Author: Sister Bridget Corfield

  • ~~ Merry Christmas ~~

    And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling
    and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without
    tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled
    ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t
    before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if
    Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?
                           ~~~~ Dr Seuss
    Wishing you all a whole lot of a little bit more this Christmas.
    Much Light and Love,
    Sister Bridget

    Snoopychristmas

  • ~~A Prayer for Yule~~

    A Prayer for Yule

    May the log burn,
    May the wheel turn,
    May evil spurn,
    May the Sun return.

    ~~Author Unknown

    • Yuletreee 

  • First Day of Winter.

    Happy Winter Everyone!

    If we had no winter, spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not
    sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome
              -Anne Bradstreet

    While winter is by far NOT my favorite season, this quote reminded me of something I say to clients all the time….. That the only way out is THROUGH! What waits on the other side makes it all worth while.

    Happy Solstice Everyone!
    Light and Love
    Sister Bridget

    Images

  • Sheer Goddess website up and running!!!

    Hey Guys!!!

    Awesome news! The Sheer Goddess Website is up and running! Check it out!

    www.sheergoddess.com

    Be sure to read the great information about the ingredients, and fair trade products, and the philosophy of the Sheer Goddess lines. My two favorite products are the Day Dreaming Nights Moisture Cream and the Phaedra’s Tea Rose Lotion . But everything is great! (trust me, I have tried them all!)

    Those of you  doing some kind of spellwork, please remember these are consectrated products and can be used as adjunct work on your case. Please email your caseworker (or me, if you like) for suggestions.

    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    Daydreamingcreme4oz

  • The Reiki Ideals

    Hi!

    I have been wanting to start a series of entries about Reiki for a little while now. So, tonight I thought I would start with a little introduction about Reiki.

    Not many of you know this, but I have been trained in Usui-Tibetian and Karuna Reiki. I have taken all of my classes thru the International Center for Reiki Training. The center has extremely high standard in teaching, and I highly recommend anyone considering taking a Reiki class to look for a class taught by an ICRT teacher.

    From the International Center for Reiki Training (www.reiki.org):

    "Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

    The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words – Rei which means "God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

    Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

    An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one’s health and enhance the quality of life.

    Its use is not dependent on one’s intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds. "

    So, there you have a brief explaination of what Reiki is.

    Next, here are the Reiki Ideal that founder Dr Mikao Usui set forth:

    The Reiki Ideals

    Just for Today, Do not Anger

    Just for today, Do not Worry

    Just for today, Be kind to your neighbour and every living being

    Just for Today, Do your work honestly

    Just for today, Give thanks for your many blessings.

    So, there you have it. These Ideals look simple enough….but is it really that simple to live by them? I personally think living by them would really make our lives simpler 🙂 In the coming weeks, I am going to discuss each ideal seperatley. I hope you will join me with comments as to what each Ideal means to you.

    Light and Love

    Sister BridgetHol


  • A Few Minutes of Peace

    I was looking for something else, and came across this really nice (and brief) meditation for Peace on beliefnet.com.  Check it out. It takes only a few minutes, and it will refresh your day.

    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    Peace

  • 10 Tips to Tackle Holiday Stress and Sleep Well

    10 Tips to Tackle Holiday Stress and Sleep Well 

    ~

    It seems like even those of you who generally sleep well most nights can often experience occasional, transient insomnia during the holiday season. As we move into Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is all the stress, strain and tension surrounding getting it all done.  Gifts to buy, extra food preparation, making that special dessert, having company, throwing a part, attending parties and that’s on top of all the regular activities of job and family responsibilities.  All add up and can often wreak havoc with your circadian rhythms.  We’re burdened with thinking it all needs to be perfect and you try to make it all happen.  Your system gets overloaded with stress, not to mention extra food and beverages.

    The following 10 tips are offered to help you maintain your sanity:

    ~

    1. Normal Routine.  Try to keep to your normal routine as much as possible.  That means going to bed as close to your regular time and rising at around the same time each day.  Of course, this will be challenging on party nights, but try to keep these to a minimum.

    ~
    2. Plan Ahead.  If you’ve got company coming, try to alleviate some of your ‘last-minute stress’ by purchasing groceries, gifts or even doing advanced food preparation ahead of time.  Get the gifts wrapped.  That was always my job and mom loved it that it was one less thing she needed to do.

