where shoulder meets neck)
links all other Major chakras, centre for animal-human bonding, place to start healing
reluctance to be touched (other than for obvious medical reasons: arthritis, inflamed skin, etc), reluctance/refusal to ‘connect’
chest, neck, forelimbs, head
Black Tourmaline (if animal is reluctant to connect), Herkimer Diamond, piece of programmed Clear Quartz (click on link for programming info)
Crown
on top of head, between the ears (at the ‘poll’ on a horse)
connects to spirit
depression, withdrawn
brain, pituitary gland, skin, spine, central and autonomic nervous system, cranio-sacral system
Clear Quartz, Azestulite, Tanzanite, Diamond
Third Eye (Brow)
centre of forehead, just above the eyes
acceptance of self
headaches, bad eyes, distant/distracted
head in general, pineal gland, natural body rhythms, higher mental self
Lapis Lazuli, Fluorite Amethyst, Charoite
Throat
on physical throat (on long-necked animals, over vocal chords)
communication
uncommunicative or excessively noisy, doesn’t listen to commands (training requests)
throat, mouth, teeth, jaws (albeit often caused from Root-based fear, animals which chew excessively can often benefit from having energy balanced here)
Blue Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Topaz
Heart
breast/front of chest to behind forelegs (above brisket to breast on a horse)
herd hierarchy (relationships)
sad (recent emotional grief/ separation/loss?), overly possessive, unwilling to interact with other animals, jealous, nervous around other animals for no known reason
heart, lungs, immune system, thymus gland
Rose Quartz, Emerald, Pink Tourmaline, Jade
Solar Plexus
middle of the back
personal power/sense of self (often depleted in domesticated animals)
dejected, withdrawn, aggressive, dominating, no enthusiasm
digestive tract, stomach, liver
Citrine, Tiger Eye, Amber, Topaz
Sacral (Spleen)
lower lumber area, between tail and middle of back (rump or middle of croup on a horse)
sexuality, emotion (emotional loss of animal partner, home, offspring, etc, can often be stored here). Good place to work on when animal in shock whilst waiting for, or en route to vet
over emotional: excessive whining for no obvious reason (exclude medical reasons first ), boundary issues: i.e. for a dog/horse: difficulty establishing difference between work (training) time and play (off lead/ lead rope) time
kidneys, adrenal glands, reproductive system, lymphatic system
Carnelian, Coral, Orange Calcite
Root
where tail meets body (hindquarters)
survival, grounding, (this chakra can be especially developed in animals lower down the prey system or food chain, i.e. animals preyed upon by others)
excessively fearful/strong flight reaction, greedy, sluggish, underweight, restless
intestines, gut, hips, hind legs, muscular skeletal system as a whole
Hematite, Garnet, Red Jasper, Unakite



























 
Minor & Bud Chakras:
21 Minor Chakras
Location
: throughout the body
Function: govern the sensory systems.  The most important Minor chakra is located at the bridge of the nose, below the eyes (under the Brow or Third Eye chakra – see diagrams).
Bud Chakras
Location
: one on the base of each foot (two in birds) and one at the base of each ear - under the flap, just at the opening
Function: senses, subtle energy receptors
Below: Illustration showing positions of Major Chakras, primary Minor (sensory) Chakra and Bud Chakras on a dog
Dog Chakras - Copyright © Patinkas 2009
Dog's sensory chakra in action! Dog's sensory chakra in action!
Above Left: Dog’s Minor ‘sensory’ chakras in action!                                  Above Right: Same picture but with chakras shown (Major, Minor & Bud)  
 Copyright article provided courtesy of Patinkas © 2009
Copyright image provided courtesy of Patinkas © 2009

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Wipe For Wildlife - One Easy Way To Protect Our Forests

Did you know more than 6 million trees are flushed down our toilets every year! 
You can help protect our forests by simply switching to 100% recycled toilet paper
http://www.zoo.org.au/wipe/more

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

30 Free Affirmations

I learn the power of courage by listening to and acting on my 'true' feelings and desires.
I learn the power of courage by speaking my truth, standing in my personal power and shouting to the world that I Am Fabulous As I Am!
I channel my energy into positive paths that are true to me
I am authentic.
I maintain my personal boundaries with honor and integrity
I value myself highly
Each day is a magical day for me to enjoy spontaneous and playful fun
Today I am spontaneous and open to wild adventures
I am self assured, assertive and I always stand up for myself
Today I am organized, I see the bigger picture and step out of my comfort zone
I connect with my inner strength and support myself on my journey of growth
I allow others the freedom and honor to grow and move on
I am authentically connected to my true self
I make intuitive decisions easily which support my highest well being
I am focused on what I need to do to create my optimum self
I am very intuitive
I is my divine right to be safe and feel safe and protected at all times
It is my divine right to live purposely with passion and truth
I am rich in many ways
I am safe and protected at all times
It is my divine right to be rich, abundant and protected on all levels
I learn the power of courage by boldly facing the unknown
I use determination and perseverance to show the world how great I am 
Stepping into the unknown helps me to grow and learn more about myself
I courageously step out of my comfort zone
I value my health highly
I confidently maintain my personal boundaries
My inner child is a beautiful valuable girl/boy s/he is playful magickal, divine and curious
I love nurture and honor my inner child
My inner child loves to speak

