Hello there-
Last week I posted a few pictures of my lovely Ogoun apron made by Mambo Sam and her mother in law Eileen. Today I would like to share with you some pictures of the apron I have gotten for working with Gran Bwa. This fabric is gorgeous! I hope you enjoy the photos. For more information on the Aprons, please see www.spellmaker.com/voodoowares.htm
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
For those who partake in alternative medicine, Reiki is a powerful compliment to all therapies whether traditional or non-traditional. Whatever the case may be Reiki is a practice that can bring body, mind, and spirit into balance.
What is Reiki?
In 1922 a Buddhist monk named Mikao Usui meditated for 21 days atop Mount Kurama, Japan. It is said that during his retreat that the concept of Reiki healing was given to him through divine inspiration. Later that year he established the Usui Reiki Healing Society in Tokyo.
The name Reiki itself is made up two Japanese words. When combined these words literally translate to "guided spiritual life force energy". The energy generated by the practitioner is said to come from the divine and not the practitioner themselves.
This would mean that the energy is pure and inexhaustible. The energy transmitted during the session is also deemed "intelligent" and travels to the precise area in need of healing, even without the practitioner or recipient being aware of it.
How does Reiki work?
Reiki can be performed over the whole body or over a specific area. The practitioner can use a touching or non-touching technique, where the hands hover over the recipient's body by a few centimeters. In either case the goal is for the flow of energy to be released through the hands of the practitioner and penetrate the body of the recipient.
The length of a Reiki session lasts from 45 to 90 minutes. The practitioner's hands stay over each area of the recipient's body for 3 to 5 minutes. Reiki can either be performed traditionally with set hand positions or informally where the format is more open.
There is a second level of Reiki that allows for healing over a distance. This is accomplished by using three special symbols that aid the practitioner to connect with the recipient. This means that healing may be performed no matter the location.
Can I perform Reiki on myself?
The energy involved when performing Reiki makes it an excellent candidate for self-healing. In fact it is said that when a practitioner generates energy for a healing it enters through their crown Chakra in turn providing them with healing while healing the recipient.
The Reiki technique is simple and powerful. Practitioners attest that the concepts surrounding Reiki are so wholesome and safe that even children can learn to heal. Reiki has no side effects and can be used on anyone one in any social setting, even on plants and animals.
How can Reiki help?
Reiki is used for many types of ailments both physical and psychological. The flow of divine energy creates a chain reaction in the body that promotes healing at all levels. Reiki is a holistic approach to healing and deals with the human body, mind, and spirit as a complete system. Therefore it is effective in all arenas of healing and compliments modern medical treatments. Reiki is not promoted to replace other forms of therapies but encouraged as part of a comprehensive health strategy.
Hello!
Below are some pictures I took while fishing with Marran and Parran this Spring. Hope you enjoy them 🙂
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
Marran having a fine day!
Marran and Parran and a Fishy Friend!
Here is the little fella that I caught, being held by Parran's bother, Andrew. We threw him back (the fish, not Drew….) and he swam away to live another day 🙂
The Neighbors! A mess-o-chipmunks lived in a rock pile right next to where we were seated for the day. These little guys were quite brave and really seemed fond of rice crispy treats! They were awesome entertainment in between nibbles on the line.
Hi there!
Now that it is officially warm here in the Northeast, I have been able to spend some periods of time outdoors with the trees, one of my favorite things to do. I have a brief, rather unofficial ritual I do when I sitting with a tree. I find sitting quietly with a tree is a very powerful way for me to connect with the enviornment and also feel closer to Gran Bwa. There is no real right or wrong way to do this- I present these steps as a general guide that works well for me 🙂
Go for a walk in the woods or a park, or even your own yard. Be sure this is someplace you feel safe and *are* safe. Look at the different trees, quiet your mind, tune into them. You will find that different trees have different personalities! Some will feel warm and inviting, others may not be receptive to having company that day 🙂 Some may feel strong, some happy and upbeat, others not so much.
When you feel attracted to a tree, move in towards it. Spend a few minutes getting to know the tree- look at its shape, its foliage, the shape and texture of the bark, the roots. Unfocus your eyes and look for the tree's aura. Using the palm of your nondominant hand, sweep around the tree and see if you can feel how far it's energy extends. Make an energetic connection with the tree. How does it feel? Take a bit of foliage, feel it's texture, notice it's scent, temperature, shape and size.
Open your mind and your heart, and ask the tree if you can sit with it for a while. I very rarely have a tree say "No" but it is always polite to ask permission! If the answer is "Yes", walk around the tree once and pick a comfortable place to sit. Before sitting down, place your hands on the trunk and take three deep breaths. You may feel guided to give the tree a hug! Go right ahead 🙂 Take a few moments and strengthen your connection with your new friend.
When you are ready, sit down in your comfortable spot with your back up against the trunk of the tree. Clear your mind and just be with the tree. Open yourself to guidance from the tree. Be relaxed, breathe slowly and deeply. Be present. Feel the trunk of the tree against your back. Feel the warmth of the soil beneath you. If some intrusive thoughts pop into your mind, place them in a cloud and let them float away. Remain quiet and peaceful for as long as you like. Be with the tree.
When you are feeling ready, "talk" with the tree. If you have questions about the tree or the land, ask, sit quietly and wait for a response! If you have an issue or concern that you need guidance on, pose a question and again, sit quietly and see what comes to you.
When you feel you are ready to close, stand back up and place your hands on the trunk as you did before sitting. Again, if you feel guided to hug the tree, please do! Thank the tree from your heart for its time and attention, for any guidance it may have relayed, and for its contribution to the environment.
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
Here is a picture of the ritual that was done for Mambo and Parran's doggie, Mojo. These rituals call on Papa Legba, Ogoun and Gran Bwa 🙂 They are proving to be a very popular ritual! For more information, please see http://www.spellmaker.com/bridget.htm
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
Hello there!
Recently, Mambo Sam, in conjunction with her mother in law Eileen, began offering traditional Voodoo aprons. This collaborative effort produces wonderfully hand crafted, made to order aprons that are one of a kind. You can read about the details here: www.spellmaker.com/voodoowares.htm Below are some pictures of the first apron I ordered, this one is for Ogoun! It is simply beautiful! I will be posting pictures of my other aprons as we go along. I guess you can say Im a bit addicted to them 🙂 Anyway- check out the Aprons, you will be glad that you did.
Light and Love
Sister Bridget
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us….. Nelson Mandela 1994
Hey there!
With June quickly approaching, and the triple Papa Legba ritual coming up, I am working on a list of songs in honor of Papa! if you have a favorite song you like to play or sing for dear Papa, please let me know and I will add it to my list. A few of you have already sent suggestions, and I thank you. I am still collecting songs for the Papa Playlist, tho. Feel free to post them here or email the name of the song to bridget@spellmaker.com There could be prizes involved 🙂
Love
Sister Bridget