 Happy Scorpio Season!
Here on Vancouver Island the weather has finally shifted from hot sunny days to ones of drizzle and fog. While I absolutely love the warm sunny days, I find that there's just something magickal, mystical and comforting with the fog and rain. And I've noticed that my intention of focus has a lot to do with my outlook and experience. When I consciously feel into the energy of the mystery and the wild during the west coast grey days, something inside of me awakens. There's a brightening, a vividness and a sense of connection to all that is wild, natural and untamed - and also I feel a sense of connection with my ancestors, with those who through millennia where more subject to the effects of the seasons than most of us who are buffered with our modern lifestyle. Do you ever experience this? Scorpio Season, with the shorter hours of sunlight, and the vegetation releasing its foliage as it prepares to withdraw energy into the underground root systems, invites us to honour the natural process of letting go, of release, so that we can prepare to attune to the wisdom of stillness and deep rest, and the mystery of what is being nourished at this time. This season has traditionally across cultures been associated with the theme of death, and to counter the fear that arises with death, we have such celebrations as Hallowe'en/All Hallowed's Eve, and Samhain (a Gaelic festival pronounced Sow-wen) celebrated on October 31st/Nov 1st. While everyone has a different take on what these days mean to them, in general this is considered to be a time to face our fears, especially around death, and to bring in levity and courage, to actually have fun with it all. And as "the veil thins" - ie the energy of the natural world becomes yin and decreases - it's also a relevant time to honour our ancestors - those who have lived, struggled, loved and laughed before us. In our most recent on-line Soul Circle group we engaged a meditation to meet and glean wisdom from a beloved ancestor. You can try a shorter version of this for yourself - consider of a favourite ancestor, and while you have some quiet moments, close your eyes and imagine visiting with them, greeting them, and asking them if they have any wisdom to share with you. Just let it come to you, try not to think too hard about it. The message will be kind and caring. Thank them and give them gratitude for their guidance and wisdom. Release the meditation and jot down in your journal your experience and any insights that you might have recieved.
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Vietnamese Buddhist monk and activist Thich Nhat Hanh taught a practice called "smile yoga." This isn't a practice where you must go about your day with a fake smile plastered onto your face, which I believe is detrimental to our well being, and isn't being honest with those in our lives. But instead it's a self care practice. The practice is to bring a slight but genuine smile to our mouth a few times a day - this could be while we are driving, doing the dishes, picking up our phone, or meditating. Thich Nhat Hanh would say that it "nourishes awareness and calms miraculously'. It may even be an inner smile - think of it as something that is for you, something that may nourish your heart. The muscles involved in making a smile sends biochemical signals to our nervous system that it's safe to relax and can move us ever so subtly into the rest and digest mode. And when we can feel nourished, that's when we can in turn have something to offer others. Perhaps the first and most needed thing that we can offer the world is our peace.  THE INFINITY SYMBOL - THE LINK TO YOUR INFINITE POWER You have within you a deep connection to an unlimited source of power. The very power that created the universe is the same that’s within each one of us.
This infinity loop has long been recognized as a symbol of absolute infinity, without end. Take a moment ✨close your eyes ✨hand on heart or solar plexus ✨invoke that eternal flame that’s within you and that’s within all of the universe ✨feel it growing like a flame within your spirit ✨aligned with that power, intend that you be guided and aligned with your highest purpose today ✨give thanks to the creative force of life and love ✨So mote it be To keep the balance give thanks. Even share this post or tag a friend - or share some goodness to others - (no kidding, this is how the cycle works ♾ ) Blessings to you on this day 🌿 Does anyone blog anymore? Does anyone read blogs? Or is the party happening only over on social media? In the 2021 Facebook (Meta) reported losing a million daily active users, either going offline altogether or migrating to different platforms. My last blog entry was in May 2019, and since then I've put more of my thoughts and shares on Instagram and Facebook. Are you an IG, FB or TicTock user? Tell me, do you love or hate it? I have a love hate relationship with social media. I'm on it just about everyday, and of course, having a business makes it really appealing to use, it's almost a must at this time. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA: Sharing is so quick and easy! I love having the direct connection and communication with followers and friends, with people both locally and from around the planet. And there's so many interesting and creative accounts out there, what a great way to find, connect and follow! WHAT I DON'T LOVE ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA: Those platforms are literally created in a way so as to make people addicted to their using their sites. The creators have mastered how to use the reward and pleasure system of the body and brain to keep people engaged and scrolling, scrolling, scrolling.... (If you haven't watched it yet, check out The Social Experiment on Netflix) AND: As an empath and intuitive social media, can be a major energy drain. With billions of voices all talking at once, all wanting to be heard, it can kind of feel like I'm spending time in a huge crowded auditorium, and just wanting to go home or to get out in nature so that I can hear myself think again. So that I can feel my heart, my body, my breath. Empaths and/or intuitive tend to be sensitive to their environment, and can easily merge with the people or places that we are near. While this "ability" makes for a good intuitive and energy worker, it's extremely important to for us to maintain good physically and emotionally healthy by having good boundaries and having practices that can sustain and maintain a healthy system. Honestly, it took me quite a while actually to understand this is my bones, but I have learned some powerful ways to stay centered and to sustain a healthy energetic system. Here are some ways to protect your energy while still enjoying the internet and social media:
I began this post talking about blogging, and then moved to social media. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. What are your preferences? Please share some ways that you use to keep your energetic system clear and strong while still enjoying the inter-web! Wishing you happy and empowered surfing!!   The full moon has been in Scorpio. Have you felt it? This month’s moon is requesting us to release control, to loosen ego’s hold, and to face our fears and repressed emotions so that we can integrate them. So that we can evolve, heal and expand our personal power and autonomy.