    ~
    3. Regular Exercise.  Exercise is one of the precursors to achieving good sleep.  Besides, it’s just simply healthy for you.  Try to maintain your regular routine.  Hit the gym or at least get out for a walk.  You mind will be refreshed and your body thankful, and you will sleep better.

    ~
    4. Ask for Help.  The holiday festivities don’t need to be your total responsibility.  Ask family members to assist in the preparations.  If you don’t ask, they may not know how stressed and burdened you feel.  And, there is a very good chance they will be very receptive to pitching in to make this ajoyous time for all.  Enlist your family to clean and decorate the house, wrap the gifts and prepare the meals.

    ~
    5. Reduce Caffeine.  Keep your caffeine intake to a bare minimum or not at all.  Caffeine can have a very long half-life, particularly in those who sleep lightly to begin with.  Adding caffeine to increased stress levels is a sure-fire way to disrupt your sleep even more.

    ~
    6. Watch your Alcohol Intake.  Alcohol, even in small quantities, can induce a false sense of sleepiness.  But falling into an alcohol-induced sleep state will be anything but satisfying.  Your slumber will be restless and it is doubtful you will enter deep delta sleep, which is needed for that energized feeling the next day.

    ~
    7. Water – Drink Lots.  Dehydration can be your worst enemy, particularly if you are having more than your usual amount of alcohol.  Make sure your body is well hydrated with at least 8 – 10 8-oz. cups per day.  Water makes up 85 of your muscles, and 75% of your brain.  Make sure you don’t dry out.

    ~
    8. Be kind to Yourself.  Before your shoulders end up bunched up into your ears, seeming never to get unstuck, reward yourself and take a break.  Plan a relaxing massage, facial or manicure.  A massage is great for you guys too.

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    9. Breathe Deeply.  Diaphragmatic breathing is an excellent way to induce relaxation throughout your entire body.  Test whether you are a chest or belly breather by putting one hand on your chest and one on your belly.  Look down as you breathe (normally).  Whichever hand rises first indicates your normal breathing pattern.  Most people are ‘chest’ breathers by habit.  Just for 5 minutes focus breathing letting your diaphragm rise first.  Your breathing will be slow and deeper.  Even 5 minutes of deep belly breathing will induce relaxation.  Plus it simply relaxes you and feels good.

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    10. Talk to your Brain.  After you’ve done some deep diaphragmatic breathing (this really helps to relax you), then have a chat with your brain.  Tell it you will sleep soundly tonight.  Tell it you deserve a restful peaceful night.

    ~

    The mind-body connection is really significant.  Make use of this amazingly powerful tool. Practice these behaviors and you will sleep soundly and have pleasant dreams of sugarplums and Christmas Kringle making everything just right and come visit http://thespiritofsleep.com for more useful information on sleep.

    ~

    Author and Sleep Coach, Glenda Sparling, can help you address and overcome the challenges you face around sleep issues and insomnia. Her e-book, The Spirit of Sleep, which offers effective natural tools, techniques and behaviors for eliminating sleep anxiety and insomnia.

  • Readings by Sister Bridget

      Images99
        Readings with Sister Bridget                  

    As the initiated daughter of Mambo Samantha Corfield and Parran Matthew Corfield, Sister Bridget has received sacred tools and spiritual blessings of a true New Orleans Voodoo family directly from Mambo Sam and Parran Matt. This will aide her greatly in assisting you with these readings.

    Sister Bridget was initiated into the family of Mambo Sam and Parran Matt as a Priestess of Ogoun. Under the guidance of Ogoun and teachings of her initiation, Sister Bridget can offer you different types of readings as well as being able to burn a special Voodoo lamp (with complete ritual) to Ogoun on your behalf. Information on all of readings and ritual offerings are below. If you still have questions after reading all the information, please write directly to Sister Bridget at bridget@spellmaker.com and she will gladly answer all questions.

    *****NEW*****

    911readings now available! please see www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm

    TAROT READINGS: While she does specialize in love readings, Sister Bridget can read for you on any subject that you desire. If you have done spellwork with us here at Spellmaker, she can also help you in obtaining guidance regarding the effects, efficacy, and possible challenges of your spellwork.

