Faith Healing, Psychic Healing and Spiritual Healing: Same or Different?

Faith Healing, Psychic Healing and Spiritual Healing: Same or Different?: For the person who wants to explore alternatives to traditional medicine, the choices are a bit confusing. Which one works the best? Why choose something

Upcoming Trip to Bhutan: A Rare Opportunity

If you don't know about the country, Bhutan then you are in for a treat. Perhaps you have heard of the book, Shangri la. Bhutan is supposed to be the closest to that mythical place. It's an isolated, small country in the Himalayas that has managed to preserve its traditional customs and an easy way of life. Instead of the GNP (Gross National Profit), Bhutan has the GNH (Gross National Happiness). Instead of measuring the amount of money they measure how happy everyone is. One of the ways Bhutan has remained so unspoiled is that it's difficult to get permission to go there. Thus this upcoming trip with the Australian company, Journeys of the Spirit is indeed a rare opportunity. If you are free April 27th - May 6th by all means contact them and prepare for an experience of a lifetime. The tour guide, Peter Bliss will introduce you to the famous sites and lots of local people. The flight in departs from Bangkok, Thailand. The group will travel in a small bus as only 10-12 participants will be on this trip. It seems you will stay in hotels each night. Near the end of the trip Peter will lead you to the Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang) high above the valley on a steep cliff. It's said to be a sacred place that every Bhutanese wants to visit at least once in their lifetime, sort of like Mecca for the Muslim. You will have a very experienced guide with Peter Bliss. It doesn't look like there are special classes in meditation, yoga or other more Indian past times. However, the scenery is so spectacular with virgin forests, rushing rivers and steep, high mountains  and the people so friendly that you will be refreshed. Here's what one past participant has to say:

Bhutan is more than just the prayer flags and pray wheels, it is the heartbeat of a time lost to the Western World.  A heartbeat that renews itself every time you spin a prayer wheel or fly a prayer flag.  Bhutan takes you on a journey within.  All you have to do is be there." Julianne 11/11

Want to know more?                                http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.au

Remnants of a Bigger Stonehenge Discovered

Artist's concept of how the stones may have looked before being buried.

On September 7, 2015 researchers discovered another set of giant stones near the original Stonehenge in the UK. The archaeologists found them using non-invasive multi-sensor technology (something like X-Ray). The site might have been 15 times the size of Stonehenge and older and is located only 3 km from Stonehenge.

The word henge refers to a particular type of earthwork, typically consisting of a roughly circular or oval-shaped bank with an internal ditch surrounding a central flat area. Henges may have contained (or may still contain) ritual structures such as stone circles, timber circles and coves. Read more by clicking here.

Dr Nick Snashall, National Trust Archaeologist for the Avebury and Stonehenge World Heritage Site, said: “The Stonehenge landscape has been studied by antiquaries and archaeologists for centuries. But the work of the Hidden Landscapes team is revealing previously unsuspected twists in its age-old tale. These latest results have produced tantalising evidence of what lies beneath the ancient earthworks at Durrington Walls. The presence of what appear to be stones, surrounding the site of one of the largest Neolithic settlements in Europe adds a whole new chapter to the Stonehenge story.”

The new stones are mostly buried and according to the data are even larger than the Stonehenge monoliths. Some of them are lying in their sides and seem to have been covered with an earth mound at some time in the past. There's still much we don't know about what went on at Stonehenge and now the other nearby sites as well. This is a Neolithic settlement dating from approximately 4,500 years ago. However, there's no clue as to how long it was used and really for what purposes. We need some good psychics to contact "the other side" and find out the details, perhaps in the Akashic Records, the reports of human history and perhaps that of other planets as well.

A Truly Mystical Place: Bhutan

Most of us have heard about the small kingdom of Bhutan located near Nepal and India. A few people know that it is expensive to go there and a bit difficult to obtain a visa. But did you know that there is a great Australian tour company, Journeys of the Spirit, that takes care of all that for you? Here is the best part: you can go there this fall because there are a few spaces left. Check this out soon before they are gone. The dates are October 24 - November 6, 2015.

More about Bhutan - here's what one past participant had to say.

From the most warm and generous people, to the endless mountain tops peaked in the clear and crisp air, to the sound of the bells chiming with every round of a spinning prayer wheel, to the gorgeous echoes of nuns singing peacefully in the monasteries and to the young children's playful smiles and innocent giggles... my desires were to take in every blissful moment ~ and I did so gently and effortlessly.

