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Have you ever wondered why there is so much emphasis on self-care? Or why self-care is  important? Do you regularly find time to take care of yourself?

Indulging in self-care activities is clinically proven to boost your mood and amp up your productivity. This includes dedicating some time from your busy routine to yoga and meditation. It also means spoiling yourself every once in a while with luxurious baths. For some, this can be journaling or taking deep breaths every morning. For others, it can be enjoying and reconnecting in a wellness retreat. Self-care varies for different people. However, the main aim of practicing mindfulness is to improve your overall wellness and general wellbeing.

Self-care is crucial for maintaining your health because it gives you a sense of self-compassion and self-love. It encourages you to engage in physical exercises that are beneficial for your body. It also includes indulging in meditation or yoga to improve your spiritual health. Self-care also refers to eating healthy and nutritious food. Once you start implementing it in your daily routine, you will observe a dramatic decrease in unproductive and sick days. Additionally, self-care activities help minimize stress and frustration. They increase the secretion of the serotonin (happy) hormone. In short, these small steps assist in taking care of your physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

Many people are confused when it comes to understanding the real meaning. To bust the myth, indulging in self-care activities is not synonymous with being selfish. In fact, it is a health-oriented approach that focuses on improving the overall wellness of an individual. This can be done by improving nutrition, engaging in physical exercise, practicing yoga, meditation, or journaling, maintaining your hygiene, and taking care of your mental and physical health.

According to WHO, self-care is defined as the ability of individuals to maintain their health and promote the active management of illnesses.

It is more of a lifestyle that enables people to intentionally take care of their physical and mental health. This multi-dimensional system is solely focused on enhancing the well-being of an individual. Please remember that self-care is a priority and not a luxury. Make intentional efforts to include self-care activities into your daily routine. Why? Because they help you to restore balance and eliminate stressors from your life. There are 5 major areas of your life where this is especially vital:

• Physical
• Mental
• Emotional
• Spiritual
• Social

BENEFITS OF SELF-CARE

Why self-care is important? Because it has numerous benefits that can help you improve the overall quality of your life. It also helps in improving your interaction and building healthy relationships with other people. You can never pour from an empty cup. Similarly, you need to look after yourself first so you can take care of your loved ones better. Indulging in self-care means eating well, getting enough sleep, moving your body, relaxing, and practicing physical and mindful exercises. In the hustle and bustle of our busy daily lives, this aspect of taking care of ourselves is often neglected. Thus, you need to find some time to nurture your well-being intentionally and actively. Naturally, this will have amazing effects on your physical and mental health – when you feel better from the inside, you radiate positivity and happiness on the outside.

Here are some benefits associated with self-care that make it an integral part of an individual’s life. Let’s have a look:

HELPS REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY

Self-care enables you to be more resilient. Taking care of yourself helps you manage stress and anxiety. In the midst of everything that is happening in real life, dedicating a few minutes to self-care activities can help you to become more relaxed, focused, and entered. Inner happiness and satisfaction play an integral role in eliminating outside stressors.

AMPS UP PRODUCTIVITY

If you are struggling with low energy levels or have trouble focusing on work, we can help you out.

Self-care activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques enable you to enhance your concentration and elevate your energy levels.

HELPS YOU RELAX AND SLOW DOWN

When was the last time you actually took some time off to relax? Or said ‘no’ to something that you didn't want to do?

When you gain an understanding of your psychological needs, you invest your energy in places where it matters the most. Self-care also means protecting your energy and taking regular breaks to restore life balance – it helps you re-focus. In addition, it activates the parasympathetic mode. The ‘rest=restore’ mode helps your body calm down and relax.

IMPROVES THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

Another very important aspect of self-care is eating well.

Fueling your body with healthy and nutritious food and vitamins/supplements helps you strengthen your immune system. This keeps the occurrence of dangerous infections and diseases at bay.

