Oh boy! Wednesday already!! Ok! Lets do a few different things today.... An offer for you and for your animal companion PLUS a free Card Pull! Chakra Balancing and Clearing for the Human- $25 (regular $55) This will include a distant scan of your chakras, re-balancing and a write up of my discoveries to assist you in healing. You will receive guidance and advice as shared with me by my Spirit Guides, in connection with you, your guides and other energetic Light Beings. Chakra Balancing and Clearing for Animals - $25 (regular $55) Believe it or not, animals absorb negativity from their surroundings and it impacts their well being just the same as our environment affects us. Also, just like us, animals’ chakras need to be balanced to improve their day to day health. This session does exactly that, and will include information about any issues I become aware of. AND.... a freebie card pull from the Keepers of the Light Oracle~ This oracle of ascended masters stands as a reminder that me must each trust our own intuition and that for the healing of all souls, we need to accept and believe in the messages that Spirit shares with us. The Masters of this deck are here to help all of those who call on them. Love this deck and how much it ties into the healing we need! If this deck speaks to you today, please head over to my FB page and drop your name under the post! #readings #animals #chakras

Good afternoon!! As we continue to count our way into July, I hope you are ready to check out today's special offer! If you know me, you know I love my crystals and this deck is near and dear to my heart! It is called Eternal Crystals and the cards are amazing, gorgeous and insightful. Those of you who have come to me for any type of reading or healing, know that inevitably I end up recommending some type of crystal, that that I use and hold crystals during energy clearings and readings, and that I carry crystals with me 24/7! I really do believe in their natural base power, and that crystals can assist us in our own healing. I hope you really consider taking me up on today's offer if crystals speak to you or you are looking for another way to increase your healing potential! Crystal Card Reading $25 (regular $55) This will assist you in learning what crystals would most benefit you at this time and how they can help you on your life path. This reading will include a photo emailed to you with a description of the various crystals involved, including their metaphysical properties, health benefits they are believed to have as their significance to you. PM me via Facebook or email me at cm.macpherson@shaw.ca for more information! #readings

Hello and Happy Monday Everyone!! Today I want to tell you a little something about myself that you might not realize from my business page..... I am an Animal Communicator! I love to communicate with your animal companions-whether they are still on this plane or they have moved across the Rainbow Bridge. As you know, from Summer Solstice to the end of June, I am offering a daily special! Today's special is a Rainbow Bridge Animal Communication Session $25 (regular $55). If you are concerned about your pet when they crossed over or wish to receive a message from them, this is the answer you are looking for. If you are like me, your animal companion is much more then the family "pet" - they are part of everyday life and when they are gone, you feel heartbroken. A session such as this can help ease that pain and help dissipate the grief, allowing us to begin the healing process. This reading will include a complete description of any messages or information your crossed-over pet wishes to share with you. Feel free to PM me on FB or email me at cm.macpherson@shaw.ca for more information about this session! #love #animals #readings

Good morning! Lets do a free card pick today - from one of my favourite decks - The Kuan Yin Oracle! Kuan Yin, is one of my favourite decks. Her words are profound, inspiring and full of such gentle love. She herself is the Chinese goddess of compassion, unconditional love and acceptance. Who better than to go to for support? If you are feeling a little under loved – even if you are not loving yourself enough right now, this might be the oracle for you. If you feel drawn to this oracle today, please leave your name on my FB post or email me at cm.macpherson@shaw.ca and receive a message from the beautiful Kuan Yin! I will be responding to these later today! Happy Sunday! #love #readings