Bhutan is a bit like the proverbial Shangri-la, that fictional place in the novel, Lost Horizon, that captured everything we want to see in paradise - happy, friendly people, little poverty, beautiful scenery and an isolated place that somehow keeps it from being destroyed by commercialism, invasions and exploitation. Is Bhutan truly like this? Why not explore it yourself and then let us know.

Here's what this trip will involve. Guide, Peter Bliss (yes, his real name!) will weave  "Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Mindfulness to your daily happenings". Then there are the hikes, the talks and the markets. Want to know more? http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.au

Spiritual Awakening and Then What?

It is a fact that an increasing number of people are now experiencing various forms of spiritual awakening today. This is not the stories of the Bible or other religious accounts from long ago. This is happening right now. If any one wants proof of this, try typing in the words, "spiritual awakening" into Google and see how many accounts come up. While the experiences differ with each person who goes through this process (some people report multiple experiences, many of them different each time), there are some common threads. In fact, there is even a Wikipedia account for "spiritual awakening". Here are some of the common features of this  and the related terms, near death experiences, mystical experiences, enlightenment, liberation or being born again. These experiences seem to be independent of religious or cultural backgrounds. Numinous - something that invokes both fear and attraction due to the power and immensity of the experience. Ecstacy - the experience brings great pleasure and feeling of strong love. Sometimes this experience is described with an accompanying stron sexual urge. Enthusiasm and excitement - everything seems positive, happy and uplifting. Mystical - there seems to be no boundaries between one soul and another. Some experience flying, lightness, unusual abilities like walking on water or hot coals without bodily harm, trance states or out of body experiences.

Spiritual awakening — A spiritual awakening usually involves a realization or opening to a sacred dimension of reality and may or may not be a religious experience. Often a spiritual awakening has lasting effects upon one's life. The term "spiritual awakening" may be used to refer to any of a wide range of experiences including being born again,near-death experiences, and mystical experiences such as liberation and enlightenment. Click here to read more.

OK. Now someone (maybe you or me) has experienced spiritual awakening. There are many reports about the difficulties of integrating this state or realization back into the realities of everyday life. It might be nice to feel at one with the universe, but it doesn't pay the bills or clean the house. Here are some possible issues people have report that have to be integrated. Rick NurrieStearns in his article, "Kundalini and Spiritual Awakening" reports the difficulty of focusing on the task of driving or doing his computer writing. He would find himself focused on the cracks in the road, not the oncoming cars, for example. He also soon learned not to share his experiences with many people who wanted to label him as insane. Bruce Davis in his article, "Life After Spiritual Awakening"

Where most everyone agrees is that those who have been touched by a spiritual awakening (no matter how real or imagined) find little support and guidance to sort things out. The popular media to be "fair and balanced" takes an agnostic approach to nearly everything spiritual. Education, medicine, and even most churches are firmly grounded in the rational world meaning one's personal experience of some other realm is suspect.

He went on to describe how different the concept of time is in this space. With time vastly expanding, meeting Earthly deadlines seemed irrelevant, unimportant. Some people experience seeing loved ones who have passed over or feeling at one with friends who are like family. You can see how attached people can get to these pleasant, emotional experiences. Unfortunately there is the realization that no one can stay in this realm permanently which sometimes leads the person to become depressed or even want to end life. It seems that there's going to be a calling for a new breed of counsellors to help  these people cope, particularly due to the fact that some of these "openings" to a new awareness can come on accidentally or are at least unplanned. Is there an increase of these experiences or is the atmosphere just more open to hearing about them now? It's unclear which it is, but my own belief is that we are actually evolving as a human race to a higher species, more capable of universal love, more caring and certainly less likely to be violent or cruel. It is my hope time will prove me correct. To live in a world with peace for all, environmental improvement and governments truly for the people is everyone's dream.

Excellent Spiritual Education: Arthur Findlay College

Want to progress in your spiritual knowledge? Of course you can join a local class or development group, read books on the topic or meditate on the subject. However, if you want to take a big leap in spiritual development, I recommend Arthur Findlay College in Essex, England. Some of my friends have gone there and all highly recommend it. Located in Stansted Hall built in 1871, Mr. Findlay bought it in 1923 and lived there nearly 40 years. After retiring from a business career, he started a college there "for the advancement of psychic science". He bequeathed the hall to the college upon his death. Fortunately for us, it continues on strongly still today. Here is a quote from the website.

The college is the centre of Spiritual and Psychic Investigation and Instruction in the UK. We are here to teach and help you increase your knowledge in an atmosphere of love and spiritual activity. Spend 7 nights as a student on an all-inclusive Residential Course with full board and excellent tuition (shorter courses are available). Choice of vegetarian or ordinary diet.