Copyright Kelly Rossiter www.ashkara.net

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Message From Lilith, Kali & The Morrighan

I would like to share a message I received during a Samhain Ritual 2011,
 channeled from Lilith, Kali & the Morrighan


I am strong, I bow down to no one
I accept no less than equal,
For I am made equal to all
I am worthy of the best
It is my divine right 
To stand proud 
In the truth of who I am
For I am me & I am Free

Copyright Kelly Rossiter www.ashkara.net

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Ostara – The Spring Equinox – Vernal Equinox

20-23rd September Southern Hemisphere 
20-23rd March Northern Hemisphere

As the Earth awakens from her winter nap, signs of new life are everywhere; new leaves are sprouting, birds are gathering materials for their nests, the days are getting warmer and longer.
When daylight and darkness have reached a point of equal length, this marks the Spring Equinox, also known as Ostara, Eostre and the Vernal Equinox. 
This festival is believed to have originated as early as 3000BC,  Ostara  marked the beginning of the agricultural year when preparation and planting of crops would begin.    

This is a time of harmony, balance, fertility, new beginnings and new life.
Consider what you would like to create in your life over the coming year and what you need to let go of in order to create space for the new.

Ostara Correspondences

Animals – Rabbit, Hare, Hen, Bee, Robin, Horse 
Colours – Pink, White, Yellow, Green 
Goddess – Eostre, Epona, Aphrodite, Isis

Gods – Thoth, The Horned Man, The Green Man 
Crystals – Topaz, Citrine, Rose Quartz, Green Jade, Aventurine
 Flowers – Rose, Apple Blossom, Niouli, Jasmine & Daffodils


Rituals Ideas

Birth, Fertility & Creation
Decorate Eggs
Create a Faerie Garden
Plant a Herb Garden
Picnic with Family & Friends
Spring Cleaning - Physically & Energetically

How do you celebrate the Spring equinox?

Copyright Kelly Rossiter www.ashkara.net

Friday, September 9, 2011

Glastonbury 2011

In June/July this year I was fortunate to spend a few weeks in England, 10 days of that on Imramma with Lucy Cavendish and Jo Byrne.
Here are some pictures from Glastonbury

The Chalice Well, an ancient holy well and sacred healing gardens which lies beneath the Tor



A gorgeous garden nestled around the streets of Glastonbury

The view from the cafe where I ate the most delicious vegetarian lasagna for lunch

The view from the Holy Thorn Tree to the Tor

The Holy Thorn Tree, vandalized in 2010, this sacred tree is linked to the beginning of Christianity and is said to have sprouted from the staff of Joseph of Arimethea.
This tree is sacred to Christians and Pagans alike and thankfully is starting to re-sprout.
The ribbons represent the wishes of the many pilgrims who come to visit this beautiful place in Glastonbury

The spout of the Red Spring at the Chalice Wells, enriched with Iron

The Tor, beneath the Tor are Faerie tunnels as I lay on the grass I swear I could feel a rustling from beneath the ground, which reminded me of an egg which is just about to hatch. This sacred place is the site of power ley lines including the Michael and Mary lines.

a tribute to Ganesha in one of the Glastonbury stores


Copyright Kelly Rossiter www.ashkara.net

Isis - the Egyptian Goddess of Life, Fertility and Magic


Isis is an Egyptian Goddess, she was the first born daughter of Nut - the Goddess of the Overarching Sky and the God of the Earth Geb.  

Isis was portrayed as the ideal wife and mother, a family orientated woman who taught home life skills to women across Egypt; Isis was a loyal and dedicated, a powerful healer and Goddess of Magic.

Isis increased her magical powers by placing a serpent in the path of Ra (the Sun God), the serpent bit Ra.
Isis promised to cure Ra if he shared with her his magic name. 
He resisted but as the poison started to take effect he knew he had no choice but to share his name with her.

Isis's husband was her brother Osiris, who was killed by their brother Set(Seth), Isis searched to find the body of her dead husband, when she found Osiris body she used her magic to breathe him back to life. Osiris and Isis are the parents of Horus.