Hi All! Sorry I am late posting today but I had a class this morning! Here is the next offer in my series that will be running until the end of June! Everyone needs a little enchantment in their lives, so today I am bringing you the opportunity to have a reduced rate reading based on the Enchanted Map Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid. Your investment is $25 instead of the regular investment of $55. These cards were created in order to help you view your destiny in a unique way – because you are a unique individual. Over time, this “mapping” will help you determine your true purpose and enable you to live an abundant life. This reading includes a photo of your spread emailed to you and a description of the meaning behind the cards. Please email cm.macphersob@shaw.ca for details. Have a wonderful Saturday! #readings

Thanks everyone who participated in the Power of Love card pulls yesterday! As I mentioned in my previous post, each day from June 22 to June 30 I will post a new offer that is good for that day and if you feel called to that reading, or healing, all you need to do is PM me on facebook or email me at cm.macpherson@shaw.ca and we will make arrangements. Be sure to check in each day and see what the offer is! Today I am offering Animal Communication Sessions $20 (regular $55). I love communication with animals of all kinds and always learn something valuable with very connection. I will send you a form to complete, and you will have the opportunity to ask 3 specific questions or pass along messages to your pet as well as receive a written description detailing any information your pet shares with me. This is a great way to learn more about your pets’ needs and what messages they are here to share! #readings #animals

Summer officially begins; kids are wrapping up at school and the days are growing warmer. Sitting on my deck – at home or at the lake - I give thanks for all the nature we have surrounding us – whether it is the local park, or the solitude of a walk in the woods, this is the time to enjoy the smells of earth, seeing the plants spring up from the ground, and the time to be reminded that we are all connected in some small way. This is the time of year I like to reflect on the first six months and think about what lies ahead for the next six! I take the time for some personal reflection and find joy in the small things the surround me. I am feeling so Blessed that I want to pass this same feeling along to you by offering you all some great opportunities to do a little self reflection and to learn more about the path you are currently on. To kick off your Summer, each day from June 22 (Summer Solstice) to June 30 I will post a new offer that is good for that day and if you feel called to that reading, or healing, all you need to do is email me at cm.macpherson@shaw.ca and we will make arrangements. Be sure to check in each day and see what the offer is! There will be some free readings/card pulls so be sure not to miss out on those; and for all of you that purchase a reading, your name will be entered into a draw for a full, one-hour session of your choice! To start things off I am going to pull cards from James Van Praagh's "The Power of Love" Affirmation cards! I can't think of a better way to start this 10 day journey! Let's begin today with the reminder that we are each full of potential to love – to reach out to others around us and act in ways that are kind; but so often it is easier to pass by, not give a compliment or even forget that we all have the same basic desire to love and be loved. These activation cards remind us that we are here in this human form to manifest love for one another – for all of earth. If this touches something within your heart, please go to my FB page and leave your name, PM me or email me at cm.macpherson@shaw.ca and I will pull a card for you. . #solstice #readings #love

Hi Everyone! So here we are right after the Saskatoon Gem show and you are likely wondering what to do with those, lovely crystals you purchased! This brief article will help you figure out how to best use your new crystals for meditation! As you already know from my previous articles, meditation is awesome for every part of our being—our mind, our body and our spirit. It helps us to de-stress, clears and opens our mind all the while releasing negative energy and unwanted thoughts. You might wonder why I recommend using your crystals during meditation – personally I find that I seem to go into a deeper state of meditation and they help me to further develop my intuition. (I use crystals for healing purposes for humans and animals, as well as during my work in the Akashic Records. There are many different uses for crystals beside meditation!) I often receive messages both during and after I meditate with crystals which is really exciting! Remember you can use your gemstone/crystal Mala during meditation and you can always use loose, rough or tumbled crystals as well! Crystals are the a great tool to help you maintain and grown your meditation practice, as they encourage