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The Power of Love

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

The Power of Love
Click on the cover image to open the .pdf file of full issue.
The Cover Artist for this issue is Francene Hart. You can visit her website at www.FranceneHart.com to explore and purchase her beautiful work.

7 Surrendering to Love
8 What’s Love Got to Do With It?
9 Sacred Drum – Sacred Circle
9 Journey of Love
10 How Much Did the Ancients Know?
11 Changing Thoughts – Changing Our Lives
13 Imbolc – Let There Be Light
17 Heart to Heart
17 Be Gentle With Yourself
19 Dance a Sacred Song
20 You ARE Psychic
6 Blessings From the Publisher
14 February Astrological Influences
16 Mother Nature’s Cupboard – Lady’s Mantle

Categories: February2006, Library - Archives - Tags: , , ,

Blessings -Voice of Choices’ Story

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

I’m often asked about the history of Voice of Choices. How did it get started? What is my background/training? What have I done to encourage and steward the magazine’s growth?

The answers are simple and reflect a willingness to continue living in acknowledgement of the ‘Power of Love’.  Almost 5 years ago, while looking for a personal definition of my purpose in life and offering a weekly Reiki Circle, I created a flyer to give to those attending,.  In high school I had been editor of the school newspaper so it was easy enough to put together a little fold-over peice of paper with some nice pictures and relevant information that could go home with the participants at the Reiki Circle.

While I was satisfied with assisting others on their personal healing journeys, I knew there was a wealth of information available which could offer so many more choices than what I was able to teach.  The flyer became a newsletter.

As I continued to refine the definition of ‘my purpose’ I discovered how much I truly enjoyed sharing information.With a   core belief that life is filled with endless possibilities and a myriad of choices, it became my passion to publish a sampling of articles which offer glimpses into alternatives in self-development, personal empowerment and spirituality without the boundaries often accompanying organized religion.

I have watched as thousands of lives are touched by the power of love  expressed in the articles featured each month. For me it has been an incredible journey. Beginning  with little more than an idea, it hasn’t always been easy to trust  that employing my interests, talents and intuition  and following  my passion could or would be enough.  Without formal training   ‘society’ could easily have convinced me to get another ‘regular’ job.  Yet, with a resume’ including the variety mine does, I had never found employment which truly inspired me. There was always something missing and I would often try to convince my employer to let me create promotional materials (ads, business cards, and even a website) as an oulet for my desire to be creative.
What I am learning through Voice of Choices is the amazing results possible when we tap into the Power of Love.  This month’s articles provide
inspiration and information you may find useful as you choose Love. Surrendering to Love, Being Gentle With Yourself, Honoring who you are and what you feel you have to offer the world  blesses humanity with your unique and individual talents in a way which empowers you and others. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Simple enough, Right? Sure.

In everyday life, no matter what direction our path takes, we constantly have the choice to remember the Power of Love. A little story illustrates the point.

A few weeks ago  I responded to an email about an upcoming workshop. Impressed by the content and intention of the group’s website,  I contacted them about  running an article. Easy enough? But the process became a little more complicated when I realized the information I had provided was not clearly understood.

Complications increased as this month’s deadling/lifeline rapidly approached and the details necessary for best representing their work became another set of  ‘tasks’ that had to be done at the last minute.  Throw into the mix a complete difference in communication styles, and the energy of a double gemini trying to get everything done. Or should I say, trying to get everything done perfectly and on time.

Thankfully a third party stepped in and we were all able to appreciate each other’s place in the overall picture. I was made aware that my frustration, which had manifested  as an energy beyond some people’s comfort zone,  was matched by that felt by the author. For a moment in time it seems we were both feeling inadequate – yet the expression of our  frustration was very different for each of us and it was only by returning to the Power of Love that resolution was reached.

In times of challenge, when we may revert to past patterns or hear old tapes playing in our mind, it is most important to find our connection to Love.  When details and specifics almost seem to  dictate a necessity for fear, that is the time to use The Power of Love and hold onto faith.

Each opportunity to expand and improve our response to challenge brings us a step closer to balance, a breath closer to peace. I am grateful that my purpose continues to allow expansion of  my interpersonal and business skills. I am grateful for my own increasing patience, tolerance and love  towards myself and others as I continue to solidify new and more effective attitudes and behaviors – based in and empowered by the most creative force in our world…… Love.

Categories: Archives, Blessings, February2006, Library - Archives, Love Notes - Tags: , , ,

YOU – ARE Psychic

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

By Jason Oliver – a dear friend I met and had the privilege to work with while living on Maui. Jason is in the ‘Astral’ now and his messages live on in the wonderful work he did.