What kind of courses can you take?  Here is a sample from the upcoming year: trance mediumship, trance healing, energy management and mediumship, journey of the soul, in service to spirit and a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Arthur Findlay College.  Keep in mind that there are 9 - 15 courses every month, so please survey the website: http://www.arthurfindlaycollege.org   to find out more. There are 44+ instructors (called tutors on the website). Don't miss the section on  "Choosing the Right Course". This includes choosing the right level for your abailty as well.

Mystical Spiritual Registry and Active Imagination

Have you ever had a mystical experience, something out of the ordinary, something you can't explain and different from "normal" reality? An increasing number of people have had these experiences. With more acceptance there are now an increasing number of reports.

Today I'd like to introduce you to a website that specializes in recording people's mystical experiences. It might be something you want to read or even add your own experience. The website, http://bodysoulandspirit.net  also contains an active blog and other explanations of what people might experience. The tagline is: "A place to learn about and share essential experiences of the body, soul and spirit".

What I'd like to explain now is called Active Imagination by Carl Jung. It is a space between our conscious world and the dream world. This is different from other experiences we might have, perhaps more similar to the Aboriginal "dream time". It's a marriage of the inner and outer worlds.

Active Imagination is not hypnosis, contemplation, or meditation. Hypnosis asks us to turn off our alert mind to enter into the world of unconsciousness. Contemplation seeks to sharpen the mind's reasoning ability. Meditation asks us to move away from the dream world and our everyday mind through focusing on a single word, our breathing, or our movement.

Elements of all of these practices are touched upon when practicing Active Imagination. But, Active Imagination relies upon an alert mind, the non-rational, and a high level of inner creative fludity. This is the only sort of environment that the inner marriage of everyday consciousness and the dream world can exist.

To read the rest click here.

How can we enter this state and what are the advantages of doing so? First, it relaxes your mind, gives you a break. Another bonus is that you might figure out a difficult problem or put together something you need. Please don't try it when you are driving! There are enough distracted drivers out there already! There are 7 other resources listed if you wish to read further about Active Imagination, including Jung's own experiences written in his famous book, Memories, Dreams and Reflections. So check out this website, read some of the accounts and add one of your own if you feel so moved.

A Message From The Hopi Elders

Here is a great prophesy for the year ahead. Not sure it was actually written by the elders at Oraibi but I plan to find out. Please enjoy.

"A Message From The Hopi Elders"

"You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.

Here are the things that must be considered:
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know our garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast.
It is so great and swift, that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river,
keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.
And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personal. Least of all, ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word "struggle" from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we have been waiting for!"

- Oraibi, Arizona, Hopi Nation

Mystical Adventures in Belize

Tired already of the cold and wet of northern winters? Perhaps a jaunt to a much warmer place is what you are looking for. Here's a resort with adventure, good climate and also a spiritual bent called Mystical Adventures. They offer snorkeling, deep sea diving with tanks, inland tours to Mayan ruins and other great day trips. The sea is warm and safe for swimming and fishing. They are located near the San Pedro Airport  on Barrier Reef Drive. However, this is not a resort, so you would have to find accommodation nearby . How about a full day snorkel and  a barbecue at night?  Or maybe an eco-tour to go cave-tubing or zip-lining? They also offer diving courses that would qualify you to deal with underwater problems or to be certified as a diving instructor. It's worthwhile going to their Facebook page just to see the creatures, both land and sea that they have posted. Are they all from Belize? Pardon my ignorance, but I don't know if elephants or lions are in Belize. Perhaps in the Nature Preserve that they mention. As for accommodation, I choose Mystic River in the Cayo District. It is publicized as an eco-friendly luxury resort with all meals available for a reasonable price. A spa and yoga are available. The jungle scenery is spectacular and the staff  eager to help. It is located near the Guatemalan border and near the road from Belize City. Here is what Lonely Planet has to say about it.

