Posted on

The Healing Transformative Power of Natural Gemstones

Gemstones are living Beings. A Shutterstock licensed image.

The Healing Transformative Power of Natural Gemstones

How often have you seen a beautiful gemstone and thought, “My gosh, I need to own this little creature?!” Natural gemstones not only add color to our lives, but these lovely bundles of electromagnetic frequencies also provide unique opportunities for our spiritual transformation.

To receive their benefits, all we need to do is place them near us. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even talk with them. After all, they are ALIVE, just like you and me.

Natural gemstones are born from the magic of Mother Earth. They can bring us light, clarity, health, invigoration, transformation, and an abundance of good vibes. As they are our most ancient friends, they can guide us to move beyond our self-imposed limits, confusion, and darkness. 

These little power-pals love to nudge us into the light and improve our physical and environmental vibrations. The more our vibrations improve, the more our lives improve. It’s that simple.

Natural gemstones are Living Beings, born from light, vibration, energy, matter, and stardust. They are tools of the Gods. These natural elements are here to uplift our lives and support our desire to liberate.

Gemstones have been utilized for centuries for personal healing and empowerment.  Ever since the Ancient Sumerians documented the use of gemstones in medicine in 5500 BC, their popularity and value have dramatically increased.

Gemstones Are Conduits For Light, Sound, Energy, And Vibration

The twenty natural gemstones listed below are legendary. They help people heal their bodies, minds, and souls.  In many ways, natural gemstones are little friends who were created to help us throughout our journeys here on Earth.

The transformative power of these natural gemstones can harness energies that can bring balance, harmony, abundance, well-being, and much more. 

These natural gemstones are directly linked to the elements that make up our world. That’s why each gemstone’s metaphysical properties are already part of us.

Each stone is imbued with a unique set of attributes derived from Mother Earth’s vitality.  By wearing or carrying your favorite stones, you’ll illuminate your connection to nature throughout time.

1. CLEAR QUARTZ PROVIDES METAPHYSICAL HEALING

Clear Quartz is a beautiful stone. It represents purity and our original states-of-Being upon our births.  These stones are known as “windows to the soul.” We do not have to interact with these little Beings, but just like water, Clear Quartz can cleanse us. It sees the cracks within our souls and invites vibration, light, and sound to heal them.

Clear Quartz is a revered mineral because of its metaphysical healing abilities. It has the power and ability to heal any dark aspects within us. Clear Quartz illuminates our core natures so that we can make the most empowering and healing choices in our lives.

2. AGATE HELPS US BE MORE STABLE

Agate is a stone that inspires stability. When life spirals out of control, Agate brings helps us relax and grounds us.  It can help heal intense emotions and self-doubt and reinvigorate one’s Being. Agate performs this healing and transformation by enhancing our focus, confidence, and inner harmony. It opens different parts of the body along an energy path beginning with the Crown Chakra. In Sanskrit, the Crown Chakra is known as Sahasrara, the gateway to eternal knowledge and astral travel. It rests atop our heads.

The Blue Lace Agate is a unique variety of Agate that invites the healing energies of Angels and other Celestial Beings.

Botswana Agate is a stunning and shiny stone that stimulates our minds, making them more alert and detail-oriented.

Dendritic Agates look like paintings when fashioned into jewelry or other art projects because their shapes resemble natural landscapes. The energies of Dendritic Agate take us within ourselves, stimulating our ability to invite abundance & growth.  

Moss agates are also earthy crystals, known for being calming during times of anxiety and depression. They help establish harmony between our mental states, organs, and blood flow through their stabilizing properties.

3. AMETHYST OFFERS US PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

Amethyst is the ultimate calming stone, offering complete relaxation. One can use Amethyst to help with stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and intuition. One can also use it to alleviate the triggers that cause anxiety. Similar to the herb Motherwort, Amethyst embraces the heart and nurtures the soul.

Many healers and psychics use Amethysts for their third-eye properties. They help the soul peek outward through the Ajna Chakra, found in the lower center of your forehead, almost between your eyes. If you practice meditation, you can open your third eye and ask your guides to answer any of your questions. This chakra is also wonderful for seeking healing, transformation, and self-realization.

Place your Amethyst on the nightstand next to your bed. She will hold your hand and nourish your heart as you sleep.

4. AQUAMARINE DISSOLVES FEAR

Aquamarine is a lovely, vibrant stone that helps to open, nourish, and heal the liver, throat, and stomach. It also has healing properties that can help people with eyesight issues, jaw tension, and dental pain. When our bodies are imbalanced in some way, Aquamarine can help.