⠀⠀ I’ve been experiencing a lot of physical tension, aches and pain in the body the past week or two, which aligns perfectly with the energy of earthy Taurus season. ⠀⠀ Your body is your sacred vessel, and a messenger of your spirit. How does it long to be cared for? What does it need? What message is it speaking to you? Are there things in your life that is no longer in alignment with you and a readjustment needs to be made? Listen closely, lean in and perhaps take just a small subtle step and shift. ⠀⠀ You are powerful and your spirit is strong. Trust this truth and listen to your inner knowing. ⠀⠀ Cards: The Wild Unknown Within the past year and a half I've undergone some massive shifts as I've traversed my path of evolution. It's been full of ups and downs, and loads of contractions and expansions. There is a myth out there saying that the path to awakening is all about light and love, and sunshine and expansive joy. It can be like that at times, but it can't be like that always. Truly, before a rebirth there has to be a death. Sometimes it can be one massive shift, but usually it involves a gradual awakening, or a series of ongoing labour pains. Nature shows us this to be true. There is nothing in nature that is always expansive and in full bloom. There is winter and summer. Hurricanes, and earthquakes. Spring and autumn.
Our society is evolving... systems are shaking down, sometimes there's a series of tremors, and then there's major moments as we've seen recently with Dr. Ford. Our planet is choking and calling out to us to listen and act. I've had a few people in the last while who've seem curious if I still believe and work with angels. Absolutely!! All the time! And I've had people who have stopped following me because they wanted their feeds to be only lollipops and unicorns. And that's totally cool! I get it. But it makes me realize how the content of my posts have shifted over the past few years, especially the since last fall. In the Fool's journey in the Tarot, we are shown how our soul begins it's journey in this lifetime with stars in his/her eyes and confidence in their step. They are full of the light and exuding faith and love, having just come from Source. It know from whence it came! And then the journey unfolds in such a way so as the soul can grow and evolve and be a fully embodied being in this lifetime. And yes that involves love, and it also involves experiencing massive shake ups, paradigm shifts, doubt, fear, egoic death, the dark nights of the soul, and of having the courage and faith to keep going, to trust the mysterious unfolding of our lives, despite the ouster circumstances. It isn't always pretty. And that's just fine. It's exactly as it's meant to be. And so I'd like to affirm to you that everything is sacred. Our love, our fear, our joys and successes, and our sorrows, failures and doubts. We are never for one second left adrift and alone. We might feel like it, but the mind can have a hard time holding both fear and faith at the same time. It's a big task for the brain and nervous system. So, an invitation to feel what is here. To accept and send love and compassion to those parts of us that feel less than, that feel unworthy, shameful, and dark, for as long as we push them away we can never be whole. This is where the love comes in... that extreme love for our very selves. And as we include and embrace all the forgotten and rejected pieces of ourselves we can be stronger and more complete than ever. Yes, in the end, it truly is all about love after all. And here we are, in the season of letting go, in October. Huge letting go, season of composting and allowing for a form of death to happen, in order to give way for new growth. Inquiry: What are you ready to release and let go? What no longer serves you? What is ready to die? Be gentle with your self as you process through this, and with gratitude acknowledge the gifts that you have received along the way. And allowing room for new birth to take place. What will your garden grow next? xoxo CHAKRA AFFIRMATIONS I am safe, secure and grounded. I feel my emotions. I act with confidence and ease. I love myself and others with an open heart. I speak my truth with ease. I see clearly, my inner vision is strong. I am connected with all of life and with Source energy. I Am. ❤️   An exercise to release the old and to bring in the new!