IMPROVES SELF-ESTEEM

Self-care helps you to build feelings of self-compassion that ultimately improve your self-esteem. You are deserving of love and care. When we begin to understand ourselves, we gain a better perception of life. Mindful practices such as journaling and brain dump can help you to understand your emotions.

HELPS YOU TO BUILD HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

As we mentioned before, when you are happy and fulfilled from the inside – you radiate positivity on the outside. Taking care of yourself helps you build healthy relationships. Setting up social boundaries enables you to keep your sanity, and be fully present and there for your loved ones without draining your energy.

ENABLES YOU TO AMELIORATE YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

Self-care activities such as yoga and meditation help in building a deep connection between mind, body, and soul. When you engage daily in such a session, you can feel an overall sense of improvement in your physical and mental health. Having a regular self-care regimen can help you build strength and resilience. In addition to this, it also boosts your self-confidence which is ultimately linked with feelings of worthiness.

We hope that now, you understand why self-care is important. To help you on this journey, we offer numerous yoga and anxiety relief retreats, courses, and experiences that can assist you with developing and sustaining a self-care regimen. Let us become a part of your new chapter and help you improve your physical and mental health.

If you are looking to improve your overall well-being and are looking for some amazing self-care tips, this is the right place for you! Incorporating these tips into your daily routine will transform your life. Taking care of yourself contributes to your general health and helps you improve the overall quality of your life. It also enables you to nourish your mind and body.

When it comes to your physical health, self-care will help you maintain your weight and ameliorate your self-confidence. Similarly, taking care of your mental health will help you manage stress very well. In short, it is all about doing things that make you happy and make you feel like your true self. That being said, building a regular self-care regimen will have drastic positive effects on your physical and mental health.

We have rounded up the 10 best ways that will help you take better care of yourself. Have a look:

1.     INCORPORATE YOGA AND MEDITATION INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Doing a 45-minute physical workout can help you to build muscle strength and improve flexibility. Yoga and meditation are considered THE BEST self-care rituals. Why? Because they are involved in improving physical as well as mental health. The breathing techniques and asanas involved in the sessions will not only improve your general well-being but also bring a sense of serenity, balance, and positivity.

Yoga is a form of physical exercise that builds a deep connection between mind, body, and soul. The deep breaths and mindfulness associated with meditation help with stress relief. Similarly, the yoga breathing techniques enable you to relax. In addition to having tremendous mental health benefits, yoga also has physical benefits such as;

• Helps in building muscle strength
• Strengthens the immune system
• Helps reduce inflammation
• Improves cardiac health
• Boosts energy levels
• Improves gut health and digestive system
• Promotes better posture
• Improves brain functioning and helps you to concentrate better

We offer several retreat and wellness programs that can help you to understand the essence of yoga and practice this mindful exercise daily to improve your well-being.

2.     EAT HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD

We LOVE this self-care tip!                                                                                  

Always try to eat healthy and nutritious food. Fuel your body by eating a delicious yet balanced diet. Consume lots of vegetables, fruits, and fresh smoothies. They are jam-packed with fibers, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for the proper functioning of your body. At the same time, limit the intake of junk food. Incorporate this tip to boost your energy levels and improve the overall quality of your life.

3.     PRACTICE GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE

Practicing good personal hygiene and taking care of your body is the best way to prevent harmful diseases and infections. Brush your teeth twice a day, wash your hands, wash your face with a mild cleanser, and apply face masks once a week depending on your skin type. Shower daily with a good fragrance-free antibacterial showering gel. Keeping your body clean will stop the spread of germs.

Good hygiene also contributes to healthy and glowing skin.

4.     CONSIDER DOING JOURNALING

Journaling is psychologically proven to improve your mental well-being. You can do this to keep track of your emotions, or you can also use it to achieve your daily goals by making a to-do list. It also helps in reducing stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Journaling is a therapeutic activity and it doesn’t take a lot of your time!

