Well, we’ve finally been getting lots of rain here in Newcastle, not enough as always has gone to where it is really needed – the farmers but I’m hoping that some got something.

We have adopted a rescue dog, his name is Monty and he is 6 years old and a Maltese X – he and my husband just adore each other and it now means no sleep ins as we walk him every morning and afternoon, with this wet weather, I’ve had to go and by some Wellies (gumboots) as just because it is raining doesn’t mean that Monty doesn’t get a walk!

We also bought a second hand caravan – as we both work 6 days a week, we thought we would make ourselves have a little long weekend every few months to recharge our batteries. Our inaugural trip was to Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks and it was a rainy weekend, but lovely to just chill out. I am also hoping that with the van I can now visit more of Australia – we’ll tow that stay in while I do parties in people’s homes – so stay tuned. It is always a bit daunting for me to even contemplate organising a road trip of this kind so will take a fair amount of my time in organisation and bookings.

I am excited to announce that I now have two types of NEW READINGS – these are a one card tarot and three card tarot. Both of these don’t require a question to be supplied as I shuffle the cards and pull whatever one I am guided to and then give you the answer. These are done individually, I don’t just cut and paste the general meaning of the cards but actually give you an individual reading. The one card tarot is $10 and is just a general reading for now, the three card tarot, covers the past, present and future and costs $35. Both of these readings are able to be booked and paid for through my website.

On a more serious note, I am going to have to put my prices up next year though not by a lot, I haven’t raised prices for a couple of years now and my accountant has said that it is something that I need to look at, I am very hesitant about doing this because I always want to keep myself within the reaches of everyone but it looks like I may have to register for GST which changes the course of things, I’m hoping to only raise prices by $5 – so please just keep that in mind.

Speaking of website, I am going to have a new look website very shortly! I’ve got the designs to look at to see what I think and hopefully, it will be easy to navigate your way through it all. So, there may be a bit of a disruption while this is happening – however, I will let everyone know on my Facebook page when this is happening.

My book is still in the pipeline, they have decided that I’ve written two books in one so are in the process of splitting it! My children’s books illustrations should be complete by the end of August and I’m very excited to see these and get this off the ground as well.

And with spring just around the corner for those of us in the southern hemisphere I love this time of year, I love cleaning out cupboards and doing the whole spring clean, getting rid of the old to allow for the new, letting go of ‘stuff’ and hopefully not accumulating any more.

It’s Never too late to…..

Let yourself be happy ….it is up to you to be happy, you can’t let others dictate how you should fee. Be sad when you need to be sad and grieve when you need to as well. We are all entitled to be happy, it’s time to seek the light and not the shadows, share your happiness with others and watch the light spread around.

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.

Last week we touched on the Ba-Gua and how your home and each room has particular areas that are to be looked at when trying to get balance or even to enhance something (like relationships), for some reason I couldn’t put the picture of the Ba-Gua in the newsletter so hopefully you’ve been able to Google it – if you haven’t a description is this.

If you stand in the main doorway of a room the wall opposite is the ‘fame’ spot, the far right hand corner is the Marriage/Relationship spot the right wall is ‘Children’, the right corner near you is ‘Helpful People’, the middle of the wall with the main door is your ‘career’, the near left hand corner is ‘wisdom’, middle of the left hand wall is ‘Family/Health’ and the far left hand corner is ‘Prosperity’. If you drew the above in a diagram, it would be an eight sided symbol of the eight life treasures. So you can base the Ba-Gua within a room, your entire house and also the block of land that your home is situated on. Following all of this will bring balance to your life. As shown last week, each of these areas has certain colours that help bring balance to that particular area of your life.

In some areas of Feng Shui you need to be facing a particular direction, but with this system, you don’t, everything starts from the point from the existing main door to a room, so you don’t have to worry about a compass.

The first thing to do is leave eight grains of rice in a small container overnight on the floor in the main door to your room, this informs the universe that you’re setting up a Ba-Gua. Next, work out where the eight life situations of the Ba-Gua will be in your individual room, always start by imagining the bottom section of the octagonal symbol (if you draw one from the instructions it helps) is on the wall containing the main door to your room.

So, I’ll leave you to draw your symbol and work out where each things are in each of your rooms and next month we’ll work on some things to get some balance in your life. 

Ostara – Spring Equinox

I am sure that everyone here in the southern hemisphere is looking forward to the Spring Equinox, spring starts on the 1st September here and while I enjoy the cold as a change from the heat and I know how important it is for the rain, after the winter cold it’s always beautiful to see the flowers budding, the trees getting the green leaves on them, animals and babies being born, it’s all about renewal, isn’t it?

This year the spring equinox is on 23rd September where day and night are equal in length. It is all about balance and growth, it is about the return of hope into your life by connecting with nature and with your own being.

If you have an alter it is all about green and renewal, so get some green candles, and fresh flowers, dew, seashells whatever you want that inspires you about renewals and write a note about where you want to improve your life.