you to connect with a specific intentions as well as move into deeper states of meditation. Here is a quick outline of some of the more common crystals you might want to begin with! If you can have only one crystal, be sure to choose a Clear Quartz Crystal. Quartz is a great crystal simply because you can “program” it by using your intention. It will bring clarity and help you to become more focused. I also love it because you can use it in conjunction with any other crystal and it will amplify that crystal’s energy… so this is definitely a must have! My next favourite crystal during mediation is Selenite. I love selenite because it always helps me to relax! Selenite helps to release any negativity (including negative energy blockages) that we might have. It energetically “cleanses” the body while also protecting your energy field (aura). Selenite is also a great tool to use to help you clean your crystals so you should have a piece of it for that reason as well! If I could choose only one more crystal to meditate with – it would be (thank goodness I don’t have to choose just one!) Rose Quartz is a loving stone. People often think this has to do with loving others, however, rose quartz can also help us be a little more loving towards ourselves! So besides balancing the heart chakra, this connecting to our inner self also encourages our connection to the entire world. As we increase our vibration through meditation (and by meditating with crystals) we are creating more love throughout the planet. Obviously there are hundreds of other crystals to choose from if none of these ideas speak to you. You can choose by colour (to work with various chakras), by intuition (using a crystal that speaks to you), by affiliation (with specific angles or spirit guides that you wish to work with), and by intent (choosing a crystal that has certain properties) – or by combining these ideas! The sky is really the limit here… it is all about your personal preferences. Stick with me to learn more about some different ways to use your chosen crystals in meditation in my next post! #pathstominfulness #Prayer #chakras #meditation

I'm hosting a draw for a free reading to help you celebrate Mother's Day! To enter, head on over to my FB page! The draw will be made on May 12th by random number generator and is for any reading of your choice! Good Luck!

In my previous article about Malas, I discussed why the beads often number 108 – or a derivative of 108! If you missed it, please read it here! Not all Malas are the same length – just as not all Malas have the same traditional stones. Traditional malas are made with Rudraksha beads (see photo right), lotus seed beads, bone (usually yak), or Bodhi seeds. Healing Malas - made from gemstones – have different properties, which can help the individual focus on different aspects of their life during mediation. Gemstones – often called “crystals” have their own significant meanings depending on the type of stone – and often, certain colours are associated with various chakras. (More on chakras and their associated colours in a future blog post!) Since crystals have various energy and healing properties choose crystals that have properties which will benefit you the most. Usually, when we use our intuition, these crystals will pop right out from other others! In order to help you choose stones or even just learn a little more about the properties of some common crystals, here is some information to help you. I have set out the stones by colour and included some of their basic properties. All the beautiful photos have been supplied by Marie at Harland Mae Handmade Jewelry. I own several Malas and bracelets made by her and I cannot say enough great things about them! (All photos featured in this post are of her creations! I am so happy she was willing to let me use them! She sells locally and though her Etsy shop!) First up.... the colour Red! Dalmation Jasper, Tigers Eye & Carnelian Carnelian, Dalmation Black Sandalwood Jasper, Lava & Garnet Red Jasper pendant Garnet – opens psychic and intuitive abilities; a stone of commitment; seeks out new challenges especially about finding one’s purpose; emotionally relieves anxiety, and promotes composure, courage and endurance-lightens the overall mood; talisman of protection; brings fire energy – a stone of strong feelings! Carnelian - stabilizes and grounds; stimulates creativity; gives motivation and courage; improves analytical abilities and concentration; protects against rage envy and resentment; assists in knowing and feeling that we are well; let go of emotional baggage and anger, help with reproductive organs Red Jasper – grounds and rectifies; provides insight; set and achieve goals; accomplish tasks; increase energy flow; aids in digestion Next is