Well, after the mild Autumn that we have had here in Newcastle, Winter has finally hit with blustering cold winds but unfortunately, no rain.  My Gorgeous Guy and I managed to take a few days off and head to Boomerang Beach, which is near Forster, NSW and had a blissful time, I did some watercolours, he played the guitar and we sat outside on our last evening and just watched the stars in the sky.  With both of us working for ourselves, it can become difficult to ‘turn off’ from business, so to speak so this year we have made a vow to take a few long weekends and at least one week off to recharge the batteries – we usually go for 3 years before giving ourselves a holiday and that just isn’t healthy at all.

While I, like everyone else has enjoyed the beautiful weather there just isn’t something right about being at this time of the year (in the Southern Hemisphere) and not having rugged up for winter until now, poor Mother Nature is all confused with Wattle and Jonquils coming out which aren’t supposed to show themselves until August.  The seasons are there for a reason and it’s all a bit messed up at the moment.  We’ve now experienced the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night so the days are now going to slowly getting longer and warmer, though again, we do need some rain!

I had an amazing opportunity at the end of May and was a runway model for Lara Lupish Stylist with her Paris Loves Spring fashion show! Now, there was nothing spiritual in the sense of the word, however it was an amazing experience to be with 30 females of all ages ranging from 15 – mid to late 40’s, we were all different shapes and sizes but the thing I loved was the camaraderie amongst everyone, we were all supportive and encouraging of each other, no bitchiness, it was a great thing to be a part of. The reason I did this was that I’m trying to step out of my comfort zone more as I do believe that it’s important, it’s all about your own personal growth and if you just keep doing the same old same old time after time, nothing different is ever going to happen.  And yes, this applies even to me!

Just before heading off on my little break at the end of June I drove down to the Central Coast Spiritualist church in Killarney Vale and did a talk and some readings – a lovely group of people as always, so if you live down that way, you should pop in and see what they are about, they are very welcoming.

I also paid to have lunch at Noah’s on the Beach through the Australian Women’s Weekly magazine’s book club to launch two books – one by Kate Ceberano and the other by Judy Nunn both amazing women, funny, intelligent and just so friendly and down to earth, it was inspiring to listen to them tell their stories.  And I do have to mention that Kate said that she loved my hair! LOL

As mentioned last month, I have two books on the go – one is now with the publisher, I am self-publishing by the way!  And will hopefully be ready to ‘launch’ at the end of July, early August – we’re talking what to put on the cover at the moment.  The second one is in the last stages, just talking with an artist about the artwork that she will be doing and then off to the same publisher, she is keen to do this second book as well. So, stay tuned for the launch of my first book!

I also have a few more in the pipeline, mainly in my head and some scribbled notes and am so looking forward to getting these out there as well, my Gorgeous Guy asked me why I was doing the books and my response is ‘there is a need’ – I really feel that the books I am doing are needed and haven’t been done yet and they are all different ones as well!  The first one, my biography the reason I wrote it is not that I thought my story was overly special but that so many people when they have heard me tell my story have said I should write it down because so many people struggle going from a religious upbringing and believing the Bible to go down a spiritual path – so I am hoping that my story will help people throw away the shackles of religion.

I’m heading off mid-July to Perth to catch up with family, a very whirlwind trip as I land Wednesday afternoon and fly back on Sunday morning!

My Blog from 23^rd June 2014

I just want to talk about relationships today, as most of you know, my Gorgeous Guy and I took a mid-week break last week and I would recommend it for any couple, if you can’t afford a mid-week break take a weekend one – no children, leave them with friends or family.  I personally believe that it is important to any relationship to reconnect, to talk and I mean really talk.  My Gorgeous Guy on our last night suggested we turn off all the lights, rug up warm and sit outside and just look at the stars, it was beautiful, as our eyes became adjusted to the dark the stars just seem to appear more and more and it was a magical moment.

How often do you just stop what you’re doing, turn off to the world and sit there and enjoy your partners company?  We chatted about what our goals are and what we are hoping to achieve, both personally and professionally, it’s really important to do this, if you think that the person you married 10 years ago is the same then there will be problems, hell, neither of you are the same person you were last year!  You really need to truly reconnect, ask what your partner’s goals are, so you know where they’re heading and how you can help and support them and vice versa for your own goals, we are constantly changing and learning and what we thought was important 5 years ago, isn’t necessarily important any more.  It’s important to talk about what what you are both enjoying in life, and what you’re not, you both need to constantly be on the same page and more often than not, life, family, children and work all get in the way and take precedence in our lives, when what we need to remember is that wonderful person you fell in love with is still there and that you need to both remind each other that you’re still in love with them and that they are still important to you.  Reconnect, it’s important.

It’s Never too late to…..