5.     DEDICATE SOME TIME TO DOING THINGS THAT YOU ENJOY

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, dedicate some time to doing things that ACTUALLY bring you joy. This can be doing a hobby that you love – painting, reading, writing, cycling, or watching your favorite Netflix show. Try to take some time out every day to do things that bring you peace and help you relax. You can also check out wellness retreats and relaxing activities.

6.     DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

This self-care tip is quite obvious but please drink plenty of water for your body’s sake. Dehydration leads to headaches, dizziness, and frustration. It damages brain functioning. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses per day to improve your physical health. Limit the intake of caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, and alcohol to improve your liver health.

7.     PRACTICE SELF-LOVE AND SELF-COMPASSION

Please be kind and gentle with yourself. Practice positive self-talk to boost your confidence. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to accept and love yourself.  Practice positive affirmations to manifest good things in your life.

8.     TAKE A RELAXING BATH

Is there anything that a warm bath cannot fix?

This is an amazing self-care tip. Taking a relaxing bath calms your nerves, reduces muscular inflammation, and improves your mental health. In addition, it can elevate your mood instantly.

Taking a hot bath before bed will also help you sleep better. Schedule regular days where you take a long, warm, and relaxing bath.

9.     PRACTICE GRATITUDE AND TRY TO FOCUS ON POSITIVE ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE

When you focus on the positive aspects of your life, your blessings grow. Dedicate 10-15 minutes every day to practice gratitude. You will be amazed how this simple self-care tip will improve your overall health. Think about the things and blessings that you are grateful for, and write them down daily. Focus on positive aspects of your life and block out negativity.

10. PRIORITIZE YOUR SLEEP

This is the most important self-care tip!

Make your sleep a priority. Try to follow your sleep schedule daily. Why? Because this will help you become more active and attentive the next day. Getting optimal sleep of at least 7-9 hours helps your body restore its energy, improves the functioning of your brain, and boosts your concentration levels.

We truly hope that the above self-care tips will prove to be helpful to you. Practicing these simple rituals will result in a positive life change. We also offer amazing yoga & wellness retreats that will help you in your self-care journey. If you are interested in transforming your life and improving overall wellness, we invite you to check out our yoga & wellness retreats!

Do you consistently feel sad and empty inside? Or maybe you feel a lack of energy or lack of motivation in pursuing daily activities?

Is your mind always racing with thoughts of 'what ifs'..? Do you live in a constant state of fear and worry? Or do you imagine the worst-case scenario in every situation, even if there isn't any?

People with depression and anxiety often experience these symptoms. The terms overlap, but there are significant differences between the two. Depression vs. anxiety? What exactly do you have, and what can you do about it? 

This blog post will help you understand all the essential differences between the two terms. In addition, we have also curated a list of natural solutions that can provide you relief and help you become a better person – both mentally and physically.

These are both major mental illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide. But the good part is that both of these conditions are treatable. Recognizing your emotions is the first step toward a better life. You can suffer from one or the other. And sometimes you can have both. But it is important to recognize what you are feeling. Only then will you be able to find a suitable solution that could help you to cope with depression vs. anxiety.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Both depression and anxiety are classified as mood disorders. While the former causes constant feelings of sadness, emptiness, and lack of motivation, the latter often induces feelings of constant fear, worry, tiredness, fatigue, and trembling. Anxiety also includes obsessively analyzing and worrying about different situations, and you might feel trouble focusing on trivial tasks or agitation.The physical manifestations of these conditions are usually exhibited in the form of:

•        Sleeping difficulties
•        Tiredness
•        Fatigue
•        Change of appetite
•        Body aches without any apparent reason
•        Elevated heart rate
•        Dizziness and sweating

DEPRESSION VS. ANXIETY

Your mental health deserves the same love and care as your physical health. So, to transform your life for the better, you must understand the clinical symptoms of two terms. Both conditions can exist separately or simultaneously. But recognizing them will help you to treat them better.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a serious mental condition that adversely affects your life. It causes constant feelings of sadness and lack of motivation. You begin to lose interest in activities that you once enjoyed, and you feel tired and fatigued all the time.