Pink! Ruby in kyanite, Lepidolite, Rhodochrosite, White Fossil Porcelain Jasper, Rose Quartz, & Sandalwood Jasper & Bone Skulls Rhodonite & Purple Aventurine Rose Quartz – unconditional love-for self and others- fills our heart with understanding, compassion, and forgiveness. Helping one to overcome feelings of anger, its calming energies will also lessen feelings of sorrow, especially during times of grief; encourages open mindedness and sensitivity Rhodochrosite –let go of past hurts and learn to forgive ourselves; attracts love; resonates with the inner child-reclaims joy and playfulness; dynamic and positive attitude, as well as a courageous heart capable of taking action to express love and emotions and to pursue one’s dream; confront fears and soothes emotional stress; used to help with issues with nerves, muscles, migraines, kidneys, digestion and eye sight Rhodonite- helps to balance the emotions and calm impatience; used for rediscovering one's inner gifts, as well as for bringing much-needed love into the world; help one to remember their soul-purpose and facilitate living from the heart; good for times of anxiety; grounding your spirituality and is also known to boost fertility. Now we will look at Orange! Orange Aventurine, Goldstone, onyx & Pietersite, Sunstone Labradorite, Lodolite, orange aventurine pendant & Aquamarine & Bamboo Leaf Agate Orange aventurine- brings cheerfulness into your life-relaxed atmosphere in the home and work place; enables you to live your dreams; supports creativity in all forms. It will aid you in conceiving a child and also enables you to have a gentle and joyful pregnancy. Orange aventurine will help you sustain new ideas and aid you in manifesting them into the physical plane. Goldstone - man-made, revered because the light passing through the glass indicated the flow of energy between spiritual and physical planes; called the “stone of ambition” since it helps to attain goals; building confidence, courage, and a positive attitude. Sunstone - joyful, light stone carrying the energies of the sun; heightens intuition and restore sweetness to life; increase self-care and self-nurturing; to accept and make peace with our pasts; linked to benevolent gods, luck and good fortune; use the stone to help you say no and stop sacrificing yourself for others-increase self-empowerment; lifts depression (especially if caused by SAD - seasonal affective disorder) Next we are moving onto Yellow! Silver Leaf Jasper, Yellow Citrine & Larimar Quartz AfricanAmazonite, Turquoise, Lemon Chrysoprase, some Crackle Quartz Chrysocolla, White Jade, Dragon’s Blood Jasper, & Lapis Lazuli. Howlite, Rose Quartz, Carnelian, African Turquoise, Lemon Jade, Black Onyx, Mahogany Obsidian Green Aventurine, Moss Agate & Rhodonite Citrine – cleaner and re-generator; holds the power of sun and abundance; creative and energizing; grounds and dispels negative energy; increases intuition, creativity and helps manifest our desires; encourages sharing and increases self-esteem; provides optimistic cheery feelings; increase concentration and overcome depression Lemon Chrysoprase- powerful healing stones, especially with matters of the heart (both physical and emotional), communication and protection; builds a bridge to leaping into a new direction in life Lemon Jade - energies of self-confidence, courage, and abundance; imparts wisdom in silence and tranquility, and it will dispel harm and negativity; release your emotions in a healthy manner; bring joy and happiness and show you how you can be connected to all living beings; promotes emotional stability, and it will bring balance and harmony to loving relationships. How about Brown? Mookaite, Tigers Eye, Wood Jasper, Jasper Picture Jasper, Wood & Picture Jasper, & Tigers Eye, Tiger Skin Sandalwood, Bamboo Leaf Agate & Fossil Jasper & Silk Wood Bamboo leaf agate – enhance creativity, memory, and focus. It is also an excellent stone to use as a stress reliever; stimulate action and important decision making; stabilize and strengthen emotional, physical and mental energies.; highly protective and healing energy; discover personal strength and connect one with one's Spirit Guide; stone for the healers to use for themselves, and on the behalf of others-therapists, and counselors Tiger Eye – attention to detail; assist in taking action from reason instead of from emotions; draws Spiritual energy down to the Earth, while still keeping centered here on the ground; gives brightness and optimism to a situation, and shines insight onto problems; talisman against bad luck; attracts abundance and can also stimulate the rise of Kundalini energies Picture Jasper – very grounding and calming; can promotes weight loss and assists in the development of creativity; a nurturing stone, to show