Aquamarine’s calming quality will bring mental clarity when one feels stressed, anxious, or confused. Fear and anxiety often arise when we have yet to release prior events and stored emotions. Most anxiety stems from the mind, which can be quelled through Chinese Medicine, meditation, and lots of crying. If you’re processing your past and need a little help releasing some of the old fasciae, grab some Aquamarine and allow it to support your transformation.

5. AVENTURINE IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND LUCKY CHARM 

Aventurine is wonderfully helpful for people who are on the verge of a major decision or moments away from beginning a new life. The healing properties held within this stone will nudge even the most hesitant person in the right direction. Aventurine gives us strength and helps us resolve our blocks when dealing with uncertainty.book-live-intuitive-reading-with-paul-wagner

Aventurine opens the heart, reduces fear, and helps us be more resolute. It might even clear pathways to hidden knowledge and secrets that we stored away long ago. If you’re wondering where you should go next, welcome Aventurine into your life.

6. BLOODSTONE GIVES US LIFE ENERGY, BOOSTING OUR QI

Bloodstones have been used for centuries as royal adornments, upscale jewelry, and mystical talismans. Its bright green and rich red colors make it one of the most unusual stones on our lovely planet Earth.

However, it’s the living energetic properties of this glorious gem that yield its most uplifting and enduring power.  The word ‘blood’ originates from Old English, meaning “Life.” When we welcome this majestic stone into our lives, we are asking the Universe to give us more energy, Qi, momentum, and thrust.

If you’re feeling exhausted or if you’re recovering from an illness – or if you just need a little gemstone caffeine, add Bloodstone to your altar and allow the Universe to give you more life energy.

7. CHRYSOCOLLA MOTIVATES AND CREATES POSSIBILITIES 

With rich green and aqua coloring, Chrysocolla works to remove our blocks so that we can experience magnificent flow in our lives. Rather than just endlessly thinking about the future, with Chrysocolla on our side, we have an enhanced ability to self-motivate, plan for action, and get the show on the road.

Allow Chrysocolla to inspire a grand vision for yourself, one that utilizes every gift, talent, and attributes that you possess. With every forward step we take, our visions and life paths will become more vibrant and clear.

Starting a new venture or relationship? Need some help figuring out your 5-year plan for life, love, and business? Chrysocolla is your new best friend.

8. GARNET PROMOTES PASSION

Garnets are the wild hippies of the gemstone kingdom because they come in a variety of attitudes and colors: playful, serious, sparkly, subdued, rich reds, greens, oranges, pinkish oranges, creamy purplish reds, and a handful of lovely blues. Red Garnet is one of the most popular gemstones in the world.  Not all garnets are as abundant as the red ones. Some of them require very specific and tailored conditions to come to life.

Garnet is a powerful gemstone that promotes our physical and emotional well-being. It’s a nutritionist, physical trainer, coach, and therapist – ALL IN ONE.

Garnets can also help you find the love of your life and depend on your passion for living. These vibrant stones invite sensuality while also encouraging trustworthiness, power, and grace. Garnet invigorates communication between the blood, heart, and lungs.

If you’re looking to level up your life, body, heart, and mind, speak to the nearest Garnet stone and ask her if she wants to be your new roomie.

9. RUBIES BRING STRENGTH

Rubies can come from Burmese, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. They are rich in varieties of transparencies and multiple shades of pink and red. There’s a reason why Rubies are in such demand – THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL!

Ruby invites prosperity, passion, and strength. It’s the Viagra of the gemstone kingdom. Rubies amplify our energies and increase our vitality. Rubies also can inspire courage and confidence in life, love, and relating.

If you’re ever plagued by self-doubt, pick up a Ruby and ask him to nourish your vibrance, confidence, and strength. Ruby will surely embolden your life and help you thrive!

10. EMERALD INVITES POSITIVITY AND PROTECTION

It’s easy to appreciate the wonders of the Emerald. With its rich and light greens, it appears to be a window to the soul of the Universe. Emerald are stones of boundaries and domestic bliss. They provide protective forces for your home and family.

Emeralds can help your love life, ignite the fire in an old relationship, and even light some sparks in your career. Emerald has powerful healing attributes, too. Using Emeralds, you can dissolve negative energy from your home, your mind, and your relationships. Doing so, you improve your vibration and allow positivity and good fortune to come to you.

11. IOLITE PROVIDES INNER VISION AND TRUTH

According to ancient legend, the mighty and glorious Vikings had a secret weapon: they used Iolite to reduce glare during war and travel. This gave them an extra edge on sunny days and when evaluating the position of the Sun.

Iolite reduces blockages without us, helping us to see our inner Selves more closely and clearly. It’s a stone that can open our minds and give us a clear vision of the present moment.  Meanwhile, Ionlite can assist in achieving higher levels of awareness.