If left untreated, these symptoms worsen over time and start to negatively affect your relationships and work life. In addition to this, people suffering from depression also develop irritability and rage attacks. They feel hopeless and become more prone to developing anxiety. Some other features of this illness include; back pains, body aches, feelings of worthlessness, frequent headaches, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Moreover, major depressive disorder is an extreme condition where the person may experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Fortunately, depression is treatable, and you can eradicate it from your life by opting for the right treatment plan. Please remember that you are not alone in this. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, it can be treated without difficulty.

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Anxious distress often exhibits itself in the form of restlessness, constant worry, fatigue, muscle tensions, sleep disturbances, or excessive shaking and trembling.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO GET RELIEF FROM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY?

Please know that depression and anxiety are treatable mood disorders, and you don’t have to live with these mental conditions forever. These natural ways will help you beat your mental illness so you can live a healthy and meaningful life.

GET INTO A ROUTINE

We understand that the lack of motivation and tiredness associated with mood disorders can affect your daily routine. Form gentle habits that you can do daily. And don’t be so hard on yourself. Setting up an easy schedule will help you to get back on track.

INCORPORATE PHYSICAL EXERCISE INTO YOUR ROUTINE

We cannot emphasize this enough! Please include physical exercises in your daily routine, and it can be yoga, a walk around the block, or even joining a gym.

Physical exercise is directly associated with the release of endorphins; these hormones improve your general well-being and help reduce feelings of depression vs. anxiety. Moreover, endorphins are also involved in stabilizing mood and improving self-esteem. The best way to release endorphins in your body naturally is through exercise.

Instead of curling on your bed or sleeping the entire day off, we suggest you push yourself a little and opt for any workout. Moving your body will also boost your energy levels and give you a sense of achievement.  

ACCEPT YOURSELF FULLY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY

Depression can make you feel hopeless, whereas anxiety can make you excessively worry about situations. Both of these conditions are not good for your mental health. There will be days when you will be too tired to do anything, or you might experience negative thoughts. On days like this, it is important that you take a break to rest and recharge.

Try to recognize your emotions and be open and accepting of your sentiments.

CONSIDER JOINING OUR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION RELIEF RETREATS

We offer relief retreats where you can beat these disorders through a combination of yoga and breathing techniques. So, if you are looking for the best natural way to eradicate these illnesses from your life, joining our relief retreat is the right option for you. Yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques will transform your life forever, and they are scientifically backed up to improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

People who are suffering from mental illnesses often face sleep disturbances, and not getting optimal sleep affects your activity. We recommend you try to form a relaxing sleeping routine, as this will trick your brain into sleeping on time.

We hope the above article on depression vs anxiety proves to be helpful for you in identifying what you are going through right now. We can also help you beat these conditions. Our anxiety and depression relief retreats and courses are specifically designed for people like you who are looking forward to improving their physical and emotional well-being.

Do you feel anxious and worried all the time? Are you looking for breathwork to help calm your anxiety and soothe your nerves? Do you feel extremely fearful of the situation? 

Anxiety is often defined as the sentiments of fear, fright, trepidation, dread, and uneasiness. It is a typical reaction to stress or strenuous situation, which might cause excessive sweating, feelings of restlessness, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, trembling, and breathing rapidly. For example, a person might feel worried when faced with a complicated problem at work, or before making an important choice or decision. In such cases, anxiety may arise.

The good news is that relaxing or breathing techniques often help the anxious person feel better. Plus, if you feel breathless due to worry, practicing these anxiety breathing exercises daily will help you to mitigate the symptoms. 

WHAT IS MEANT BY ANXIETY BREATHING TECHNIQUE? 