Astrology for June – by Michelle Oberdorf 

Spotlight on: Virgo (August 23 – September 22)  

From August 23 until September 22, 2014 the Sun will occupy the sign of Virgo, the Virgin or Maiden. Virgo has a Mutable quality or mode (along with Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces). The Mutable modality signifies the end of the seasons, when the weather is more in flux. Mutable energy represents flexibility, adaptability, versatility and changeability. Virgo is one of the signs (along with Taurus and Capricorn) which is also associated with the Earth element concerning stability, predictability, groundedness and practicality. Some keywords for Virgo include: analytical, discriminating, orderly, effective, and Virgoans can be quite focussed on sorting the “wheat from the chaff” and with developing the skills and techniques of their craft. Virgoans however may be too fussy and perfectionistic and overly concerned with details.

Virgo is ruled by Mercury. Mercury is associated with communication, speech, language, writing, connecting with others, intelligence and the efficient use of information in its exchange and application. Strong Mercurial types, or people with Mercury dominant in their chart could highlight these tendencies (eg Mercury in Virgo (or Gemini) (in Dignity), many personal planets in Virgo (which are the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars) or Mercury in the 6th house of health, practical service, daily routines, day-to-day work routines, colleagues, skill and craft (“Accidental Dignity”). In the body, Virgo rules the intestines and Mercury rules the mind and nervous system. Therefore for Virgoans, there can be a tendency for digestive upsets from nervous causes, producing acidity and other digestive issues.

Neptune, planet of illusion, delusion, imagination and spirituality is currently transiting Virgo’s opposite sign, Pisces, its home sign (in Dignity) therefore strengthening its position. From 2011 until 2026 people with planets in Virgo will feel the effects of this transit as Neptune moves within a 5 degree orb of their natal planets. You may feel more idealistic than usual, be deceived by others, or experience self-deception. You may also feel either confused or inspired, with the lines of precision and orderliness blurring at times, experiencing impracticality. This is a good time to surrender to a higher reality, learn to meditate, tap into your intuition have faith and trust it. Your body may become more sensitive too, so be more careful with any drugs. If Neptune opposes your Sun, your ego and identity is being dissolved, and you may become more sensitive to the development of, and surrendering to, your spiritual purpose.

Next month’s Spotlight is on Libra.

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 Maeve, Queen of Faeries through Nathan Ho

“Rise forth, blossom, bloom and spring open from the mind, the heart, the body and the spirit. Within you, around you, enfolding you in its arms of love, the spirit of nature comes to you as a reminder and a timely opportunity to awaken, to grow, to be refreshed, renewed and revitalised. This month is a time for you to open up to the new possibilities upon you, giving focus to what you have wilful intent to grow. Concentrate your efforts and your energies on the seeds you’ve planted or the ones you have yet to plant, and remember that everything comes in perfect arrangement. The ways that seeds travel through the ethers and through the physical world may be a mystery, but know that in every instance, there is a Divine working order behind everything that comes into creation, becomes renewed and celebrated for what is, what was, and what will be. To sing and dance among the flowers of spring, sees you in wonder, in harmony, with everything. Be aware of your power and your influence in your life, for nothing is by accident or coincidence. You are far wiser and far more than you could ever imagine. Awaken to the power of spring that is deep within you, knowing that you have been blessed and always are by the folk of the fae.”

“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

Moonstone – by Jess Mountford

Did everyone notice the awesome Supermoon earlier this month? And did you put your crystals out to energise, cleanse and charge them in that amazing energy? I certainly did and boy what an incredible feeling it left them all with! All month I have felt a shift in my own personal energy, and have felt quite motivated through the power that has enhanced my gems, jewellery and self. Change has been the theme this month and to coincide with the Supermoon, I chose moonstone to talk about in this month’s newsletter.

With its gentle, nurturing nature it helped me through a challenging decision that I needed to make for me, which was to leave my job of 7 years some may say that it is just a job, however this is one that I have been grateful for every moment, as it has helped me both professionally and personally. I chose to embrace a new world of potential possibilities, which was both scary and exciting at the same time.

Moonstone has a gorgeous sheen to it and the most popular colour has iridescent rainbows shown once turned towards the light. It also comes in a range of different colours too such as; clear, white, pink, peach, blue, yellow and brown. The gorgeous crystal is one of which is considered to be a stone for women and enhances psychic and clairvoyant abilities. It is worn to also encourage fertility; from conception through to birth and into breastfeeding. It is great to carry if you enjoy gardening as it encourages and stimulates growth. It is a gem where pagans use in their craft, as it helps to bring manifestations about and it is said that if you hold the crystal whilst making a wish these dreams come true. When holding it with the intent to have a peaceful sleep and then place it underneath your pillow, be prepared to have one restful night.

When I referred to the Crystal Bible it says that “it is a stone of new beginnings”, it helps us through the cycle of change, which when looking at how it nurtured me through my difficult decision, it makes complete sense to me now the reason I wore my moonstone earrings. In the healing sense moonstone aids to rid toxins, helps with the digestive system and when talking earlier about fertility it connects by helping the reproductive system, it can also help bring balance to hormones. Moonstone also does not just stop at bringing calmness to women; it can also help ease aggression for our male counterparts.