Research Says
According to researchers at Stanford Research Institute “Everyone is Psychic”. “You Are Psychic” a book by Pete A. Saunders, is a book I highly recommend to anyone interested in developing their innate psychic abilities. It takes the “I am so special” attitude out of ‘psychic’, ‘channel’ or ‘medium’, and dispels the belief that only those born with a veil or some other such ‘authentication’ have access to their paranormal abilities. As a teacher facilitating personal growth and after working with literally thousands of people, over the last 30 years, I cannot recall even one person who did not ‘get it’. So much emphasis is placed on the specialness of paranormal abilities that there is often an assumption that we have to work extremely hard to obtain them or that they just come naturally to a select few. The fact is, these abilities are just as generic as breathing. Every one is psychic but we have been programmed to not trust ourselves or what we just know or what we just feel.

In the late 80’s I opened The Eden Project, a spiritual center in Atlanta, Georgia. where I taught psychic development, mediumship development, channeling and healing. The most difficult part of the task was to lead people to understand that all of these abilities are within all of us. Using specific hypno meditations people can learn to easily access these faculties.

Try this Experiment
Using hypno meditation and adding a personal process which can be very effective works well for both beginners and those desiring to expand their abilities. I would like to share that with you now. It’s called ‘The Story’ and here is how you do it.

1. Sit quietly, relax and focus for a moment. You might have a question for yourself or someone else. State your question or state a purpose for yourself or the other person.

2. Allow images to flow through your mind and start talking about what you are seeing and feeling. The images will begin to tell a story and the story will take on a meaning and a life of its own, and like a movie it will have a beginning, a story line and an ending.

3. If images come up that you don’t understand it could be that the person you are with will understand it or you may have to say that you need clarity. I usually say what does a ____ mean to me? And, the answer is direct and forthcoming.

Details
You might want to tape record yourself. The key is to maintain your flow and the tape recording is to increase your speed and accuracy. It is good to have some guidance during your early developmental stage.

The key is not in forcing yourself to see, hear or understand – it all happens spontaneously. Your abilities will grow stronger and your accuracy will increase greatly according to the amount of time you give to developing this skill. It really works try it.

The same method is true for channeling. While there are different levels of trance, most channels are not out of it in deep trance. With any skill, the more you work with your psychic talents the better they get. Make it a Game, Make it Fun, because it is.

Yes – YOU ARE Psychic.

Categories: Affirmations, February2006, Healing, Love Notes, Manifesting Minor Miracles - Tags: , ,

Heart to Heart – Listening Within

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

By Barbara Davies

What’s on your mind today? Is it the mortgage payment, your child’s dental appointment, or the other 101 tasks that need to be accomplished before you can finally call it a day? Is your mind constantly barking orders at you — Do this! Do that! — until you want to tell it to shut the (bleep) up? Who’s running the show here, your mind or your heart? Because if it’s your mind, you’re in deep yogurt!

But, I hear you shout, who else do I listen to? Who else can keep me on track?  Who else can keep me from screwing up? I can’t ignore my brain, for Pete’s sake! Everything will fall apart. Are you mad?

No, I’m not totally bonkers; I’ve just learned the hard way. And the hard way involves letting the mind make all of the decisions. Because the mind, while very useful, can’t see the big picture, can’t know all of the variables, can’t know what’s best for you at any given moment. That’s the heart’s job.

Your Truth – In Your Heart
I used to share your disbelief. Bear with me while I explain what I’ve learned. While, on one level, it seems that the heart simply pumps blood and keeps everything running, on a deep spiritual level the heart is where the soul resides. Your energy field (your soul-essence) surrounds you and permeates every cell in your body. You are your soul. But the “home base” of your soul is in your heart. That’s where your truth lies. That’s where you’re most deeply connected to your highest self. Therefore, that’s who should be in charge.

Some believe that God exists outside of us, somewhere out in the ethers. But everything—everything—in the universe bears the stamp of Divinity, is a part of the Divine. Is Divine.

Your soul carries that “God-ness,” and that God-ness exists in every part of you—even in the spaces in between: in between cells, in between breaths, in between heartbeats. But that Divinity is condensed, focused, in your heart.

Follow Your Heart
So, when people tell you to “follow your heart,” they are often unaware that what they’re really saying is to follow your Divinity. Follow the instructions of your heart, because they are from God. From the part of God that is you.