The anxiety breathing technique is defined as a workout that is intended to encourage and promote efficient, fit, and healthy breathing. In addition to this, it also results in effectual breath control. In essence, breathing exercises are one of the most vital and important parts of Yoga. 

The main aim of Yoga is to form a connection between mind, body, and soul. And breathing techniques prove to be very helpful in improving the pulmonary status of a person and also boost the overall endurance of an individual.

BREATHING TECHNIQUES AND ANXIETY

These techniques are very helpful in reducing anxiety. Deep breathing and other exercises included in breathing techniques help to mitigate stress. The breathwork signals the nervous system to calm down, and this helps the anxious person to attain relief. 

Anxiety breathing exercises are often accompanied by meditation and yoga. And all of these factors play an important role in soothing the nerves of a worried individual. 

BREATHING EXERCISES HELP IN RELIEVING ANXIETY

Some breathing exercises that help in relieving anxiety are described below.

1. LONG EXHALE BREATHWORK 

Lengthening the duration of exhaling can help you beat anxious feelings. This is because deep breathing is linked to the sympathetic nervous system, and this division controls fight or flight response. It controls and influences our body’s ability to relax. For this breathwork; 

• Take a thorough exhale before taking a big deep breath. First, exhale all the air in your lungs out of your body and then simply let the lungs do their work, i.e., inhaling air.
• Then try to spend more time exhaling than you do inhaling; for instance, if your inhalation is for 4 seconds, exhalation must be for 6 seconds.
• Practice it daily for two to five minutes.

You can practice this technique in any posture that is comfortable for you. 

2. ABDOMEN BREATHING

The diaphragm is the muscle that is present just beneath the lungs. Breathing from here actually lessens the overall work the body needs to do for breathing, thus, saving its overall energy. 

Breathing from the diaphragm can be done by: 

•  Adopting a comfortable position 

For this, lie down on the floor or maybe on the bed. Put pillows beneath your knees and head too. The second position a person could adopt is to sit in a comfortable chair with the neck, head, and shoulders in a relaxed state and bent knees.

• Then, put one hand over your heart in a relaxed position and one under your rib cage.
• Breathe in and breathe out through the nose.
• While inhalation and exhalation, notice your stomach and chest movements. 

3. PRACTICE BELLY BREATHING

• For this anxiety breathing exercise, adopt the position the same as described above.
• Place one hand on your stomach somewhere above the belly button and one hand on the chest.
• Breathe in via nose and have an observation of your stomach rise. Your chest should remain comparatively motionless and still.
• Purse the lips and try exhaling through the mouth. And try to engage your stomach muscles at the end of the breath to push the air out.

Practice it daily, or for efficient results, three or four times a day for up to 10 minutes. If you haven’t been regularly using the diaphragm to breathe, it will make you feel tired, but it gets easier, and you will get used to it if you practice daily.

4. BREATH FOCUS

For reducing anxiety and relieving stress, focused and slowed deep breathing may be an excellent choice. For this technique, you only need to lie down or sit in a contented, comfortable, and quiet location. Then:

• Observe how it feels when you breathe in and out normally. Psychologically examine your body, and we're sure you will notice the tension in your body!
• Take a slow deep breath through your nose.
• Examine your upper body and belly expanding.
• Exhale the air by sitting in a comfortable position
• Do this for several minutes and pay continuous attention to the rise and fall of your stomach. 
• Then, choose a word to focus on, and during the exhale, verbalize that word. Vocalizing words like “Safe” and “Calm” can be highly effective.
• Inhale by taking a deep breath. 
• Imagine that your negative energies and fearful thoughts are carried away from you. 
• Gently bring your attention back to your breath. Start vocalizing your ‘safe’ words again if you get unfocused or distracted.

For better results,  practice this exercise for up to 20 minutes daily.