This beautiful ecolodge on the bank of the Macal River (opened in 2009 by Nadege and Tom Thomas) features six beautifully furnished cabañas with Mexican tiled floors and high wooden ceilings, and three newly built one bedroom suites. All feature spacious living areas and bathrooms, and river-facing verandas. Guests at Mystic River can hang out on the river with tubes, boogie boards and canoes, or take a hike (with or without horses) on the jungle trails that wind through Mystic River's 180 acres. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals vary from BZ$20 to BZ$45. Prices are per double occupancy; additional visitors are BZ$50. Low season discounts and packages are available. Check website for details. Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/cayo-district/hotels/mystic-river#ixzz3MbfqoCvj

What's the advantage of going to Belize? The country is known to be stable politically. It is the only Central and South American country whose language is English. Belize has a wealth of wild animal and marine species and a lower population than other Central American countries. Formerly known as British Honduras, they still maintain Queen Elizabeth as Head of State, just as most of  the other Commonwealth countries do. Crime in Belize is low compared to other neighboring countries. I would like to see courses given there and perhaps a more meditative atmosphere. I suspect I could take that with me when I visit. I would love to have feedback about visiting Belize. Feel free to leave comments below.

Some Great Places to Spend Christmas

Ice Skating at Christmas Fair in Museumplein

Whether you are a world traveler looking for something new or an armchair traveler who likes to hear about what other people are doing, it's always a treat to hear about special Christmas places where celebrations are "in the air" so to speak. The first group of resorts are in the northern hemisphere where you can experience the traditional cold weather with a good place to warm up and perhaps a hot drink. Thanks to Bree Sposato for suggesting Amsterdam. As you can see form this photo, the canals become wonderful ice skating rinks, and the 16th and 17th century houses are strung with lights. Why not stay till New Year's Eve and celebrate with champagne and fireworks?

Here's a more remote suggestion by Jennifer Coogan: Reykjavik, Iceland. Enjoy the northern lights from the comfort of a thermally heated hotel. There are only 4 hours of daylight, so bring your friends and prepare for an indoor party. Don't miss the unusual Icelandic food such as smoked puffin and Brennivin (like schnapps). "Statues of the 12 Yule Lads (the Icelandic version of Santa Claus) peer out from every corner shop and window."  Click here to read the original version. 

There are a lot of "snow birds" from Canada and the northern states who like to frequent San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for the hot, dry days and cool nights, the traditional crafts made and sold there as well as the old cobblestone streets and the Spanish architecture. However, Christmas is very special with the procession of Mary and Joseph and everyone else who wants to sing traditional carols. The procession goes from one decorated shop to the next, stopping to sing at each one. The children will enjoy the ritual of breaking pinatas filled with candy and small toys. It's a special treat to have blooming flowers such as poinsettias and bougainvilleas.

Thinking about a warmer place? Try Kaikoura, New Zealand. It will be summer when you visit, so you can enjoy the beach, kyaking or boating to see the whales, dolphins and fur seals. The vegetation and forests are so totally different. It's like you are visiting another planet. Lee Magill recommends staying at the Kapuku Lodge and Tree Houses with gourmet, natural meals. Make reservations long ahead of time any place in New Zealand over the Christmas holidays. It is after all their summer holiday time.

 Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses is the ne plus ultra of New Zealand’s eco-tourism accommodations: a complex of cedar-covered buildings and six tree houses with views of both the bay and the imperial Kaikoura mountain range. Luxe high design reigns inside and out.

Perhaps you are seeking something more spiritual. May I then recommend Shambhala Mountain Center on 600 acres in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado? Here is a deeply established center which accommodates a great variety of practitioners from week-long "learn to meditate" stays to longer, intensives for advanced meditators. The staff also leads spiritual journeys during the year to Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal and Mongolia. The rooms are elegant but very simple and comfortable. People who have participated in longer retreats say it is like an immersion vacation, and the effects often stay with the person for many months, even years after. It's a bit like unpacking your brain or fragmenting your computer. The effect are nearly always calming, relaxing. It's especially a good choice if you are alone or with a partner rather than a family vacation or a good party celebration.

Let us know what you decide to do this year and how you liked it once you return. I'm always open to new ideas.

Masaru Emoto Passes Away

This week we lost a great man who showed physical proof of the power of thoughts, words and music through his crystallization of water to form the most amazing patterns. His last word he spoke was, "arigato", Japanese for "thank you". Without further introduction, here is the video of his unique work. If you wish to know more about his work, here is his book, The Hidden Messages of Water which was a New York best seller for a long time. However, the book I enjoy the most is entitled, Messages from Water and the Universe in which he shows what water from different places is telling us about the condition of the world and how that relates to our Universe. Click on the link below to order a copy available in Kindle form as well. Rest in Peace, Masaru.

Spiritual Awakening Revisited

Spiritual awakening has become something of a catch-phrase these days. Everyone is looking for that experience - the new age high, the ascension to a higher realm.  It was with a bit of amusement that when doing a Google search for current articles on the topic that I found one on the first page of Google that I had written two years ago (http://www.mysticfare.com/experiences-of-spiritual-awakening/). Why this one had stayed so prominent is the mystery of Google. Today I found an entire website devoted to spiritual awakening, a Wikipedia page under "religious experience" and also 5 ads for groups that will for a fee help you towards that goal including a spiritual awakening test to see how advanced you are, supposedly. 