If you get quiet, and ask your heart what it wants in any given situation, it will tell you. Don’t worry — you probably won’t hear a voice speaking to you. (Although you could!) Most likely you will be given a picture, or experience a feeling, or even have a word or two pop into your mind, seemingly from nowhere.

If you don’t trust this “answer,” then wait a bit and try again. Maybe rephrase the question, or open yourself to more options, because the mind, while extremely important and helpful in many situations, also can be limiting and fear-based. Ask your mind to step back for a minute and let your heart lead you.

The Mind Assists in Other Ways
If your mind won’t cooperate, won’t give up control, reassure it that it will always have important jobs to do. Somebody still has to help you balance the checkbook and keep track of your appointments! Let the mind know you want it to work with the heart, with your soul’s purpose, not against it. Give the mind specific tasks to do and let it know that you intend to keep it “in the loop” regarding what your goals are. What your dreams are. What you intend to do with your life.

If you do this one simple thing, if you listen to your heart on a daily basis (perhaps many times a day), decisions made with your heart will be much easier to implement and much more joyful and fulfilling than the endless tasks set forth for you by your brain. Let the mind do its job, but at the behest of the heart, not in conflict with it.

Life will be so much better.

But, don’t take my word for it. Try it and see for yourself. Tune in to your own heart and see what transpires. You’ll be amazed at the wonders the universe has in store for you.

Barbara Davies is a Naturopath and writer whose focus is on working with Spirit to heal the emotional/spiritual body along with the physical. She can be reached at www. barbaralight.com

Categories: February2006, Healing, Library - Archives, Relationship Dynamics - Tags: ,

Be Gentle With Yourself

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

by Ken Lloyd Russel – February 2006 Voice of Choices

On the spiritual path awareness is the prime mover, the major route towards growth. But, initially and sometimes well into the process, we often run into a major obstacle to the emergence of awareness. That obstacle is self judgment, especially if that judgment is harsh and critical. While judgment will frequently masquerade as an attempt to help you improve, it is the very antithesis of awareness, it cannot help you.  Nothing chokes off awareness the way judgment can.

Seeing Clearly
In order to become free of your conditioning you must see it clearly. You don’t have to approve of it or like it, but you just watch it operate, much like a scientist studying some phenomenon. The facts are simply noted without passing any kind of judgment of good or bad, desirable or repugnant. You must be able to see yourself clearly without any emotional or other reaction.

If every time you become aware of a flaw with yourself– let’s say you get angry or resentful or jealous or act too passively – and as a result of this awareness you come down on yourself and make yourself feel bad or guilty, then you will become unwilling to want to continue looking at yourself. This is simple negative reinforcement.  This does not allow awareness to work because self-discovery becomes linked to trashing ourselves for not living up to some image we have of ourselves, or others have of us. The fact is that we have all had less than optimum childhoods and as a consequence developed personality traits and habits that we judge unacceptable.

We Are as We Are
But the absolute bedrock fact is; we are as we are. That is perfectly fine. We just need to become aware of our conditioning – what has been added to our true nature since birth –  and that very awareness will begin to burn away this conditioning. If we begin to accept with neutral “eyes” what we think, feel and do – which is but the surface covering our true nature –  that very acceptance allows for change, moving us in the direction of health, or, conversely stated, less dis-ease. If we fight or condemn parts of our conditioning then we are simply struggling against ourselves and cannot win. We have all struggled to avoid seeing or to rationalize behaviors we don’t like and have attempted to create patterns that appeal to our self-image. We know this approach doesn’t work from many years of experience. No matter how hard you come down on yourself, change remains elusive.

Give it a Try
So, instead, try being gentle and kind with yourself. Your conditioning was formed before you could exercise conscious choice; it is not your fault. Just witness it and if it is harmful to your well-being then trust that your awareness will burn it away. It really works. By accepting ourselves we allow change; by fighting we stay in the same old unhappy patterns. So, be very gentle with yourself. If you make mistakes or act inappropriately, as we all do, then just accept that, look dispassionately at what happened and move on. Our actions and behaviors create enough problems for us. We do not have to add any self criticism or condemnation. Being gentle with yourself does work. Give it a try

Copyright ©, 2005 by Ken Lloyd Russell. Ken Lloyd Russell is a mystic and has been helping people for 38 years. He has created a unique approach to spiritual transformation, The Way of Seeing ®, which students find to be a very simple yet highly practical  way that can be used in everyday life. Full information and helpful articles are at www.TheWayOfSeing.com