Working With Isis
Isis can assist with issues regarding loyalty, protection, family, home and magic.
Invoke Isis to breathe new life into projects and relationships; she will help you with developing your healing skills and magickal knowledge.

As an Underworld Goddess she  can help us with the De-constructing and releasing of things that no longer serve us - relationships, negative attitudes, poor diet ect and assist people/animals in their transition from life to death.

Isis Power Words

* Womanhood  * Motherhood * Loyalty * Love * Nurturing * Protection * Sexuality     * Magic *Moon Goddess * Power

Copyright Kelly Rossiter www.ashkara.net

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sunshine Meditation


The sun is an essential part of life. Without the sun there would be no warmth, no light,
and no life. The sun is our natural source of vitamin D which is essential for strong and healthy bones, stimulates certain hormones and enhances our feelings of happiness and well being.

Choose a time of day where the sun is not too strong, morning or evening is ideal, either outside in a partially shaded area or a sunny room inside .
Sit or lie in a comfortable position in the sun, close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun radiate  throughout your body.

Notice the colours that appear in your mind’s eye. . .
Mentally scan your body noticing any areas of your body which appear dull
or aching or in low energy.
Feel the suns energy pulsating through these areas harmonizing warming and
clearing all stagnant energy.
Bring your attention to your feet, and each of your toes, wriggle your toes and
feel the sun radiate throughout your feet.

The warm and cleansing energy then flows to your ankles, up your calves,
thighs and to your hips.To your pelvis, abdomen, all your internal organs . . .
Feel yourself feeling perfectly relaxed and in harmony with the ground, the sun and you
Now feel the suns energy warming your shoulders, arms , elbows, hands and fingers, wriggle your fingers in the sun. 
The sunlight swirls around your neck and throat – your face, mouth and scalp, brain and hair.

Feel your whole body relaxing and being in perfect harmony with the sun and the ground beneath you.
Feel this energy extend out beyond your physical body into your aura.
Bring your attention to your life, is there any areas which are dull, lifeless or filled with regret, sadness or depression?
See the sunlight radiate into these stagnant areas, cleansing and clearing new life into your life. 
This light brings new possibilities.
Allow yourself to just be for a few minutes.
Slowly come back into the now, wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.


Note - While the sun has many benefits, appropriate precautions must be made to protect yourself from sunburn.
Copyright Kelly Rossiter www.ashkara.net

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman


bw-warriors
“White Buffalo Calf Woman: An Interpretation”
by Brigitte M. Botnick, Fauna Art Gallery
Over 2000 years ago the Lakota people were experiencing great famine & chaos; they had lost their hope and connection to each other.
One day two hunters were returning home when a beautiful maiden appeared, she was dressed in a white buckskin dress and glowed with a beauty neither of the hunters had seen before.
One of the hunters filled with lustful thoughts immediately announced his desire to couple with her, the second hunter was certain this woman was a sacred messenger, and scolded his companion.
To the second hunter’s amazement the maiden called the first hunter to her, as he stepped forward a great cloud of black dust enveloped them both, as the dust settled the Second hunter was horrified to see that his friend was now a pile of bones!
Full of fear the second hunter began to pray, the maiden spoke ‘those who only seek the attainment of physical desires without any thought of the spirit within, may feel immediate pleasure, but will die on the inside – those who looked beyond the physical and saw the divine spirit  within would receive pleasures that include, yet extend far beyond the physical. “
She informed the hunter that she is the White Buffalo Calf woman, the Mother of the old ones – The teacher of truth and wisdom, and instructed him to return to the village and inform the people to make a Tipi of many skins as she would be returning in four days with a sacred gift for them
The people of the village gathered in the tipi as the White Buffalo Calf Woman entered she walked seven times in a clockwise direction around the great fire that burned in the center.  She explained as she walked she was remembering and honouring the love energy of the Great Spirit – the energy that warms the heart of all living things
She declared she had come as a representive of her people to remind the children of the earth of their existence, to reignite the connection between them and the Great Spirit and to prepare them for the great changes to come.
She taught the people sacred ceremonies, songs and dances, instructing them how to be responsible caretakers of the land and to always remember that the children are the future of the people.
White Buffalo Calf Woman brought a gift – A sacred pipe which was to assist the people in remembering her teachings and wisdom, when not in use the pipe was to be carried at all times in the special pouch, it was to be filled with the purest tobacco and treated at all times with great respect.
She filled the pipe with tobacco and lit it to demonstrate a sacred ceremony which would reconnect the people to the heart of the Great Spirit while reharmonising their existence so that loneliness and despair would be banished forever.                              Seven times she drew breath and exhaled the sacred smoke, seven times she prayed and seven times she spoke of changes and sacred things.
The first smoke is a breath of gratitude to the Grandfather above all Grandfathers  – the great spirit Wakan Tanka, for the life you have been given
The second smoke is for the Mother above all Mothers – The Mother Earth, give thanks to her for all she gives you and for all that you take.
The third is for all other living creatures which reside with us on earth
The fourth is for all the people that know reality yet carry spirit in their hearts – taken with the hope that one day all will walk as one
The fifth is taken as a way of honouring and asking the unseen spirits which walk with you to come forth and guide your desires to work with the Great Spirit.
The sixth is taken for the six people you would like to see blessed by spirit.
The seventh breath was to be taken in silence, as a way of honouring the Sacred Being from which every being first came.
The White Buffalo Calf Woman spoke of a great need for the people to walk together, she told them a time of great darkness and confusion would come, the fires in the hearts of many people would become just embers, and some would be completely extinguished.
She reminded them from these embers great fires can be raised, that when the darkness passes, the beautiful light of a new day will spread across the earth marking great new beginnings and sacred times, a time where all people of the earth, all colours will unite and walk as one, spirit will be reborn into the hearts of all. In this time animals will become plentiful and everyone will rejoice in balance and harmony with nature.
She told the people she would return to earth again – as a white buffalo calf – to symbolize a time of great change – a time of purification and renewal.
On 20th August 1994 a white buffalo calf was born on a ranch in the USA, they named her Miracle as being born white marked her as a creature of Lakota prophecy.
Since her birth there have been around 16 more white buffalo calf born
References