I suppose I no longer have to begin my article by explaining what spiritual awakening is, but still everyone seems to have a bit of a different idea. Suffice it to say that not only is there more interest in the subject than even 2 years ago when I wrote that first article, but there are more people having all kinds of experiences of a different kind. I know this because they come to me for readings and I tell them they are normal and not to worry. It's long been predicted that we are going through some kind of quickening if not actual evolution as a species. Maybe it's simpler than that. We are just starting to use our right brains, something we could have done at anytime. It's just that we were so in love with our industrial wonder that we overlooked that aspect of our being. OK. Enough philosophy. Let's see what people are experiencing. Jim Tolles on the website, spiritualawakeningprocess.com states that he deals mainly with three types of people. I often work with three main types of people:

• People who want to develop a spiritual practice
• People who are dedicated to spiritual growth
• People who need to heal
• People who are in awakening

So here we are back to the awakening. I suspect that the high some people experience with awakening, the blissful state, is a natural carry-over from the psychedelic drug days, a kind of natural high. What is curious is that so many people are now experiencing this altered state. Back to Mr. Tolles again who is helping people going through awakening.

Orient and Ground You in a Spiritual Awakening
Anyone in awakening can feel completely out of sorts. It's a bewildering and scary place initially because spiritual awakening falls so far out of the realm of what is considered "normal" in Western society. It's also a blissful, ecstatic, and extremely connected space. I'll work with you to find appropriate grounding and help you to fully embody this energy as you shift from an old way of being into your true self. I'll also remind you regularly that you are not "crazy," but are in fact waking up to real "rationality" from the insanity that we live in.

From my own experience with this state and from what people have told me, there is often a feeling of dizziness, feeling light-headed and a need to take a break from "deadlines", pressure and the rat race. Some people feel more connected to others, even people they just met. Others may know things before they happen, or at least what others are thinking. The Eco Institute has an whole list of characteristics. Se if you can relate to any of these:

• Letting go of once tightly held beliefs and views. 
• Zoning out for extended periods of time. A spacey feeling.
• Sensitivity to negative people, events.
• Feelings of “tingling” electrical-like energy running through parts of the body.
• Having more meaningful dreams.
• Becoming aware of “synchronicity”, the seemingly unrelated events & signs we see & experience.
• Wishing to break away from blind conformity, outdated institutions, unnecessary customs, & the overall status quo.
• Unexplained changes in appetite & eating habits, weight. May sometimes look younger.
• Wishing to spend more time in nature.
• Changes in what you read, do with your spare time, & watch on TV (or turning off the TV altogether).
• Greater “awareness” of yourself and the outside world. 
• A greater sense of inner peace and interconnectedness, with intermittent periods of emotional upheaval.  Read more from this source here.

Please leave any comments about your own experiences with spiritual awakening. It's only beginning and I see it as a hopeful process towards possible world peace and more harmony in this sad world.

Near Death Experiences: What Do We Know?

Near death experiences are actually a new phenomena brought on by the advent of modern medicine. Before people just died; they were not brought back from death’s doorstep by modern machines. Now we have several decades of reports of what people have experienced when they were between life and death, and the accounts are amazingly similar, even from small children.

For example, many people experience going through a long tunnel towards a bright light. They see religious figures that they recognize, relatives that have passed on or spirit guides who help them decide what to do. Others don’t leave the room they are in but they float over their body that the medical personnel are working on. They can remember conversations that the doctors or relatives had about them. This is more than imagination; it’s reported too often and in detail to be faked.

Therefore, our knowledge of “the other side” is building up. It seems that it’s a nice place, mostly. People report feeling blissful and completely relaxed. Is there a hell or purgatory? There are reports that some people when they “pass on” have to stay in one room for some time to “reprogram”. This might be like purgatory. It seems that everyone must also review their lives, the events and the reactions of people around them. There is some evidence that if something is not resolved in one lifetime that soul must repeat the situation in another lifetime, perhaps the next one.

I find it quite fascinating that souls do not just float on clouds after death. It seems they continue to work and progress in spiritual evolution towards a more pure and giving being. Want to know more? I recommend these books: Life After Death by Deepak Chopra and Life is Forever: Evidence for Survival After Death by David Howe and Susy Smith. While there are a number of sensational approaches to this subject, these two books are very grounded and clearly describe the experiences and conclusions.