Categories: February2006, Healing, Healthy Choices, Love Notes, Relationship Dynamics - Tags: , , ,

Mother Nature’s Cupboard – Lady’s Mantle

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

from the Voice of Choices' Archives - Articles by Charlotte Brancaby Charlotte Branca – Master Herbalist and owner of ThymeForHealth

For many centuries, Lady’s Mantle, also known by its Latin name Alchemilla vulgaris, was believed to possess magical healing qualities. Its botanical name, Alchemilla, reflects its alliance with the ancient alchemists, who used it as a base for many of their alchemical formulas. Dew seems naturally drawn to Alchemilla, and on any spring morning hundreds of sparkling jewels line the edges of the plant’s rounded green leaves. This special moisture was traditionally considered a holy water that could purify and cleanse all illness. This herb is also known as Our Lady’s Mantle due to the scalloped shape of the leaves, which were thought to resemble the mantle (cloak) of the Virgin Mary. Later, politics intervened, and the “Our” was taken from the name.

Balancing and Assisting the Feminine
Lady’s Mantle is as its name implies, a plant that has a real affinity for balancing and assisting women with health issues. The plant has been used throughout history to treat menstrual irregularities and difficulties. It is especially useful during the beginning of menopause when hormones can start raging out of control. Rich concentrations of tannin make it especially valuable in curbing heavy or excessive menstrual flow. Lady’s mantle is perhaps the best astringent for reproductive bleeding such as heavy periods and fibroids and combines well with Shepherd’s Purse for this purpose. It is specific for improving poor uterine tone, relieving heavy bleeding and menopausal hot flashes. It combines well in equal parts with Motherwort and Chaste Tree Berry for hot flashes. It also contains salicylic acid and has sedative properties, as evidenced by its ability to alleviate cramps and painful menstruation. Lady’s Mantle is commonly used in douche formulas combined with other astringent herbs for minor vaginal irritations.

This herb is valued around the world for all of its healing properties. The fresh root has been used at least since medieval days to stop the bleeding of a cut and as an eyewash. The tea also controls diarrhea. It is also indicated for hardening of the arteries, external and internal bruising, as well as treating any kind of wound. Arabs claimed that regular use of Lady’s Mantle would ensure fertility, and it’s still sold in Middle Eastern markets for this purpose today. The women of Switzerland use poultices of Lady’s Mantle to firm and tone breast tissue.

Cultivating Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle grows easily and should be cultivated in every garden for its beauty and usefulness. It has no known toxic or side effects and is recommended both as a remedial and tonic herb. Lady’s Mantle can be planted from seeds or by purchasing plants. I suggest purchasing plants since the seed will germinate in the garden, but will take up to 2 years to flower. Plant lady’s mantle in sun or part shade. Set plants 18 inches apart. Old leaves should be trimmed in early spring and summer and a mild fertilizer or compost can be used to support new growth.

Magick
Alchemilla, or Lady’s Mantle, is a patron herb of alchemists. This herb increases the working power of any type of magick. In ancient times Lady’s Mantle was said to be a key ingredient in the ability to transmute the formula of an alchemist. It not only makes the magick more effective, but it also provides focus toward the successful manifestation of the intent of the working. Because this herb is an aphrodisiac you can use it in any love potion. It is an extremely useful herb in all love spells and sachets. Lady’s Mantle also is used in work that supports Mother Earth. It is considered sacred to Earth goddesses. The pollen from the flowers, the dried and powdered root or even the leaves (which are not quite as potent) should be used in magickal works. You may also collect the early morning dew from its leaves for use. Lady’s Mantle has the ability to add a metaphysical exclamation mark to one’s magick. It is an all round magick herb and will increase the effectiveness of the work it is used for, increasing the power and focus of the energy.

Astrological Correlations
Lady’s Mantle is ruled by the planet Venus and the sun sign of Aquarius, which accounts for its affinity and loyalty to the feminine. It is an herb that promotes love. It assists us in appreciating things of beauty around us and within us. It assists us in appreciating the feminine aspect of ourselves. As we move deeper into the Age Of Aquarius this herb has the ability to help with the transition. It assists women in having a greater understanding of themselves and their bodies; it assists men in appreciating women and their creative power. It also brings an improved inner balance and harmony to all who come into contact with it during these times of expansion. Lady’s Mantle, with the help and the influence of these two incredible forces, will carry us into the very depth of our souls with true peace and understanding of who we are and what living is all about.