that helping others is essentially helping oneself; brings and shows hidden messages from the past as well as hidden thoughts, fears, and hopes-useful as an emotional/psychological healing stone. Now Green! Amazonite, Tree Agate, Moss Agate, Spiderweb and Fireworks African Teal Amazonite, Amazonite & Howlite Jasper, Serpentine, & Deer Antler Green Rhodonite & Larvikite Amazonite - soothing; dispels negative energy and aggravation; heals stresses; enhances effective, heartfelt communication and memory function; positively impacts the ability to express oneself; motivates to begin new projects. calms and helps us to see truths, and process emotions of the heart so we can effectively communicate them. Tree Agate –creates a peaceful environment; deepens your connection to the earth; instills a feeling of safety in the most challenging of situations- imparts strength and perseverance; helps you to face difficult circumstances; encourages a positive sense of self and unshakable self-esteem; centering stone, bringing emotional strength and acceptance, especially clarity and respect of our differences with others. Serpentine - earth stone of spiritual exploration; opens new path for Kundalini energy; assists in retrieving wisdom and regaining memory of past lives; help feel more in control of life; directs healing towards problem area; corrects mental and emotional imbalances. Getting to the pretty Blues Lapis Lazuli, Tigers Eye, Angelite, Dumorterite White Jade, Sodalite Coffee Jasper & Picture Jasper & Cedarwood & Onyx Lapis Lazuli – enhances dreams, serenity, spiritual attainment; protective stone; creates harmony within the self; remove deep levels of stress from your system; aids in relationships by helping express emotions and feelings; anxiety; grief; symbol of wisdom and truth. It's a balancing stone, and helps with developing our intuition Angelite - stone of awareness and peace; increases perception-turns fear into faith; helps speak the truth, be accepting and compassionate; enhance astrological and numerical understanding; encourages healing; gives feeling of peace and tranquility and encourages forgiveness. Sodalite- stone of truth, bringing clarity to all communications; unite logic and intuition; true to self and stand up for beliefs; creates harmony and trust within a group; calms panic attacks; increases self-acceptance, sell-esteem and self-trust; great for teachers, singers and writers. quiets an overactive mind while enhancing mental performance. Up next....Purple! Dragon’s Vein Agate Lepidolite, Amethyst Lodolite Quartz, & Purple Druzy Sodalite, Tourmline, Gold Tigers Eye, , Azurite, Malachite, Amethyst & Purple Agate & Onyx Purple druzy - helps harmonize a group and move toward a common goals; increase imagination and creativity; relax reduce stress levels and re-energize and uplift; especially helpful in awakening positive self-love; amplify your body’s natural healing properties; strengthens the spirit; connect you to higher powers on all levels. Lepidolite – supports emotional healing; teaches patience; eases difficult transitions, and to engender patience, optimism, independence and self-love; serves as a great good luck stone and possess the power to drive away negativity; good for anxiety and depression relief; support for those going through sleep disorders, addiction recovery, pregnancy and childbirth, and promote enzyme balance and general healing. Amethyst – called "beacon of light", this stone helps to ease physical and emotional pain; provides a higher state of consciousness; calms the mind; assists putting decisions into practice; emotionally centered; love of divine and spiritual wisdom How about Black? Amazonite, Schorl (Black tourmaline), Dendritic Opal Snowflake Obsidian, & Tourmalted Quartz & Larvikite Onyx & Hematite Snowflake Obsidian –values mistakes as well as success- helps to get over lingering feelings of regret from making mistakes; balance mind, body, spirit; help combat feelings of loneliness and helps with centering; increases clairvoyance; associated with Guardian Spirits that watch over and protect us from harm. It's good for detoxification and muscle cramps. Black Tourmaline - grounding stone providing a connection between the Earth and the spirit; deflects negativity; creates physical vitality; positive attitude and practical creativity; encourages balance especially between both sides of the brain; reveals strength and good qualities Larvikite - stimulates metaphysical abilities and increases intuition by connecting you to your higher self; repel negative energies; good for those learning new information because it allows us to understand things from a higher perspective & assimilate new experience; protect you in your day to day activities; positive flow of energies; connect