Be kind to someone …. When you offer kindness to someone else it’s a two sword effect, if makes you feel good and it makes them feel good, being kind to someone else makes you a better person and it gives hope and faith to the person receiving, helping someone else gives life a greater purpose and don’t forget about the ripple effect – when you help someone they in turn will feel more inclined to help someone and so it goes.  It can be as simple as a kind word or helping someone carry shopping to the car, no small deed goes unnoticed.

Feng Shui – Basics

I bring to my newsletters some little bits and pieces of Feng Shui, which is pronounced Foong Schway, you can always go to my website to read my previous newsletters.

Each month we have been touching on the Celestial Cures, which are just ways to adjust the qi life energy flowing through your home and garden.

This month it’s the Ninth Celestial Cure and this is the last of the Celestial Cures – the Ninth is musical instruments and of these, flutes stand out as one of the most important.  Flutes, are the oldest of musical instruments and were originally made from birdbone, reeds and bamboo.  However, you can buy timber, crystal or any precious metal flutes and if they are placed anywhere in your home they offer you spiritual protection.

Another thing that appears in the Ninth Cure is a hand fan, they have been referred to as a wind instrument because of the soft ‘sssshhhh’ of a hand fan being opened and gently waved.

If you want to place flutes in your home, two are more powerful than one, remember to always place the mouthpieces pointing downward and preferably like an inverted V and then tie them with red ribbons for extra good fortune.

So to sum up the Nine Celestial Cures:-

First:                      Reflectors and lights – mirrors, chandeliers, shiny ribbons, crystals

Second:                 Goldfish

Third:                    Other household pets

Fourth:                 Harmonious sounds – tinkling bells, windchimes, birdsong, humming insects, running water

Fifth:                     Colour

Sixth:                     Plants and flowers – natural and silk

Seventh:                Moving items – fountains, wind vanes, windmills, rotary fans, grandfather clocks

Eighth:                  Heavy objects – statues, stones etc

Ninth:                   Musical Instruments – flutes and hand fans

Astrology for June – by Michelle Oberdorf

Spotlight on: Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

From Sunday June 22 until Tuesday July 22, 2014 the Sun will occupy the sign of Cancer, the Crab. Cancer has a Cardinal quality (along with Aries, Libra and Capricorn). The Cardinal modality signifies the changes of the seasons. Cardinal energy is initiatory; they are action-oriented starters and like to “get new things going.” Cancer is one of the signs (along with Scorpio and Pisces) which is also associated with the Water element concerning feelings and emotions, instinct and sensitivity. Some keywords for Cancer include: caring, nurturing, protective, receptive and tenacious. Cancerians may orient themselves towards their family and fostering emotional ties within their home, where they belong and where they feel safe and secure – since this the “shell” they can return to after a long day out. They may however be moody, touchy, clingy and smothering and feel the sentimental need to hang on to the past and family momentos.

Cancer is ruled by one of the Luminaries, the Moon. The Moon isn’t a planet per se, but a “light” like the Sun (even though it has no light of its own but reflects the Sun’s light), and is the Earth’s satellite. The Moon is associated with security and safety, instinctive responses, the unconscious, family, our heritage and ancestry, Mother, basic needs, caretaking, food, feeding and the rhythms and tides. Strong Lunar types, or people with the Moon dominant in their chart could highlight these tendencies (eg Moon in Cancer (in Dignity), Sun in Cancer, many personal planets in Cancer (which are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) or Moon in the 4th house of foundations and roots – home, family, parents, ancestry, security and the past (“Accidental Dignity”). In the body, Cancer rules the breasts (motherhood) and stomach (nourishment). The Moon rules food, and the stomach and the breasts are connected with being fed and with feeding, the taking in and the giving out of nourishment. The Moon also rules the fluids in the body and the lymphatic system, as well as the body’s containers, such as the stomach and breasts (again), as well as the womb and the bladder.

The planet Jupiter is currently transiting Cancer, the sign of its Exaltation, where he has been for almost 12 months. This has given Cancerians a boost to their personalities, where they may become more self-confident, expansive, exuberant, and enthusiastic. Optimism and generosity is increased, and the cycle has the potential for being a more fortunate time where opportunities and improvements generally abound. Jupiter enters the sign of Leo on July 17.

Next month’s Spotlight is on Leo.