    Readings are offered either by email, in a secure chatroom, or by phone. (Please note that doing your reading in the chatroom does allow Sister Bridget to send you a transcript of the reading for future reference. This is highly recommended) Explore the world of tarot with Sister Bridget! We promise you will not be disappointed in her skill, spiritual gifts, and kindness.

    PENDULUM OF OGOUN READINGS: You may now also order either separately or with your tarot reading, a Pendulum of Ogoun reading with Sister Bridget. Sister Bridget will use her sacred pendulum to Ogoun, along with “answer charts” in order to get you guidance directly from Ogoun. With these pendulum readings it is important to know that this is Ogoun’s answer to your question, not Sister Bridget’s interpretation of information for you. She is going to ask the question directly to her power guardian lwa, Ogoun, and get the answer from the pendulum as it is guided by Ogoun. When you order a pendulum reading, please plan on discussing with Sister Bridget how to frame your questions to get the most accurate answer.

    To order a reading please see http://www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm . Be sure to follow the link in the confirmation email to fill out the form with your information. 

    Help with phrasing questions for Tarot:

    For sure, we when coming into a reading, as a client you will have things you desire clarification on.  Knowing how to phrase questions well will help you get the most possible benefit from your reading. Here are some basic guidelines.

    The Tarot will give you an overview of a situation and let you know what will happen if you choose to either do nothing and continue the way you are going, or take another path. The tarot itself is more about insight and guidance that black and white answers. Open ended questions seem to work best.  Here are some examples:

    Can you give me insight into …

    What do I need to understand about …

    What is the meaning of …

    What is the lesson or purpose of …

    What are the circumstances underlying …

    How can I improve my chances of …

    How might I …

    What do I need to know about . . . ?

    What internal and external influences are affecting my goal to…?

    What is the next step I need to take to achieve . . . ?

    What is standing in the way of my . . . ?

    How can I best overcome the obstacle of . . . ?

    How can I be a better . . . ?

    Which is the best choice between . . . ?

    Asking closed ended questions limits the scope of advice that the cards can lend.  Yes and No questions can be asked, but that then leaves us asking yet another question about what to do next.  The cards themselves do not give specific names, places or dates.  Although, general time frames can be interpreted by a skilled reader 😉 (We can address timelines in another post!) And always, if you are having trouble framing a question,  just describe what it is you wish to know about, what information you are seeking, and we can work together on phrasing your question. No worries!

    Keep in mind that there are always challenges and obstacles in life and the Tarot never gives an inevitable outcome but, rather, a possible one based on the circumstances presently surrounding your question.  Readings of any kind should be used as a tool to help you in deciding what to do next, what you can work towards changing, and what you decide to accept as your destiny.  In other words, if you get a reading that doesn’t seem particularly good, what can you do to change that?  If you couldn’t potentially change your future, then we at Spellmaker wouldn’t be here working so hard for you and with you!

    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    Heart1                                                   

     

    1%20ogoun_badagris                                                             1%20ogu_fer

  • Why We Choose Anger (And How To Take Another Road)

    This article sooooooo reminded me of one of the reasons why we tell clients that taking the High Road is very important.  Chosing not to react in anger sometimes can be a really hard thing to do. I hope this article helps make that a little easier for some of you 🙂
    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Why We Choose Anger (And How To Take Another Road) by Brenda Shoshanna

    Anger has turned into an epidemic in our world today. It is crucial to take a step back and realize the enormity of the danger we are facing, not only from external expressions of anger, but from the anger we each carry within. The time has come to face the truth about anger, learn what it truly is, where it comes from, why it arises, and how to stop it on the spot.

    Anger Is A Choice We Make

    Believe it or not, anger is a choice we make. But what are some of the reasons that we would hold onto this poison, and refuse to let it go? For starters, many become addicted to anger. Anger gives a false sense of power and strength. This is a lie it tells. When a person is addicted to anger, they are really becoming addicted to the temporary sense of power, and strength they receive.

    When very angry, a person often feels that they are definitely right and everyone else is wrong. A false sense of decisiveness is created. It becomes easier to take action (though the action is almost always off base). However, the rush an individual gets from anger is counterfeit, a substitute for real strength. After the anger passes, and the consequences of the anger set in, the person usually feels weak and depleted. Often there is considerable regret for words spoken or action taken rashly.