5. RESONANT BREATHING

Hands down, the best breathwork that helps to reduce anxiety! It is also termed coherent breathing and is very effective in calming you down and bringing you back to a relaxed state. For this exercise:

• Lie down, close your eyes, and relax.
• Close your mouth for almost 6 seconds and breathe gently through your nose.
• Don’t rush to fill the lungs with air.
• Allow your breath to leave the body slowly by exhaling for 6 seconds. Don’t force it to move out.
• Continue this for 10 minutes.
• Take some additional minutes, and during this duration, observe how your body feels.

We hope the above anxiety breathing exercises prove to be helpful in calming your anxious feelings. Did you know we also offer anxiety and depression relief retreats and coursesthat can help you transform your life? We invite you to consider our relief offerings and let us know if you have any questions. 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

And so, it is...Here we are again New Moon Lovers — a roaring lion of a moon on July 28^th (1:55pm EST/ 10:55am PST)! The sign of Leo is the archetype of the leader-the powerful lion, the center of attention standing tall. Its’ very meaning is confidence, creativity and strength…talk about a paradox-Leo’s need to shine his/her light into the world and the dark New Moon. Leo zodiac energy with its vibration of abundance and passion creates the opportunity to focus on our goals. Leo, The King of Hearts, will be calling you to your brightest light, your truest heart, and your highest power. Radical, Radiant, Self-Love!!! So, breathe…inhale courage and exhale fear, all you yogis!

Much of the magick of this moon can be credited to Jupiter, the planet of abundance, that goes retrograde in Aries also on the 28^th.  In unison with the Leo energy, it will guide you to follow your gut and go beyond what you believe possible and move forward in the belief that amazing things are possible. The planets retrograde also brings on the need for self-reflection and some heart felt inner work. With Venus and Black Moon Lilith once again traveling close together the need to embrace the feminine and seek our true self will take over.  The light of the moon is flooding your soul, empowering you to release the past, heal your heart and create your life based on your true authentic self.

Bathing is a blissful way to take care of yourself, create space for self-reflection and increase the sacredness and power of a water ritual. There is something magickal about the symbolism of washing away the old and welcoming the new. Choose your favorite essential oils, crystals and flowers and add to your bath salts. Whether Dead Sea, Himalayan or another blend, salts cleanse and remove negative energy from the body. Light some candles and play some relaxing music. Surrender to the time, sit in the stillness of the new moon and soak in the new energy created.

How will you step into your power in a radiant and powerful way this new moon cycle?

Until next time....... Keep shining

Hello Moonbeams!!!

“When the moon is at it’s peak...Then your heart’s desire seek”

July 13^th (2:38PM ET/11:38AM PT)…is Full Moon time again!!! This Capricorn Super Moon will bring a powerful emotional forcefield around us all...expect so see things get shaken up. Change is in the air as Capricorn also conjuncts Pluto at the same time. Expect a breakdown of the old ways and structures aligning one with new levels of consciousness. The Sea-Goat can climb to the utmost peak as well as move downwards into the deepest depths of the sea. The aim of the Capricorn goat-fish is to search one’s soul and recognize the wisdom you have gained from swimming deep in your own oceans and climbing to the top of your own mountains. Pluto in the mix practically screams that it is time for some shadow work...time to really engage in communication with the shadows we hold inside and evaluate honestly what needs to change or emerge from the shadows. Try engaging in conversation with your deepest self to gain the answers that will enable us to heal and achieve our goals. Lastly, Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, is safely ensconced in the sign of Aquarius. What does this mean? Aquarius is the sign of the rebel, the sign of revolution, the changemakers who break down the old systems and bring in the new. You can support yourself mentally during this auspicious moon by meditating, yoga, reiki self-healing and working and wearing crystals for grounding and protection.

When the world is nuts, it is time to move with the moon through all Her phases because “the spiral dance of the monthly lunar cycle is where the juice of revolution, transformation and magic lives for us”.