Moonstone is, well, put simply a gorgeous stone to accompany just about any outfit, as it is a stunning accessory, which seems to compliment anything that it is put against because it reflects light. The stone is definitely an eye catcher and is likely to receive much praise. If you are looking for a statement piece then this crystal is for you, as it can be worn either during the day or evening.

I hope you all have a lovely month ahead and choose to embrace any new beginnings (if you haven’t already done so) that may come your way.

Take care from 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

LAVENDER by Susan Kohl

English Lavender originated in the mountainous border of the west half of the Mediterranean. It is a versatile aromatic, perennial evergreen plant that stands 36 – 80cm tall. It will grow in crumbling soil that is light, dry and grows best in a very sunny position. It is not suited to heavy soil and doesn’t like soil that is too wet or strong wind. Lavender comes in a variety of colours, pink, white and purple and the flower spikes are from 3 – 7cm long. The Lavender plant is best propagated from older plants and by taking the cuttings from the young shoots in spring. Place these into a sandy soil, if you try to plant the seeds the plants will not be true to form. Lavender makes a lovely hedge, for maximum thickness and to achieve a compacted bush trim and don’t let it flower for 2 years. Be careful when buying Lavender because not every supplier knows the difference between French and English varieties.

Each variety has different uses, because each plant has different properties. The English Lavender is a versatile plant that can be used to collect the oil, and will produce from 1.5 to 3 percent of good quality oil. Only ever collect on a warm day dry on racks in a warm shaded area. What I love about English Lavender is it has multifaceted of uses. You can take the flowers and break it down to use in craft projects or to add to beauty creams, using a sorbolene base. The stems and the flowers are fantastic when tied together and hung in your wardrobe, the smell is delightful. The best way to get more plants is to take the first new shoots of spring, cut on an angle dip into a plant hormone and then place the cuttings into pots with sandy loam soil. Wait for the roots to come out of the pot before replanting either into a larger pot or the ground.

What you might not know is that you can use the English Lavender to make sweets or savoury dishes. Queen Elizabeth1 adorned her table with jars of the preserve for every meal. Here is a Lavender salt recipe from the gorgeous Frances Bissell. Use about one part flowers dried to 10 parts coarse sea salt and grind in a spice mill or with a pestle and mortar. This salt adds a refreshingly unexpected flavour to new potatoes when tossed in butter or use to season duck breasts before grilling. Lavender works surprisingly well with fish, such as snapper on a BBQ. Remember do not put to many English Lavender heads into the salt as it could over power the food, less is best in this case. There is a mirrored of recipes out there for you to try using Lavender and it shows your willingness to expand your culinary skills.

If you wish to plant French Lavender in your garden this contains more camphor and is great for repealing insects and for use in your wardrobe or draws. Did you know if you put French Lavender on your body that it will repel mosquitoes for 4 hours for men and 2 hours for women? Why not make a neck pillow and stuff it with Lavender, to aid in sleep and relaxation. The French Lavender was and has been used in the medical field as a first aid remedy for centuries. Use on cuts, grazes, sores and burns simply by dabbing a few drops straight onto the affected area, it acts as an anti bacterial agent and aids in the fast healing of the wound. Include this into your first aid kit; this is a very important product to include into your kit. For Depression and Headaches add a few drops directly on the temples or use Lavender infused oil very good for tension headaches. One of my favourite things to do is to add a few drops to my sponge and I use this to wipe my benches. The house smells fresh all the time and because the Lavender is anti bacterial your sponges stays fresh from odours, germs and your benches stay germ free.

Here is a recipe to make a Lavender Bath Bag, by my mentor Pat Collins.

2 parts rolled oats (by weight)

1 part dried herbs (by weight)

You can also add the follow mixture is equal parts of Lavender, Chamomile, Lemon Balm and Calendula flowers for relaxation. Put into a small material bag; use a “Chux” or end of a nylon stocking. Put into the bath and use like a washer. If you use fresh herbs, it must be used immediately.

You can contact me at susan.m.kohl@gmail.com or

Susan Kohl Badhiin Place Permaculture Designer and Teacher https://www.facebook.com/badhiinplace

Enjoy your journey and may the season be good and kind to you all.

Kind Regards, Suzi

Courses/Workshopswith Katrina-Jane

As we are coming to the end of the year, I don’t have any workshops booked.

However, I am in the process of setting up my two workshops, Developing your Clairvoyance and also Kick Start your Life as on-line workshops – the Clairvoyance one will be first and will hopefully be reading around the time my new website is launched with the Kick Start one not long after!

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.

TYPES OF READINGS –

EMAILED – this allows you to ask 6 one topic questions – $50

ONE QUESTION – this is a one question, one topic reading – $10

ONE CARD TAROT – I shuffle and pull one card for you and give you an individual reading as per what the card says and what I am guided to give, no question required – $10

THREE CARD TAROT – as per the one card reading however one card represents your past, present and future. – $35

IN PERSON READING – this is for a ½ hour reading face to face with me – $50

TELEPHONE READING – a half our reading with me directly for ½ hour, available for Australian residents only – $50

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