    When we realize the truth of the situation, it is easier to let go of anger and proceed constructively. For example, we grow to understand that real strength comes from the power to see the entire situation for what it really is and respond with clarity and compassion.

    Who Would I Be Without My Anger

    Anger not only tells us lies – it often becomes a person’s identity. “Who would I be without my anger?” people say. When one is addicted to anger, it becomes the person’s identity. They feel that without their anger they would become a doormat and out of control. Anyone could do what they wanted to them. Actually, the opposite is true. Without anger we can live from the highest and best of who we are.

    The Fuels For Anger

    Even when we want to let go of anger, there may be many fuels that keep it going. It is important to become aware of what these fuels are, so we can put them out. A basic fuel of anger is the feeling that we must fight for what we need and want and that we must also fight not to allow others to win or deceive us. This is built upon the basic idea that others are our opponents, (or enemies), that what they want and need conflicts with our needs. We believe that both cannot be winners, one must lose and the other gain, we must struggle for what is our due, there is not enough to go around for all. We divide the world into two camps, those who are with us and those who are not. This idea is a great fuel for anger, because we feel it is fine to attack those who are are not on our side.

    We do not stop to realize that those who seem to be our enemies one day, may become our dearest friends the next. Friends turn to enemies and the other way around all the time. When we are ready to let this lie go, it becomes easy to see that the good of one is always the good of all. Our basic well being lies in the ability to give and receive love and support, to share our lives, struggles and joy with others. The more we do this, the more fulfilling and healthy our lives become.

    Learn to give up one form of anger a day, and replace it with a healthy substitute in award winning book The Anger Diet, (30 Days To Stress Free Living) http://www.theangerdiet.com .  Acclaimed psychologist, speaker, family and divorce mediator has helped thousands resolve conflicts fairly and constructively.

  • 38 Stress Busters

    38 Stress Busters

    So, the silly holiday season is upon us now. Let’s all make an effort to pre-empt holiday craziness and burn out by taking steps to help de-stress. I have highlighted a few of my personal favorites below:

    1. Start off your day with breakfast.

    2. Occasionally change your routine by meeting, a friend or co-worker for breakfast – allow time to relax and enjoy it.

    3. Find some time during the day to meditate or listen to a relaxation CD.

    4. Instead of drinking coffee all day, switch to fruit juice or decaf tea.

    5. Organize your work – set priorities.

    6. Don’t try to be perfect. Don’t feel like you must do everything.

    7. Avoid trying to do two or three or more things at a time.

    8. Develop a support network.

    9. If possible, reduce the noise level in your environment.

    10. Always take a lunch break (preferably not at your desk).

    11. Optimize your health with good nutrition, sleep and rest.

    12. Get regular exercise.

    13. Celebrate birthdays and other holidays. Turn more events into special occasions.

    14. Look at unavoidable stress as an avenue for growth and change.

    15. Avoid people who are "stress carriers."

    16. Avoid people who are "negaholics."

    17. Don’t watch the 11 p.m. news.

    18. Give yourself praise and positive strokes.

    19. Develop a variety of resources for gratification in your life, whether it’s family, friends, hobbies, interests, special weekends or vacations.

    20. Treat yourself to "new and good things."

    21. Be assertive. Learn to express your needs and differences, to make requests, and to say "no" constructively.

    22. Seek out the emotional resources available to you- co-workers, spouse, friends and family.

    23. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.

    24. Allow extra time to get to appointments.

    25. Take deep breaths when you feel stressed.

    26. Try to find something funny in a difficult situation.

    27. Find ways to protect yourself…take an occasional "mental health day."

    28. Adopt a pet.

    29. Take a mindful walk.

    30. Understand that we do not all see or do things in the same way.

    31. Practice mindfulness – learn to live in the moment.

    32. Become a less aggressive driver.

    33. Show kindness and consideration: Open a door for someone, pick up litter, etc.

    34. When stressed, ask yourself "Is this really important?" and "Will this really matter a year from now?"

    35. Resist the urge to judge or criticize.

    36. Become a better listener.

    37. Be flexible with change – things don’t always go as we planned.

    38. If religious, pray; speak to God, a higher power, or your inner guide. (and the Lwa… they love to hear from you!!)