Here's an exercise to help you to release and let go of what's no longer serving you and to welcome in that which is for your highest good! Be sure to take a moment when you can be undisturbed and then follow the directions below.
Let me know how that felt for you and what you notice over the next few days, weeks and the season. I'm always so excited to hear from you! With much love, Irene  Today is the autumn equinox. We say goodby to summer and welcome the fall. If you've been feeling like you've been between two places, take heart. This is about to pass.
I often find it difficult to let go of summer,but truth be told I notice there's a lot of energy in trying to hold on to something who's time has naturally passed. This is a great time to recall your intentions from the spring. Is it appropriate to review them? What do you need to let go of to be able to unfold even more fully into your truest version of yourself? Whereas Halloween can be about honouring those who have passed, this is a time to celebrate life and the living! Life is so precious and such a gift. Let's play and have some fun in these stunningly beautiful days of autumn!! What are your most fave things to do? I raise a cup of cozy chai tea to you! 💕💕  July 9th, Full Moon is also known as Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Blood Moon, and Mead Moon This full moon in Capricorn brings deep issues to the forefront of our awareness. This is a time to strengthen personal boundaries and to honor our feelings as we are mindful of our patterns in our interpersonal relationships.
Time to ground with Mother Earth and resource our Spiritual helpers, our angels, and Source Energy - both within and around us, and thus help us move with grace, dignity and strength towards our highest good. On full moons I like to connect with that special event but doing a simple version of Drawing Down the Moon. This is what I do. Give it a try. I go outside and stand barefoot on the grass if possible. I place my hands together in front of my heart and look up at the moon. Take a moment a notice her qualities. Then I inhale as I sweep my hands up over my head, clap once above my head, as if clearing energy, and then draw my hands down in front of my body, as if drawing down the beautiful, gentle, cleansing energy of the lovely moon ... clearing my energy, instilling peace, calm and a gentle but vibrant and powerful energy. I do this 3 times. Then I bring my hands together in front of my heart and send gratitude. Simple but beautiful. Do you have a Drawing Down the Moon ritual? What do you like to do?  Growing lOve"If you can’t smell the fragrance
don’t come into the garden of Love. If you’re unwilling to undress don’t enter into the stream of Truth. Stay where you are. Don’t come our way." -Rumi Are you ready? Ready to open your heart and jump into the stream? To be with what is here, now and to love? Let's try together. Let there be love. May all beings be happy and free. xo 
 Messenger of Water from The Good Tarot
It's 5:00 am. I have my cup of steaming green tea. Out of my window I see that the sun isn't shining yet, but it's full daylight. Birds are singing, the day will be bright, and there's a cloud of mist hovering over the neighbouring field. And then I remember ... today is summer solstice! Here in the Northern Hemisphere it's the longest day of the year, the first day of summer. Where we live on Vancouver Island we'll be getting about 18 hours of sunlight today! And of course, in England at Stonehenge this is when the heelstone marks the midsummer sunrise as seen from the centre of the stone circle. As I write this a huge gathering of people have already be present to watch the sunrise through the heelstone. What do you love about summer? Summer to me is when I feel more openness, love, joy and celebration. I always feel my heart and body relaxing more with the warmer days and easier living. For this special day of the year, I wanted to asked the angels to show us a card to help guide us. (Actually it was them who were nudging me to do it.) And the card that came up was Messenger of Water. This card represents the energy that is here today, is all around us, and that we will move from as we go forward. So, here were are finding that the fresh new enthusiasm that we felt in spring is moving towards a deeper sense of romanticism and love - love for ourselves, for the world and around us, and for others. You might find that you'll experience a heightened sense of emotional awareness at this time, with the emotional energy running a high. This isn't quite yet that deep mature love the develops over time, it's more emotional and passionate. You might find that you'll be expecting chivalrous actions, and even will enjoy the highs of this romanticism .. .just be mindful of not getting pulled into stories of drama. Instead just watch Pride and Prejudice. And what's always important is to allow yourself to fall in love with you. Be open hearted and warm with yourself, first and foremost. Some affirmations are:
This is such a beautiful reminder, what a great way to begin summer! Remember that you are loved and you are love itself. And I am sending love to you!!! Happy Summer Solstice! xoxo Irene If you like this post feel free to share. :)
The more we tune into spirit and listen to that quiet voice inside of us that whispers and says things like, "Your doing too much, you need to slow down and take a rest", the better off we'll be. Are you on a healing path? How do you know if you have healed? Is your healing a physical healing, a mental healing, or an emotional one? Or perhaps it's a spiritual healing? We hear the word healing so often, and I think that everyone longs to feel whole. We all have a natural urge towards happiness and wholeness - it's an impulse that's within every living thing and I'd say it's pretty clear that's it's obviously there for a reason. It's the impulse for life! Yay for that! In our healing journey, I think it's really important to take care of all of our levels of self - our body, mind, emotions, and spirit! Otherwise we'll be lopsided, and sooner or later we'll probably find ourselves delving into a new healing journey because certain issues will show up again and again. The cool thing is that if we really listen, there are always hints and clues available for us... guiding us towards our wholeness. Yes, some times we need to be hit over the head with it before we listen, like when a significant health issue comes up! But the more we tune into spirit and listen to that quiet voice inside of us that whispers and says things like, "Your doing too much, you need to slow down and take a rest", the better off we'll be. I know that you can think of a time or situation where you had a feeling that you should do one thing, but refused to listen, and then regretted it later when you caught the flu or broke out with a skin condition or whatnot....I know I sure have.. over and over and over again! But thank goodness that with aging comes a bit of wisdom, so hopefully I'm learning! If we have heard that intuition giving us messages but we've ignored them, I don't think we should be too hard on ourselves... but instead maybe we can be compassionate with our own humanness and just hopefully learn from it and keep going forward. Sometimes the physical challenges can be long term and very serious. Of course we'll do everything we can to help heal physically, but its also so important to take care of the soul. Loving yourself, being kind to yourself, no matter what the situation is - that's where the deepest power of healing lies. Rumi said that the wound is the place where the light enters you. What is your wound? Can you allow a little more light to enter in, let the light shine on your beauty, truth, inner love and strength? No matter what your situation, I invite you to connect with that innate wholeness that is within you. Placing a hand upon your heart, saying to yourself: May I be happy. May I be healthy. May I be whole. May I be at ease. May I love my self fully and deeply. May I be at peace. Rich blessings to you on your path to wholeness and health. With much love xoxo Irene PS: I'd love to hear about your healing journey! What have you learned? What did the wound teach you about the light that is within you? xo 
"Your daughter is a daydreamer....she spends far too much time daydreaming in class." Grade 1. My teacher was dismayed at my lack of focus and attention in school. I have a clear memory of me sitting in my desk and doing just that, being in a lovely daydreamy state. And it didn't end there.
Fast forward to today, I still daydream. I've long since learned that this day dreaming is a place of inspiration, connection, and of being present with the moment, it's a kind of meditation. It doesn't mean that I'm checked out, not present, but instead, am actually even more present than when I'm busy planning and doing. Research actually acknowledges that daydreaming increases creativity and productivity. I guess I knew something that my cranky grade 1 teacher was never encouraged to do ... poor dear. So, if you're like me, and you've been told that you daydream too much...take heart! And receive those words like a compliment. Let the doers and go-getters go get and do. You know how to do that, and you know that constant busy-ness and planning becomes a place of stress and anxiety. Peace is found in the here and now. You know the vast beautiful space that's found in the here and now. That stillness is your home, and that there is infinite space in the present moment. So go ahead and daydream. Nourish your soul, find your inner peace and resourcefulness. There will be time enough to do, for now just be. Breathing in, I calm my body, Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in this present moment. I know that this is a wonderful moment. -Thich Nhat Hanh xoxo  Yes, it's that time of the year again.... Hallowe'en! Aka, All Hallows' Eve, All Saint's Eve, Samhain, and Day of the Dead, amongst many other names according to different traditions.
