February 2019 Blog - Seeking the Light
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Icy Hudson River Sunrise - Photo courtesy of Alan Orr, Hudson Valley In Pictures
Welcome Febraury with a Spotlight on Amethyst Crystals and Our Oil is Purification
February has several holiday and events. This weekend is Super bowl Sunday which while not an official holiday, it certainly has evolved into a cultural event here in the US. February 1st marks Groundhog Day, Imbolc (St. Bridget’s Day - Ireland) and Candlemas (Catholic Calendar). Chinese New Year arrives February 5th. Later in the month we also celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Candlemas commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son Jesus. This day also marks the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem. The festival is called Candlemas because this was the day that all the Church's candles for the year were blessed.
Imbolc is based on a Celtic tradition and is meant to mark the halfway point between winter solstice and the spring equinox. Imbolc is just one of several pre-Christian holidays highlighting some aspect of winter and sunlight, and heralding the change of seasons.
Chinese New Year: is the Spring Festival and celebrations last 15 days and often include massive amounts of fireworks! Preparations include, a huge clean-up (purification) to sweep away any traces of bad luck. On the eve and day of Chinese New Year there are massive feasts including whole fish to symbolize the abundance of the coming year. Every Chinese New Year there is a new zodiac animal associated with that year. 2019 is the Year of the Pig.
All of these holidays around the start of February have themes of purification, hibernation, seeking signs of spring, planting seeds (at least in our mind first), return of the light and lengthening of the days. The larger metaphysical themes are spiritual awakenings, initiations, dedication, inner journeys and honoring the artist within.
Finally later in February we have Valentine’s Day which in our culture has so many double meanings that it can often be a difficult day for those who are not experiencing the relationship they wished they had, while others seem to embrace all things with red hearts.
Amethyst Crytsals
TRUST • INTUITION • SPIRITUALITY
Despite being easily found, this stone has a long history of being associated with luxury. In the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui, amethyst is encouraged to be placed in the wealth corner, where it is said to amplify the flow of prosperity into the home.
Amethyst healing properties are as plentiful as the stone itself. It is thought of mostly as a protective stone. As it is linked to the crown chakra, it is helpful in purifying the mind and clearing it of negative thoughts including stress and anxiety. Amethyst is especially useful the workplace as it enhances communication, intuition and prosperity.
Using amethyst to decorate the home is a choice many make for its appearance, alone. However, the stone can have many metaphysical benefits as well if placed in the right room. An amethyst in the family room can assist in familial bonding time, and provide the confidence and calm necessary for open communication. Amethyst in the office will bring intuition for making tough, gut decisions in business, and stress-relief for long work days. Placing an amethyst somewhere in the bathroom is another way to relieve anxiety during a soothing bath.
Amethyst is the birthstone for February, (HA! I didn’t know this when I picked this stone for this month!). and known as the Zodiac stone for Pisces. It is also linked to the element of Wind. This element is believed to activate the mind, and assist in clairvoyance and intuition. It is the ideal stone for meditation that seeks to discover the reason for certain behaviors or actions, both on the part of oneself, or another.
We have some pieces of Amethyst available for purchase at Rose Healing.
OIL OF THE MONTH: Purification Essential Oil Blend™
Purification Essential Oil is an uplifting and refreshing oil perfect blend for use as a household cleaner. It neutralizes odors and protects from mildew and mold. Use for pet odors and diffuse in kennel and barn.
On a spiritual level diffusing Purification can purify and cleanse negative emotions and vibrations. Spray some in an emotionally charged room or in your work space, especially if there is anger, violence or chaotic energy. Or use it as you would sage to help clear a space. This is a fantastic oil for when we need support in seeing our patterning as it relates to abandonment, rejection, or the fear of being alone. It also can calm anger and conflict and bring back purity of thought and restore order. It opens the sacral chakra.
There are six different essential oils in Purification. They are listed below along with a brief description of each oil.
· Lemongrass Essential Oil - supports healthy digestive system.
· Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil (Tea Tree Oil) for its ability to support healthy skin and is cleansing.
· Rosemary Essential Oil supports a healthy lifestyle regimen and overall well-being.
· Myrtle Essential Oil is supportive of the respiratory system and is helpful for meditation and lifting the spirit.
· Lavandin Essential Oil is soothing and calming and supports healthy skin.
· Citronella Essential Oil was used traditionally to prevent food spoilage. Popularly used as an insect deterrent.
How do I Use Purification Oil?
Use diluted - 50:50 dilution (one part essential oil: one part of vegetable oil). Then,
• Apply several drops (2-4) on feet, ears and temples
• Directly inhale, or
• Diffuse.
Can this oil be used for Animals? Yes, for dogs, horses. Note about Animals: Certain oils can be very toxic to cats. Citrus products and oils in particular that are not of therapeutic grade! Please consult your vet if you are not sure about applying any essential oil to your pet.
What are the Safety Precautions? Repeated use can result in extreme contact sensitization. Can be irritating to sensitive skin. Possible photo-sensitivity. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.
Stay warm and cozy and embrace the knowledge that the light is returning.
Our upcoming events at Rose Healing Center including Sound Healing, Reiki and Special Events. I am pleased to be a practitioner at two upcoming Retreats in March. Discover Your Power Within: Shine On! With Kacey and A Magical Retreat Weekend with Catherine Anesi, LCSW, RM & Tanya Cole-Lesnick, LCSW-R