Clean Up and Kill Germs with Lemon Essential oil

Common Name Lemon Botanical Name Citrus Limon

Lemon Essential Oil is produced by squeezing the oil from the rind of the fruit.
It takes around 3000 lemons to produce 1kg of essential oil.  
Lemon essential oil promotes clarity of mind, invigorates and uplifts.
It is also powerful antiseptic with the ability to kill harmful bacteria in minutes.
Give your digestive system a boost by drinking some freshly squeezed lemon juice every morning.

Make your own Natural All Purpose Cleaner
You Will Need
  • A 500ml spray bottle
  • 50ml Environmentally Friendly Dish Liquid – I use Earth Choice
  • 25 – 50 drops Lemon Essential oil
  • 25 drops Lime Essential Oil (Optional)
Pour the dish liquid and essential oils in the bottle – if you have Lime oil,  use 25 drops of Lemon and 25 drops of Lime.
Fill with water shake well and there you have a simple, refreshing cleaner for your home.
Use to clean benches, walls, floors, toilet, sinks & showers.
For tough patches of dirt & grim put several drops of lemon essential oil directly on the spot let soak for a few minutes then wipe – you may need to alternate between spray & essential oil. Lemon is also great for removing crayon from walls & floors  
(use a test patch to ensure the oil doesn’t damage your paint)

A Guide to Smudging

Smudge means to cleanse with smoke. Traditionally smudge sticks consist of dried herbs bound with horse hair.
Commonly used herbs are sage, lavender, rosemary, thyme & sweet grass, gum leaves may also be used.
Smudging is used to cleanse negative energy from your home, aura & workspace.

So where does negative energy come from?
Negative energy is caused from emotional upheaval, arguments, spiritual entities, stress, traumatic events, being around crowds of people ect. This negative energy accumulates and stagnates  – often attracting more negative energy to it.

What does smudging do?
Smudging neutralizes the negative energy so that positive energy(chi) may flow again. Smudging is also highly recommended before meditation and journey work as a form of spiritual protection.

How to smudge?
You will need
  • A smudge stick or loose dried herbs
  • A heat proof Bowl
  • Large feather or smudging fan(optional)
  • Matches or lighter
Light the smudge stick or place loose herbs in heatproof bowl and light – remembering that it is smoke you need not flame


To smudge your self – Carefully wave the smudge through your aura, making sure to get under your feet.
Envision all negative energy being dissolved and replaced with clear white energy.

To smudge an area – carry the smudge through each room, hallway and cupboards, also under beds and in corners of rooms.
Use the feather to fan the smoke, envision the smoke clearing all negativity and white light filling each room.
Use your intuition to let you know which areas need extra attention. When you have completed your smudging ceremony
ensure your smudge is extinguished completely and leave in a heat proof bowl until you are certain all embers are out.

Where can I purchase smudging items?
Ashkara’s Online Store stocks a range of high quality smudge items at competitive prices, alternatively check out your local new age store.