Although each tradition has it's own roots and meaning, I recognize this time of the year as a time when "the veil grows thinner". Samhain traditionally is a time for us to review our year and to let go of what no longer serves us in order for us to move forward. And of course, due to the special energy of the season, it's a time to celebrate our ancestors because the veil between this 3D physical world, and the other side is thinner. One way in which we might experience this thinning and connection with ancestors on the other side is though dreams. For example, last night I had a very special dream in which I had heartwarming visit with a precious loved one who has crossed over. The love, the hug, their very distinctive energetic presence will warm me for a long time to come. Journalling is a great way to mark this kind of visitation, so that you can remember it in times to come. We often think that we'll remember our dreams, but because our brain waves are in a different state than when we are in our normal waking hours we often tend to forget the details. Writing down your dreams will help you to recall the special visit later on...especially valuable when you might be feeling low or really missing them. How can we honour our ancestors?? In any way that feels right for you. Lighting a candle in thier honour, placing a photo or photos in a special location, doing a meditation where you can call on them for a visit. Or perhaps before going to sleep ask them to visit you in your dreams. Be sure to have a journal and pen beside you so that you can write down your dreams first thing upon waking. Wishing you a very Happy Hallowe'en! Lets celebrate the ancestors that came before us, and take joy in the fact that love never dies and that your loved ones are only a thought away. Much Love and Light, Irene  All throughout history people have been using plants to help heal and bring pleasure to our lives, and never has it been so easy and simple to access Mother Nature's gift of essential oils.
Essential oils are volatile liquids distilled from different parts of plants. These potent essences of the plants can heal on a cellular level and will impact mood by affecting certain areas of the brain. The healing powers of these oils can be accessed in many ways, depending on the oil itself. Although I have quite a number of different oils that I'll use for specific purposes, my personal go to favourites are the following: Lavender: This scent boosts my mood every time! It has the wonderful ability to both invigorate and calm the mind and body at the same time. Put a few drops in your bath, on the shower floor letting it steam up, or on your sheets for a good night's sleep (not too close to the face mind you), or in a diffuser to bring aroma therapy into your living space. Tea Tree: I absolutely love this oil! It is great as a topical anti-fungal and antiseptic treatment. I also feel relaxed by the scent and will use it the same way as with the lavender. It has a very clean and even medicinal scent. Peppermint: This oil is really invigorates the senses, bringing renewed vigor to your life. Rosemary: Here is another of my favourites. Rosemary is great to use if your mind is foggy as it brightens your thinking. I've been known to dab some drops on a cotton pad and have it nearby when studying or writing, to help with clarity and memory. Rose: Ah, the beautiful Rose! Did you know that the scent from this flower has the highest vibration of flowers on the planet? The scent of the Rose instills calm, peace and opens the heart chakra, helping us to give and receive love. (PS: this is just one of the reasons why I named my business "White Rose Wellness"!) Eucalyptus: A #1 go to if you are stuffed up from a cold or flu. I love putting a couple of drops in a hot salt bath, and then soak for 15 minutes. Soaking in a salt bath, by the way, is a fantastic way to clear your bodymind and your aura after a long or trying day. Do it before you go to bed for a relaxing night of rest. Of course there are many more ways that you can use essential oils.... Put a few drops of your favourite oil(s) in a water spray bottle and use as a natural air freshener! Spritz some in gym bags, runners, doggie beds and such to clean up the fragrance. Yoga mat cleaner! - my fave. In a water spray bottle add a few drops tea tree, lavender and peppermint with a couple teaspoons of witch hazel into the water for a fabulous yoga mat cleaner. Just remember to give the bottle a shake each time before you use it. If you're doing hot yoga, you can do as I do, spray some in the air above your head for an aromatherapy cool down! Vacuum cleaner air freshener. Put a couple of drops of eucalyptus EO on a cotton pad and vacuum it up. As you vacuum your home the air will be filled with a clean fresh scent! Please do keep in mind, however, that these oils are very potent and should not be ingested nor used undiluted (aka neat) on the skin without proper knowledge of the effects of the oil. Although some oils are generally safe to use on the skin, such as with tea tree oil for example, others can actually burn you, such as with cinnamon. Also, please use with caution with children under the age of 12, and with people who suffer from allergies. Please do your homework or speak to a trained aromatherapist to have your best aromatherapy experience! And remember the adage: "Sometimes less is more!" Especially with these powerful oils!!! Essential oils can be a fabulous addition to our lives, helping us to brighten our moods, balance our spirits, and even heal our body. Do you have a favourite essential oil or way to use them? Please feel free to post a comment below! Have fun! |
AuthorIrene Bilton specializes in Body/Mind/Spirit wellness, blending her knowledge, skills and training with her gifts of Intuition. Archives
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