Lady’s Mantle Hand Moisturizer
2 tbsp. finely ground oatmeal
1 tbsp. Lady’s Mantle infusion or tea
1 tsp. avocado oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. glycerin
Mix all ingredients in a blender to form a smooth paste. Apply to your hands before bedtime. Leave on for about a half hour, wash off and apply jojoba oil or lotion.
This article is in the February 2006 issue of Voice of Choices

Charlotte Branca is a certified herbalist, medical intuit, clairvoyant, spiritual healer and owner of Thyme for Health at 109 W Main St Monroe, WA 360-805-2898.

The information above not intended to be a substitute for medical attention. If you are experiencing a medical situation it is recommended you consult the health care professional of your choice.

Categories: February2006, Healing, Healthy Choices, Herbs, Mother Nature's Cupboard - Tags: , , ,

Sacred Drum – Sacred Circle

Written by on July 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

www.DreamingShaman.Com www.ChurchofTheEarth.orgBy Rev. Robin Tekwelus Youngblood – www.DreamingShaman.com

It is said that when Creator was creating a place for all the spirits to dwell who would inhabit Mother Earth, there came a sound, a loud BOOM-WOMB, from off in the distance.

As Creator listened, the sound kept coming closer and closer until it finally it was right in front Him. “Who are you?” asked Creator. “I am the Spirit of the drum,” came the reply. “I have come here to ask you to allow me to take part in this wonderful thing.” “How will you take part?” Creator questioned.  “I would like to accompany the singing of the people. When they sing from their hearts, I will make a sound as though I am the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In that way, all creation will sing in harmony.” Creator granted the request, and from then on, the drum accompanied the people’s voices.

Throughout all of the indigenous peoples of the world, the drum is the center of all songs. It is the catalyst for the spirit of the songs to rise up to the Creator so that the prayers in those songs reach where they were meant to go. At all times, the sound of the drum brings completeness, awe, excitement, solemnity, strength, courage, and the fulfillment to the songs. It is Mother’s heartbeat giving her approval to those living upon her. It draws the eagle to it, and the eagle carries the message to Creator.  It changes people’s lives!      -    Abenaki Legend

POWER – In the Drum
There is Power in the drum. It is a living being. For the original peoples, each drum was created from Mystery. Mother Drums are dreamed into existence – the shape, the size, where to cut the tree that will provide the hollowed (and hallowed) circular ring upon which the drum’s head is stretched. Paintings and decorations each symbolize some facet of the drum’s meaning and purpose. Each drum is born with it’s own songs already instilled, and those who gather around the drum ‘catch’ it’s songs.

Each culture – be it African, Hawaiian, Native American, Tibetan – has its own teachings about the drum, the rhythms, the chants and dances that belong to the ceremonies that surround their drums. When ceremony is called for, the drum holds the center, contains the energy, sends our prayers soaring to the ethers. A Mother Drum is the heart of ritual.

The Heartbeat of the Drum
The drums’ heartbeats take us to the center of our beings, carrying us and connecting us to Mother Earth through the “womb, womb” song of their rich, deep tones. The easiest way to enter trance states is through the drum. In the Siberian “Kamlanya”, an eight-day ceremony of Soul Retrieval which restores balance to the individual and community, the shaman drums to journey to the underworld. In our NW Indian “Winter Dances”, we dance from three to twelve nights to the beat of the drum, while the Medicine Men/Women perform chants, dances and healings.

A Friend  In Ceremony – Personal and Shared
A personal drum, a hand drum, becomes a life-long companion. I carry mine all over the planet. It is as much friend as supporter. When I need to release, I take my drum to the ocean and send my salt-laden tears to the heart of the sea, along the sound-waves of the drum and chants. When I want to celebrate, I call the circle, and we take our drums to the woods and the meadows. In the center of the circle, we light the fire, dance our wildness, chant our joy – and Mother Drum hears and reverberates the echoing passion of our delight. When I need to pray, I light the candles in my sacred space, hold the heartbeat with my drum, and raise my voice to the Great Mysterious Union of Mother Earth and Father Sky, calling for peace and healing for All Our Relations.

“And the Word (Sound) was made flesh” through the heartbeat rhythms of the drum. Travel with me on the sound/light wave currents that energize the web of creation.  “Weya- hey, Ya-wey-ya-hey . . . .”

Robin lives on Maui and hosts a weekly women’s drum circle in addition to mentoring apprentices and assisting in creating and facilitating a variety of events.

Categories: February2006, Healing, Library - Archives, Traditions - Tags: , , , , ,