If you would like to have a personal astrology chart done or just for more information please contact Michelle on: 0404 464 740 or through her website http://www.theleftandrightbrain.com.au/

This month we have a message from Kikuri Hime through Nathan Ho

“As you draw closer into the winter, the shadow time where you turn inwards, you are gaining a clearer perspective on what you need to become more aware of in letting go and renewing. This is a time to gather your resources, both literal and metaphorical, to see what is important to get you through this time and what you can go without. Like a flower that opens and eventually falls to the ground, it returns to the Earth and its seeds are planted. They grow into new and exciting things which reflect upon the beginnings of new things at the end of others. Through this time of transit, you are renewing yourselves, gathering your strength and redefining yourselves. Whilst it may be apparent that change is upon you as you look into what mirrors your outer life, it is all for the best. Out of every situation, is something far greater and grander than you may realise in the present. It is your time to shine inwards before you shine outwards. With respect to your current position in life, what gives you your strength, your power? Hold onto it as you move momentarily for now. In stillness you seek, in movement you create. Be in balance with the outside world and the inside world and pursue your path towards wellbeing. Nurture yourselves dearly and respect and honour yourselves for all that you are and all that you have.”

“Nathan is an Angel Therapist and Clairvoyant Healer who combines his talents with his experience as a Primary School teacher to enlighten and inspire children and adults of all ages. Nathan conducts Clairvoyant Healing sessions and teaches workshops on intuitive development to children and adults. Nathan is passionate about working with people from all different walks of life to empower them to find the best in themselves and to reach for the stars   http://www.nathanstar.com

Garnet – by Jess Mountford

This is a crystal that I carry with me daily and also incorporate it into my jewellery making as I love the grounding qualities that it provides. It is mainly known for its ability to bring about passion, love, purity and truth, but it has so many more amazing properties for the wearer.

Metaphysically it brings healing to blood disorders/diseases, promotes faster healing to wounds, helps to reduce swelling, balances hormones for women in particular, purifies the blood and can even aid the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Garnet also helps to eliminate toxins with in the body.

The benefits do not stop at the physical but also help with emotions. It helps to bring peace, and gives emotional strength to people who feel alone, depressed. It attracts like-minded people who have similar beliefs and values to your life and also provides consistency with friendships; it helps with motivation and can also help strengthen ones business by placing a few stones at your desk. When used in meditation it can aid to bring your manifestations to fruition, also when placed under ones pillow it can protect one from nightmares to bring a peaceful sleep.

Garnet was once used in medieval times as an amulet for men to protect them from defeat and to keep them safe when going to war, often worn in necklace form. The stone also was worn as jewellery by Egyptians. In Italy it is worn by grieving women and is also worn to attract love. The most commonly found colour of this crystal is a deep red, brownish red but can also be in earthy colours such as orange, bright yellow and green and can be found in places all over the world it is also believed that if garnets are found at a particular location then diamonds can be found not too far away. It is a hard stone and is able to withstand most knocks and barely scratches.

I hope you enjoy the amazing qualities of this stone as I do. Take care, Love  Jess Mountford

To contact Jess or if you would like to see her beautiful creations please visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gemsbyjess

Humble Aloe Vera Plant is a Super Plant by Susan Kohl

This month has been really putting me through my paces, with my husband burning his hand little over a week ago and with 3 degree burns to treat. I knew all my training was for nothing, if it was not for the humble Aloe Vera plant I think that his progress would have been a long one indeed. In little over a week his hand is peeling nicely, new skin is coming through and I dare say by this time next week we will have a very nice clean hand again. Now Aloe Vera is a must in any garden, it is great for sun burns, burns of course and fantastic to clean up any cuts, ulcers and other skin conditions. It is fantastic for animals, especially for animals that have allergies to the wandering jew plant. Now if you are confronted with a bad burn, I would also suggest as my teacher has told me, to place any burn into EPSON SALT bath for 20 minutes or more first. Use about two cups of Epson salts in a bucket of water to reduce the burn from burning further into the skin then apply slivers of Aloe Vera onto the burnt area. Now to get the Aloe Vera out of the plant, cut the spiky sides off each side. Then cut one side of the Aloe Vera taking the green surface off, then like you were filleting a fish slice the knife along the clear flesh taking a nice chuck of the flesh off and place it onto the burnt area. Now repeat this until all the burnt area is covered and then cover with a clean bandage. I repeat this three times a day in the first two days. I do stress that you should have a doctor look at this to have any blisters lanced, because others wise they could tear and you don’t want this to happen. You should also allow the burn to air, so what I did with my husband was to let it air after day 2 during the day and bandage his hand at night. Then after day 4 I did not bandage at all as the hand was healing very well and we are now into day 8 and the dead skin is peeling off nicely and with no infections.

Here are some recipes that you can make if have ulcers or sores, dried and cracked hands and instructions on the treatment of animals with skin conditions.

Here is the Aloe Poultice Mixture, Used successfully on external ulcers, deep or difficult to heal wounds and sores.

