Celebrating Imbolc and the Chinese New Year of the Ox for 2009

Imbolc (2nd February 2009) - also known as Candlemas, marks the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring. It is when the days are getting longer and the promise of new growth is in the air.

For me, Imbolc is the time of year where I have just about recovered from Christmas, usually gone through a cold or two and have decided to release all that is not for my highest good - or not healthy in my life. This can include old relationships, friendships, patterns that are holding me back etc. This for a lot of people also signifies the start of a 'spring clean' of their environment and personal life, and with Imbolc being on a waxing moon this year, it is easier to have the motivation to get this started and to invite new energy into your life as a result.

There are many websites available for more information about Imbolc and Candlemas so I won't go into too much detail here (see links at bottom of page), but if you are feeling a bit restless at the moment then maybe you are feeling the pull of this fresh energy to spring clean your life too.

You don't have to make big plans or vow to release everything at once, start with your environment; your living space; your working space. Declutter your spare room - which somehow we always manage to leave until last ;) - once that is clear then you will find more momentum in decluttering the rest of the house (because now you have somewhere to store your new junk!). Don't go on a diet, think about eating more healthily - if you deprive yourself of your favourite foods then you will crave them more and then you will be making life difficult for yourself as you yo-yo diet. Instead, try and eat more fruit and veg, preferably organic, but not essential and if you can't afford fresh, buy frozen - it's still good for you. Take regular walks outside and get some fresh air - it is amazing what a few minutes of fresh air can do for clearing your mind of stress.

Start a new project, something that you have always planned to do but life got in the way - yes, I know, life will still get in the way - so make time to do it, just five minutes here and there when you can. It will help to lift your spirits because this is something that is for you, that you feel passionate about and I'm sure you have heard the saying 'a change is as good as a rest', this doesn't just apply to new places, it can apply to everything in your life. Taking time out for yourself is really good for your body and soul, even if it's a case of letting your partner watch the children while you take a long soak in the tub - everybody needs a bit of time to themselves every once in a while (or at the very least once a day!).

Alongside Imbolc we are also celebrating the Chinese New Year which is the year of the Ox for 2009. This sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work, which means that to receive results you need to focus and complete the project in hand and not be distracted from it. So to utilise the energies best this year, work on decluttering your life, make an effort to get a project off the ground and stick with it until completion - then reap the rewards!

Here is your angel message for this week, take what speaks to you and leave the rest :-)

Card and action (in italic) taken from the Angel Therapy deck by Doreen Virtue Ph.D.

'Past Life Issue - This situation has a basis in one of your previous lifetimes. Ask your angels to help you remember, release, learn and heal from your past experiences.'
The angels are verifying the advice given above about releasing everything from your life that is not healthy for you right now. You may be feeling that history is repeating itself, that something you thought you had dealt with and done and dusted has now returned again and is still bothering you. Trust your gut instincts about what you feel is happening right now and this will also give you the answer on how to release this once and for all. Call upon Archangel Raziel for help with releasing this from your life, he is especially good at releasing old karma from a past life that is not relevant to your present life and therefore is preventing you from moving forwards. Trust that you can do this and it will happen for you with ease and grace.

Archangel Raziel's affirmation:

'Archangel Raziel, I call upon you now. Please help me understand (describe your current question or situation) by guiding and healing me through my past experiences and relationships. I ask that you help me balance all karma with everyone involved in this situation, in all directions of time. Raziel, please help me uncover, heal, and release any buried pain ... now and forever. Thank you.'
You may feel a release by your body physically shuddering or just a feeling of peace, but know that this is your body's way of releasing this for your highest good.
To purchase a copy of the Angel Therapy deck used here for yourself or for someone you care about please go to the Angel Chakra products and services link at the bottom of the page.

Crystal message for the week (from the Crystal Oracle deck by Toni Carmine Salerno)

Rutilated Quartz (also known as Angel or Venus Hair)
Keywords: vibrational healing, higher mind, reconciliation.
'You are subconsciously receiving loving vibrations and loving thoughts from someone connected to your past. An episode or conflict that hurt you emotionally is now being healed and reconciled by the power of forgiveness and unconditional love. Over the coming days you may find yourself emotionally and mentally reciprocating this love as you reflect on a person or past event. Through this mutual exchange of love, past wounds are now being energetically healed, and all negative attachments resolved and released.'

How to work with this crystal

Rutilated Quartz is a fairly common crystal to find in spiritual and new age shops. It is transparent and golden in colour and has lines of Rutile embedded in it which give the impression of hair. When you purchase a piece, firstly you need to cleanse it in order for it to be tuned in (attuned) to your own personal energy, there are several ways of doing this but the simplest way is to wash it in running water and imagine that it is being cleansed from old energies it received on it's journey to you (not all crystals can tolerate water as they may dissolve so check with the shop first). When you feel that this step is complete, then dry it using paper towel or leave it to dry naturally. Then holding the crystal in your non-dominant hand (i.e. the hand you don't write with) ask the angels to bless this crystal to heal you on all levels and for your highest good. You may feel a tingly feeling in the hand holding the crystal or it may feel warm, or just have a feeling that it is done, you will know that this is now in line with your own energy to enable healing for yourself.

You can then carry this crystal in your pocket throughout the day, or place in front of you on your desk as you work. Whenever you feel you need a pick-me-up then hold your crystal in your hand (either one) and imagine the healing energy being absorbed into your body.

Next week we will be talking about how the Eclipse and the Full Moon can affect your energy levels and how you can benefit from this in your life!

Until then, have a wonderful week and speak soon :-)
Angel blessings,
Kate x