May you know the Beauty and Truth that is Who You Are. May you know the Wisdom within, and always listen to and express the Song of your soul

Sacred Rose

Myths and mysteries, magick, and medicine...with rose all four are quintessentially the same. In alchemy, the rose symbolizes divine or mystical love. At a time when we all need a little more love...allow the sacredness of rose to enter your life.

Historically, the flower itself was a symbol of female sexuality & is associated with Cupid, Eros, Adonis, Aphrodite, Isis, Hathor, & Demeter. And the petals as well as the oil & rosewater were often used in magical rituals to honor these gods & goddesses. But the flower is not the only part used in divination & magic. Rose hips can be strung like beads on a thread and worn as a necklace to attract love. Drinking rosehip tea is thought to increase one's powers of prophecy.

And, ironically, for a flower that is often given as a gift, the most powerful roses are said to be those that have been stolen from another person's garden.

Truth be told, we are kind of obsessed with roses. The most beautiful, sensuous & romantic of flowers, it has inspired poets & artists for centuries not only as the flower of love & beauty, but also one of great power. No flower is more recognizable & no aroma more evocative. And rose oil is known as the "Queen of Essential Oils." Rightly so as she holds the highest spiritual frequency than any other oil on the planet.

As a sacred flower to the Goddess, she is a beautiful ally in love and protection magick, can stimulate sexual desire, enhance beauty, and most importantly can heal suffering and grief surrounding the heart in her warm embrace.

When the heart is fully opened, love flows freely...and that, my dear friends, is the true essence of rose...she so gladly and generously offers herself to heal body, mind, and spirit.

The following yoga sequence will open your awareness of your heart as it reignites your own inner goddess! The ritual of anointing the heart with a drop of sacred rose before you start the sequence will make your practice a deeply spiritual ceremony.

Some Heart Yoga Love

High Lunge~Reverse Warrior~Extended Side Angle~Standing Goddess~ Low Lunge~Sphinx~Locust~Supported Childs Pose

The energy is shifting and at 10:52 pm EST in the evening of June 28^th the moon will darken in the sign of Cancer, a New Moon that will usher in sweeping emotions. As usual, new moon are new beginnings, bringing forth the opportunity for manifesting our vision into reality. Cancer, ruled by the moon itself, represents the divine feminine. As women, we are blessed to have a deeply intimate and mystical connection with Mother Moon. It is symbolic (and exactly the right time) that Black Moon Lilith entered Cancer on April 14th, 2022, and will remain in the moon sign until January 8th, 2023

Black Moon Lilith, sometimes called the dark moon, is the point along the moon's orbit when it's farthest from Earth. Why Lilith? In the Garden of Eden, Lilith strove to rule in equality, however Adam sought to rule her. Lilith knew her power and worth, was equal to Adam and refused to submit. In astrology, it represents the part of ourselves that we cannot repress. Cancer is emotional energy, so the beauty of Black Moon Lilith moving into Cancer for such an extended time is to teach one to stand in their own power. Over the next 7 months we will see that under the primordial hand of Lilith the feminine will not be restrained.

On the same day as the New Moon, Neptune will begin its long retrograde in Pisces which will end on December 3^rd. In astrology, Neptune rules over fantasies, dreams, spirituality, and altered states of consciousness. The retrograde transit will bring on a period of awareness and possibly turmoil. After all, Neptune is all about taking the rose-tinted glasses off and facing our realities. Are you ready?

With all this potent goddess energy swirling, now is the time to celebrate your own feminine aspects and your own power.  With Lilith remaining in the moons home base why not dive deep into the waters of self-love...embody the Feminine Divine...reclaiming her body, her voice, her wisdom, and her power. The message of the crab is to recognize what is in your heart and create your own sacred inner space. Remember, when the heart is fully open, love flows freely. Gifting yourself a day of self-care could reveal itself to be magickal.

Happy New Moon!!!