Aloe Gel – 3 Medium leaves – 20cm long

Comfrey Leaves – handful

Calendula Flowers 6 Fresh flowers

Place the scraped Aloe gel into a blender with washed and chopped comfrey leaves. Add the clean flowers. Blend until a thick gel is created. If too dry, add more gel. Put this thick mucilaginous mixture directly onto a open sterile dressing. Fold the dressing to contain the mixture and place on the site, which has been washed will with Tea Tree solution, salt solution or Calendula tincture in water. The mixture must overlap the whole site and be fairly thick. Amount made will vary depending on the size of the ulcer or wound. Make daily; cleaning away the old dressing and washing site well before reapplying new dressing.

When the dressing is taken off, it will usually smell and contain rubbish that is drawing out of the site. Keep applying the poultice until the site heals. The can take months if the ulcer or wound is old or chronic.

If there is pain, I suggest that you add some St. Johns Worts to the solution. Half a teaspoon of St. John infused oil to each mixture.

Aloe Cream, Simple

250g commercial Sorbelene or homemade Sorbelene

100ml fresh Aloe juice

Prepare Aloe leaves by washing them, cutting off the sides, slicing lengthwise and scrapping out the gel. Place gel in the saucepan and heat gently. Take off the heat and break up the gel with a Barmix or blender. Put through a filter such as a nylon stocking or Chux. Measure and add to Sorbelene. Keep refrigerated and use immediately as it does not contain much preservative. This cream will contain much more Aloe Gel than most commercial products, Use daily especially after showers.

Animals: For the treatment of sores and rashes on your animals, cut the spikes off the sides of Aloe down. Then cut down the middle of the plant revealing the inner gel and scrap out the gel and rub onto to the problem area of the animal. Repeat this every hour. Now the gel will not stay on the dog but it is the slimy stuff that we want to stay on the skin. Now if it is a rash from wandering jew you will notice that the area will peel and clean itself up this is ok! That is what it is suppose to do!

If you would like to contact Susan you can do so at susan.m.kohl@gmail.com or Susan Kohl – Badhiin Place Permaculture Designer and Teacher https://www.facebook.com/badhiinplace

Kind Regards, Suzi

Courses/Workshops with Katrina-Jane

Saturday, 30th August – One Day Workshop – Developing your clairvoyant and intuitive abilities

Spiritual Weekend 10th-12th October –the cost is $440 per person and includes:

• accommodation for 2 nights –a lovely spot at Old Bar, which is a quaint little sea-side town, approximately 15 minutes drive from Taree, and 4 hours easy drive from Sydney (heading north). Rex Airlines flies to Taree or you can fly to Port Macquarie on Virgin Airlines which is about 45 minutes drive north of Old Bar it is a three acre property set in idyllic bushland. It is peaceful and serene, there are walking tracks and a pool. For the classes we have a large recreation room in which to do our training, so everything is in one easy location.
• 6 healthy meals as well as snacks and morning and afternoon tea (OK chocolate isn’t healthy but I’m sure it’s one of the recommended daily foods!!!!)
• A ½ hour one on one personal reading with me, which will be recorded and emailed to you.
• A mix of my workshops – Learning Psychometry, How to use a pendulum, Listening to your inner voice/guides and recognising messages, creating a vision board – setting goals, meeting your spirit guide. (These will take place on the Saturday)
• Three guided meditations
• Discussion groups – bring topics you would like to discuss, throughout the weekend.
• You will have free time to just chill out and relax or go for a walk along the beach.

If you are interested in coming along and meeting like-minded people:-

Please email me Katrina@katrina-jane.com to make sure that there is a vacancy.

More information can be found on my website www.katrina-jane.com – under Workshops.

Services that I offer

PARTIES for a big group – hens’ day, baby showers – this is where everyone has as 15 minute reading – this is lots of fun for baby showers, birthdays, hens nights etc. and it is $25 per reading these readings are not recorded because there are usually too many people and it just takes up too much time, but I am able to take notes or the person having the reading can take them if they wish, I am also happy for them to record on their phones.

GROUP OF FRIENDS – I have had numerous enquiries about parties and how many people you need to host one.  It obviously depends on where you live – if you live about an hour from Newcastle CBD, I would need a minimum of 8 people having 15 minute readings ($25 each) if you want to have ½ hour readings ($50 each) then a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 people would be appreciated. If you live within a 2 – 2.5 hour drive, then a fee of $50+ to cover travel costs will be required, depending on how far you are away.  And it would be a minimum of 6 x ½ hour readings and a maximum of 8.  I am also okay with a mix of readings as in some having ½ hour and others 15 minutes.  These are all recorded and emailed to you within 24 hours.

If there is anything that you would like to see in my newsletters, please let me know!  OR if you have something that you would like to contribute, I am happy to hear from you.  I want them to be interesting for you all to read.

Blessed be.

Love and Light Katrina