The mystery to me is that if we do live multiple times and need to resolve some past issues, why don’t we remember all of this? Last words: here’s a video so you can see this visually

Spiritual Gifts for You Today

We have all heard the term, "charisma" but did you know that the original meaning coming from Greek meant spiritual gifts from God, not a compelling charm and attraction as it means today. According to the Biblical stories, especially from Paul, there are various gifts that we all could be granted in order to help others. They are not to be earned, purchased or used as rewards. In other words, they are given to us by the higher power for the benefit of everyone. It's a nice idea and perhaps it has happened many times. Here's a passage from Wikipedia about the different spiritual gifts.

It is generally acknowledged that Paul did not list all of the gifts of the Spirit,[8] and many believe that there are as many gifts as there are needs in the body of Christ.[12] The gifts have at times been organized into distinct categories based on their similarities and differences to other gifts. Some divide them into three categories using Old Testament offices. "Prophetic" gifts include any gift involving teaching, encouraging, or rebuking others. "Priestly" gifts include showing mercy and care for the needy or involve intercession before God. "Kingly" gifts are those involving church administration or government.[13] Others categorize them into "gifts of knowledge" (word of wisdom, word of knowledge, distinguishing between spirits), "gifts of speech" (tongues, interpretation, prophecy), and "gifts of power" (faith, healing, miracles).[14] The gifts have also been categorized as those that promote the inner growth of the church (apostle, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, teaching, word of wisdom/knowledge, helps, and administration) and those that promote the church's outer development (faith, miracles, healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues).[8] To read more click here.

Apparently one of the reasons for the early split between the Catholics and Protestants involved this type of spiritualism. The Catholics believe that these types of miracles continue while the Protestants think they ceased in the early days of the church. They are still held as a strong belief by the Pentecostals and the Charismatics (yes, there is such a group). I quite agree myself that they are still being given to certain people and indeed there is a line on some palms called the ring of Solomon that show inspiration - a gift from a higher source. I've seen people from all walks of life who have this line and indeed I consider them blessed. What do you think? Leave a comment as to you ideas or experience.

Crop Circles Move to Holland

On July 18, 2014 three crop circles appeared in Holland all 3 meters apart, one in corn and two in wheat fields. By plotting the three on a map they have been found to form an equilateral triangle with perfect angles. What is more amazing about this report is that one Dutch man, Robbert van den Broeke, predicted they would appear several days before they did. He even predicted which crops would "host" them. Here is part of the article.

Last night Robbert told me something I think I should tell you. He normally has not done this, but he said he “saw” it so clearly he was certain it will happen. This week (he thinks) 3 new crop formations will appear in his general area—all on the same night (remember that Holland is as far north as the UK, so the amount of darkness in the summer is about the same—5 hrs). Two of these will be in “grain” (wheat) and one in “maize” (corn). Further, when their locations are plotted on a google map they will be found to form a “perfect” (I think he meant equilateral) triangle. In all the years I’ve known him he’s never made a prediction like this, but he sounded so certain I thought I’d tell you just for the hell of it…and see what happens. Signed, Nancy Talbot To read the original click here.

The above letter was written on July 13, 2014 before they appeared. The usual comments were then posted by readers - everything from "what a scam" to "I believe in these people". For those who are reading this post I suggest you will like to read some of my past posts regarding the geometrical perfection of crop circles (many of which are not circles now) and also a post on the music or tones that have been heard when they are being constructed. I'm always interested in people being educated about the realities of crop circles. Yes, there is a lot we don't know but to think they are all man made is just plain ignorance. What do you think? Please leave us your comments or questions.   

Australian Tour Company: Journeys of the Spirit

Here's another spiritual tour company that is worth checking out. With the internet so easy to access these days and the use in international calling using plans such as Skype, there should be no problem making reservations from North America. Julie Barker is at the center of this company who says, "Her personal interests have always included a commitment to health and wellbeing of mind, body and spirit.."  The trips include some of the usual places such as Bali, Thailand and Machu Picchu. However, there are some other alternatives that look intriguing - Kerala Ayurvedic retreat including an audience with the Dalai Lama, Byron Bay Yoga, Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos), and Bhutan (going on right now). There are also "tailor made journeys" available that let you and a small group of friends set up a private journey.  Here are some more details about a trip that is soon to happen to Peru and Chile (9/13 - 10/14). The website states there are only 4 places left.

Walking in the footsteps of the ancient Incas, we explore the many breathtaking natural wonders of this very sacred land. A soul nourishing and uplifting experience!