to the spirits of nature; use for meditation to still and focus the mind Finally - White and Clear crystals! Howlite, Sodalite, Howlite, Ametrine, Lepidolite, Rose Quartz Amethyst, Rose Quartz Moonstone, Amethyst & Moonstone & Clear Quartz Angel & Bone Feather Howlite – help mind get wisdom and insights; attain material and spiritual ambitions; teaches patience; overcome being self-critical and selfishness; strengthen memory; encourages creativity; reduces tension and anxiety; aids sleep; reduces muscle tension Clear Quartz – amplifying and directing energy connected to your higher power; most versatile healing stone among all crystals; protects against negativity, attunes to your higher self, and relieves pain; enhance and strengthen the aura Moonstone - stone of new beginnings; calms emotions and reminds that everything is a cycle of life; called the "Traveler's Stone” it provides safe travel over water; promotes intuition and empathy; deep emo healing; attunes the bio rhythmic clock and hormonal systems-especially for women; also good for fertility, helpful for shock and calming children; enhances psychic ability; clairvoyance; increases Kundalini energy. I hope this guides you to choosing the crystals that are right for your personal Mala! Finally here are a few more beautiful Malas by Harland Mae Handmade Jewelry. You can check her out on FB or find her products in her Etsy store! African Opal, Snowflake Obsidian, Lilac jasper, Moonstone, Onyx, Amethyst, Amazonite, Lepidolite, & an Ammonite pendent & Carnelian & grey agate #Prayer #Spiritualsymbol #mala #meditation

Malas are a wonderful way to add beauty to your wardrobe, but are also very spiritually significant – and are a tool when it comes to mediation. A Mala is a strand of beads – much like that of a rosary in the Catholic faith– that is used for meditation and prayer. The beads are used to help you keep a count of the number of times you repeat your mantra or the number of breaths you take during meditation. Mala beads are known by a lot of different names such as japa, prayer beads, meditation beads, or malas (which can come as necklaces or bracelets). Malas are commonly used by Hindus, Buddhists, and some Sikhs. . A Japa – a type of mala necklace - can be used during meditation but also can be worn and used as a reminder to for a personal mantra connected to bead the necklace is made from. As well as being a counting/breathing tool, malas can help keep your mind focused and help guide your attention back to the meditation if your mind drifts away. Typically strands are 108 beads plus a single “guru” bead and/or a tassel. Malas can also be made of 27 beads or 21 beads for use in shorter meditations. This is to mark the beginning and the end of your meditation. A more modern twist on a mala may have fewer beads, and may have beads of certain colours to imbued the prayer for even more of a certain type of energy or element. The beads can be made from a variety of woods or gemstones. (I will be talking more about that in my next post!) Why 108 Beads? There are many ideas as to why the number of 108 is particularly significant. Here are a few thoughts I have come across in my reading: 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism, the number one stands for God/universe/your highest truth; zero stands for emptiness/stillness/humility and eight stands for infinity. Some people believe there are 108 stages on the journey of the human soul. Others associate the possibility of enlightenment with taking only 108 breaths a day, while in deep meditation. I have also come across the idea that there 108 energy lines connecting the various chakras to the heart, (where one of them is thought to be the path to self-realization/enlightenment). Another belief is that the Sanskrit language has 54 letters in the alphabet – but each letter has a masculine and feminine version –creating 108 letters! Those in the Vedic tradition believe this number represents the wholeness of the universe: one represents the solar masculine, zero represents the lunar feminine and eight represents the infinite nature of all things. Then there are the mathematicians and astronomers who favor the number 108 because it is divisible by the sum of its parts and most of its proper divisors, making it a semi-perfect number. In astronomy, the diameter of the sun is approximately 108 times that of earth and the distance from our planet to its solar star is, on average, 108 times the diameter of the sun. Now, A Word about Mantras to use with your Mala: If you’re interested in a more modern interpretation of meditation, you can pick any word that resonates with you. Words such as love, freedom, and peace make terrific mantras. In a previous blog post I discussed mantras and how to create your