Summer Solstice

Love this time of the year... the moon, the sun, the stars & the flowers are crazy-beautiful

Summer Solstice is the celebration of the peak of summers beauty. Depending on where you are in the world, it falls somewhere between June 20th & 21st. Summer Solstice is the longest day and the shortest night of the year & the time to see all things, Faerie. It is one of 8 Wiccan sabbats that mark the turning of the wheel of the year and is also known as the fire holy day of Litha. It is Midsummer's Night, the year's bounty is at hand, and it is time for the Sun King to embrace the Queen of Summer, ensuring the circle's continuation.

Midpoint in the calendar year, Summer Solstice/Litha represents the balance between light & dark, both outside & within you-the longest day of the year in the north & the longest night of the year in the southern hemisphere. Probably the place most associated with Summer Solstice is Stonehenge…England’s' ancient stone druid circle. The stones are set in a way that at the moment of sunrise on Summer Solstice the light passes through a stone corridor to illuminate an altar stone.

As the wheel turns toward the Summer Solstice, now is the perfect time to connect with green magick. The plant world has a message for you. Prepare a flower crown with all those gorgeous blooms (cause, really, who doesn’t like wearing one of those!). If near water, take the crown and release into the water at days end. This is considered an offering to the Sun, and it is said to bring good luck until the next summer...and to those looking for love, a promise that they will soon find it. Herbs are now at their peak as well, both magically & therapeutically. So, gather them up, cut that St. John’s Wort and let the light, love & plant world fill you on this magical day. 

Summer Solstice Ritual

On this night place a bowl of strawberries (the best you can find) under the light of the Moon. Then dance or walk slowly or move rhythmically around it as you repeat your intentions for your own flourishing world. Because whether you are welcoming Summer in the Northern hemisphere or Winter in the South, we are One Planet, One Human Family, One Living & Breathing Being. 

Until next time wishing you a beautiful and inspired Solstice! Shine Brightly!

Hello Moonbeams!!!

By the light of the moon, magick is made.

On June 14th (7:52 am /4:52 am PT) we will be blessed with a sweet Full Moon in Sagittarius, the sign of the archer. This, my lovelies, is the Strawberry Full Moon, so named because at this time the fruit is ripe for picking. In lore, a Strawberry Full Moon is also said to bring prosperity.

In many traditions this moon is also known as the Faerie Moon as Midsummer Solstice approaches. The month is ripe with magic and the ability for communication with the faerie world is strong. Perfect, since we will be embracing the absolutely magnificent indie-spirited Sagittarius Energy!

This moon promises to be a blast, especially since it’s a super moon (meaning that the moon’s at her closest point to earth). Sagittarian energy invites us to enjoy all life has to offer, from travel to sexuality to friendships to education and so much more....the archer is the vision/spiritual seeker, full of optimism and a thirst for life....asking us to shed those things which are holding us back even if it means moving far out of our comfort zones. No matter what, Sag is giving you a wakeup call to let go of the past and old attachments and make way for some new opportunities.

As we move toward Summer Solstice, Sagittarius energy helps us embrace and celebrate new beginnings. In the midst of Solstice, find some time to be still and let Luna’s light shine on you.

Strawberry Full Moon Ritual Wash

Types of Water: Oceans: banishing ~ cleansing

Lakes: secrets ~ divination Rivers: transformation ~ change

Rainwater: strength ~ chaos ~ creativity

Swamp: patience ~ stagnation

Fill a medium size tub with fresh water taken from a source above. Next add seasonal flowers (roses, peonies, lavender, a few leaves from a strawberry plant if available and whichever other herbs & flowers you like. Leave the bowl outside in the sun for the day. At night as the sun goes down form a circle of candles around you and dipping your hands in the bowl start brushing your hands in a downwards motion from your head along your entire body-no need to soak yourself. While cleansing, think about the changes you are making, and are experiencing...the purpose is to let the light and warmth inside you merge with the moon’s energies. Once done, step out of your circle and end the ritual. Don’t forget to blow out the candles!!!

I wish you all a wonderful day and night. Let the light and love fill you on this magickal night.