Perhaps we will be blessed with the sighting of the rare pink dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon, enjoy a hike to the Chacan Rainbow Temple in Cusco and explore the magical realm of the Andean spirituality. Magnificent, extraordinary, breathtaking - words cannot fully describe what you will receive from our experience at Machu Picchu.

It seems that these trips are very popular. For example, their Kerala Ayurvedic retreat sells out a year ahead of time. The tour guides that Julie hires seem experts in their own fields and worth accompanying just to get to know them.  Here are two examples - Peter Bliss and Cathy Brown. However, these are only two of several more very knowledgeable and colorful guides.

Peter ~ is a dynamic business educator who has a very practical yet holistic approach to business and lifestyle. He has studied, coached and presented through keynotes and seminars throughout the corporate world both in Australia and overseas and combines simple western business intelligence with traditional eastern wisdom. He has experienced and is very aware that stress affects us all in different ways. If unaddressed it can be detrimental to all aspects of our lives and halt our full potential. Peter is passionate about mental wellbeing and has a unique ability to impart techniques with humor and practicality, bringing awareness to support you in creating a more balanced and fulfilled life. He has changed his own life through practicing what he teaches. We are delighted Peter will be guiding our Bhutan journeys 24th October to 6th November, 2014.

Cathy started her healing journey 24 years ago when she was diagnosed with secondary melanoma and was told she had only a couple of months to a couple of years to live and that chemotherapy and radiotherapy wouldn’t work. Her children were only six and eight and she knew she had to find ‘another way’ to heal.

After visiting 3 other doctors and told the same story, Cathy joined Cancer Support WA, which was the first place to give her hope and support. Over the years she has facilitated and instigated Wellness Programs, Support Groups, Women’s Healing Circles, the Gawler Foundation Healing and Wellbeing Program and many other groups. She has also been teaching Reiki for 20 years which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the spiritual aspect of life. We are delighted to have CSA Wellness Facilitator, Cathy Brown guide our mid- September's upcoming Kerala journey.

There are also trips to spiritual places right in Australia such as this trip proposed for 2015 to Karijini, Australia to learn from the Aboriginal elders.

The magic of the Pilbara is a world in which land, people and culture are intimately linked. One of the last frontiers covering 500,000km, the Pilbara is home to some of the most striking landscapes in Australia ~ ancient rock art, spectacular waterfalls, pristine rock pools and magnificent gorges. Blessed with spectacular red beauty, we will explore the spiritual heart of the Pilbara in Karijini National Park, offering you a truly unique outback experience that you will never forget. We share this mystical area of the world with Aboriginal elders, immersing ourselves within the wisdoms of this sacred land & observing through the focused lens the many landscapes surrounding you. Our breathtaking walks will have you discover the hidden gems of this extraordinary natural wonder.

Have I got you interested? Best to visit their website: http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.au/ and find out for yourself what they have to offer. I found the website to be a refreshing change from North American companies with the Ausie bent on the spiritual world. Julie herself has an interesting story of working in some high profile companies and then returning to Australia to set up her own company. As usual, if you go on one of these trips please send a comment so other readers can benefit from your experience.

Deepak Chopra on Life After Death

Deepak Chopra with his combination of Western and Eastern thinking is a wonderful person to explore this topic of death and the meaning of life. Here in a conversation with Allan Gregg in 2010 he describes his ideas of what happens after death as he has written in his book, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof. Please enjoy this half hour discussion of what will happen once you die. For those who are not familiar with Deepak Chopra he "is an Indian-American physician and an alternative medicine and New Age guru known for his view that healing is primarily a mental rather than physical process", according to Wikipedia. He has published over 15 best seller books and founded the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. He recently spoke at the headquarters of LinkedIn and Google to instil the ideas that we can heal the world. You can purchase his book or just look inside by clicking on the link below:

Mythic Journeys: New Film

It's always a great day when a group of our spiritual leaders get together to make a film. This one, Mythic Journeys, includes Deepak Chopra, Michael Beckwith, Sobonfu Some and Tricia Klink with the voices added of Tim Curry, Mark Hamill and Lance Henriksen. As you'll see in the following preview trailer, the message basically is we live in this amazingly beautiful planet so help make it better. Get busy. Actually we have an increasing number of activists, so this is a hopeful sign to counteract the "bad guys" who pollute, squeeze out small businesses, bankrupt hard working middle class and poor families, etc. Hope you enjoy this version of mythic journeys with animation. Of course you can purchase the entire film online and download it or get the DVD at a 50% discount right now (time limited offer) by going to this website: http://mythmovie.net