own! Please go here to learn more about that! Using your Mala for Meditation: Take your normal sitting or kneeling position for meditation. Center and align yourself with your intention by taking a few deep breathes. Decide on the mantra you will be meditating on and how many repetitions you want, either chanting aloud or silently. Hold your mala in your right hand, draped between your middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead, repeat the mantra moving the mala toward you with your thumb. One bead equals one repetition. When you reach the guru bead, that counts as 100 repetitions. Once you have made a complete rotation on the strand of beads, instead of passing over the guru bead, simply reverse direction and begin again. Stay tuned for my next post where I will discuss the different kinds of beads that can be used in a mala – and I will introduce you to Marie of Harland Mae Handmade Jewelry and her amazing variety of Malas! #mantra #Prayer #Spiritualsymbol #meditation #mala

What does Om mean? You have likely chanted OM/AUM, or at the very least seen the symbol – but, what it is about OM, that makes people - even non-yogis - chant? OM is a sacred Hindu sound that is used during prayer or the repetition of mantras. The syllable OM is composed of the three sounds A-U-M (the vowels a and u combine to become o) and the symbol's threefold nature is central to its meaning – this is also why OM can be spelled AUM. In Sanskrit, the sound “O” and “AU” are pronounced similarly, so OM and AUM represent the same vocalization of sound! OM or AUM is also respected for the way the sounds form in the mouth. A is pronounced with an open mouth, U closes the lips and M seals and ends the sound. The word OM is said to encompass all sounds and words in languages across the planet. In this way it represents universality. It is also significant in the way it can be tied to many other areas which helps explain how this sign has gained worldwide popularity. Some of the spiritual symbolic equivalents are: AUM represents some significant triads, including: The three major Hindu gods - Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva The three worlds - earth, atmosphere, and heaven The three sacred Vedic scriptures - Rg, Yajur, and Sama The three time Periods: Morning, Midday, and Evening The three parts of human beings: Man: Body, Soul, and Spirit The three sections of Time: Past, Present, and Future The three stages of Existence: Birth, Life, and Death The three Phases of the Moon: Waxing, Full, and Waning With these ideas in mind, it’s easy to understand why the most sacred sound AUM reflects the concept of universality. AUM is spoken at the beginning and the end of Hindu prayers, mantras and meditations. It is also used quite frequently in Buddhist rituals, and in the practice of Yoga and is related to meditation. At the end of AUM is a pause to represent the state of consciousness often referred to as the Infinite Consciousness Why do we use that little symbol for AUM? The symbol itself has three curves, one semicircle and a dot - each with their own meaning: The large lower curve refers to the mind state of waking up or becoming conscious. It is the largest part of the symbol because it is believed this state of consciousness state is where most humans are found. The slightly smaller top curve denotes the unconscious state where there are no dreams or needs in sleep. ​The center curve is the state of consciousness between sleeping and waking. This state of dreaming allows us to turn inwards and see the world from an entirely different viewpoint than our other states of consciousness. Maya – another name for the top most semi-circle, separates the top dot from the other three curves. It represents the idea that achieving the highest level of consciousness is not affected by the lower levels of consciousness.; but that it is the illusion that there is an obstacle to realizing our highest potential. The small top dot indicates a plane of existence where there is happiness and complete joy or bliss. This is separate from all other parts of the symbol to indicate the other levels of consciousness do not impact the attainment of this level. Interestingly, it is also felt that the physical form of Ganesha (a deity honoured in Hindu and Indian cultures) is said to be that of OM. (I will be writing an article about Ganesha in the future as he is near an dear to my heart!) The upper curve, of OM, is identified with the head or the face of Ganesh. The Lower curve his belly. The twisted curve, on the right side of OM is the trunk. Hopefully now you have a little better understanding about the significance of the OM/AUM symbol, its sound and its meaning! #mantra #pathstominfulness #Spiritualsymbol #Prayer #mindfulness #meditation