Spirit Skies Silent Retreat Center Reopens

Red rocks of Sedona, Arizona

Some readers may remember a past article about the man Bodhi Heart and his retreat center in the high pine forests between Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona. After finishing a third cabin, the retreat center has reopened and is available for a silence, yoga, meditation, writing, planning - anything you want to do away from the bustle of the modern world. The website suggests that you can also take a side trip to the Grand canyon or to hike near Sedona in the red cliffs. If you are looking for a good place to experience self discovery or relaxation, this is the place for you. You can contact Bodhi Heart by phone or e-mail, both of which are listed on the website. Here's what one of the past guests has to say.

"Of all the wonderful retreat places that I have visited, the private hermitage at Spirit Skies is my favorite. The elk are almost a daily treat to see. And the stillness and sounds of nature are sublime." ~ George M

"I traveled from Ireland to spend 6 weeks. The retreat experience is an open canvas that one can shape in whatever way spirit seeks." ~ Oonagh C

"I found myself settling easily in to stillness, taking time to meditate, to walk in the nearby National Forest, to do meditative dance and do yoga in the gazebo, and to talk to Bodhi about spirituality." ~ Emily M

If you tire of silence, Bodhi Heart will gladly talk to you. Here are some comments about his gentle way of helping others.

A gentle guide, an open heart, a place to find spirit and self. Bodhi Heart offers his land, his haven, his being to those who come to find peace in a fractured world. It is exactly what you make it ...and it is beautiful."   ~ Maggie D

Bodhi helped me clarify my intentions and laid the spiritual groundwork for my personal retreat. What started out to be a week of pure solitude ended up being a time when I wished for a gentle connectedness. Bodhi’s friendship was a gift.  I didn’t just stay at Spirit Skies; I brought it home with me." ~ Dawn D

"Bodhi Heart supported my process and fearless intention with integrity. He mirrored my spirit and helped me to release some fears and illusions and have a deeper experience of my true self and following the heart."     ~ Grace K

"This retreat was life changing. Time did not seem to exist while I was there. Bodhi gave generously of his time to help guide me in my purpose"       ~ Michelle B

Check the website for availability of the cabins. They do fill up so book one soon and enjoy this unique spiritual journey.

Retreats Online: Directory for Spiritual Journeys

With summer coming on in the Northern Hemisphere many of us are thinking ahead to a vacation time and wanting to find a special place. Here is a great site that might help you find just the place you would love for relaxation, inner guidance, to learn new skills or just to enjoy a part of the world off the tourist trails. The site is Retreats Online and they have organized retreats by location, date or subject. There is everything from a yoga retreat in Croatia to a desert magic retreat in Namibia. Probably the problem you will have is that there are too many enticing choices. Here is one of the descriptions of a weight loss retreat in Cost Rica.

Blended into a landscape of scenic mountains, palm trees and ocean - Birchcreek Costa Rica is located in the scenic seaside town of Playa Carrillo on the Pacific coast. Experience jungle, ocean, adventure tours, healthy eating, juice fasting and fat burning fitness with a structured, results oriented and highly recommended weight loss and wellness program. Your accommodations include your private room with private bath, bath amenities, pool towels, complimentary wifi.. Step outside to stunning views of mountain and beach scenery. Walk 10 minutes to the beach or chill on the pool sundeck and experience the unsurpassed Costa Rica sunset. Pura vida! To read more about this website click here.

How about a summer sanctuary on SaltSpring Island in British Columbia? July 10 - 14 of this year. It promises to have a good balance of Yoga and exploring this very active and interesting island. Here are some details of Paradise Found.

Enjoy our lake front slice o’heaven at our most relaxing-vibed retreat. Featuring yoga, aqua-size, chi gong, art play, amazing vegetarian meals and island excursions. You'll have an opportunity to visit Ganges, listen (and maybe even dance) to live music, kayak*, ride horses*, beach-comb, enjoy a massage*, or just laze in the hammock. This is your opportunity to co-create your Mid-Summer fun. We base our plans and schedule on your requests and suggestions. Because we are a small group, it is relatively easy to give everybody a chance to do something special that they want. So what do you want to do?

This website is a great one to bookmark and explore when you have time or want to go some place new. You can also advertise with Retreats Online with very affordable rates. Like most directories the staff asks for details and testimonials before any listing is approved. The site is very easy to navigate. Contact links abound. I was a bit surprised not to see more social networking, but perhaps I just missed it. Check it out for yourself.