Rich in purples, blues, and grays, this helpful stone will surely come in handy the next time you are preparing for battle or your next lovely pursuit.

12. MALACHITE IS THE STONE OF TRANSFORMATION

Malachite helps us calmly, confidently, and courageously face challenges. It also protects those who are weak, broken, or unusually vulnerable. Healers use Malachite to rejuvenate after healing sessions.  Malachite can be your best friend in times of stress, chaos, and trouble.

Malachite has the power to transform any situation into something more balanced or beautiful.

With its calming blue colors, Malachite removes negativity and enhances self-esteem.  Malachite reduces fear so that we can achieve that which we desire most. This lovely stone might also help us adapt to any circumstances and conditions that may emerge. In many ways, Malachite is a Buddha of the gemstone world.

13. OPAL INVITES HAPPINESS AND LUCK

Infused with all the colors found throughout the gem world, Opal is a box of Crayon Crayons that has been crammed into it. The ancient Romans and Bedouins believed Opals to be the most precious and powerful stones in creation. Some believed them to contain lightning.

When looking closely at an Opal, you’ll feel like you’re looking at the Cosmos. For a moment, you might even feel that time does not exist. As the Opal takes hold of your consciousness, you might experience a vision of a never-ending array of galaxies. You might even feel as though you can see other Realms and Realities.

Opals are beautiful stones that have been used for hundreds of years as lucky charms. They’re known to bring wearers happiness and love. Truly, an Opal can help you feel more positive and optimistic.

When we wear Opal gemstones, we can feel truly eternal.

14. PERIDOT BRINGS PROSPERITY

Peridot is born from the mineral Forsterite. People go wild for the medium or dark green Peridots, and those without any brown or yellow hues. If you’re a Peridot purist, you’ll love the darkest of green Peridots. Some believe this rich and potent stone possesses medicinal and psychic powers. If you’re a Shaman or Wizard, you’ll want to strap this baby to your forehead!

Peridot can be found in many Catholic relics as well as jewelry from the latter part of the 1800s. Peridots come from a unique variety of places, including Arizona, Myanmar, Pakistan, Egypt, Norway – and even Antarctica!

Peridot can help us grow our material and physical lives. If we’re open to it, it can also help us prosper.  This beautiful gem adds strength to our lives and opens doorways to our highest purpose.

15. SAPPHIRE PROVIDES ENLIGHTENED COMMUNICATION & HELPS PREDICT THE FUTURE

The ancient Egyptians believed that the Sapphire could help them predict the future. They used the Sapphire when planning large agriculture and Pyramid projects. They also depended on Sapphire when they were in pursuit of an enemy and when expanding their kingdoms. The most Divine Egyptian leaders would carry Sapphires wherever they journeyed.

If you’re a healer or leader, you can harness this gemstone’s power for your own protection and luck. These gemstones will also help you source inner insights. Doing so, you’ll invite greater abundance.

Those who carry Sapphires help ensure that their lives are peaceful and moving in a positive direction.

16. TOPAZ HEALS AND PROTECTS

The colors of Topaz are rich, enticing, and wonderfully unique! Imagine the luxurious color of honey as it drops from a little spoon into your tea. Conjure an orange so fiery that it awakens your root chakra, inviting you to declare your love for your beloved. You might also love the Cyclamen pink found in Topaz or the cold and icy blues. No matter which images move you most, Topaz is a lustrous, delicious, enrapturing, and brilliant gemstone.

If you wear or carry Topaz, you are asking the Universe for healing or the power to overcome a challenge. Topaz will also help you find closure after an emotional, unexpected, or devastating loss. This glorious stone provides wisdom in times of need and transformative power to keep you focused and motivated along your way.

When you journey with Topaz, you will never feel alone.

17. JASPER OPENS US TO THE DEEPEST LEVELS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Jasper is a deeply grounding stone. It can bring forth the natural, vibrant, earthly energies that run throughout creation. Jasper can help you tap into your intuition, strengthen your mental focus, and access the deepest levels of consciousness.

In ancient times, Jasper was used in amulets because they provided protection against negative energies and unforeseen forces.

Jasper will ground you in a simple and lovely clarity, while also helping you navigate life’s roughest waters.  Jasper resonates with power and can help you create, heal, and embody peace. 

18. LAPIS LAZULI PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND TRUTH

Have you seen the rich and amazing blues found in Lapis Lazuli? Oh my, they are so beautiful! It’s such a luxurious stone.

Ancient Egyptians would grind Lapis Lazuli into powder and place it on the eyes of dead Pharaohs. This is a gemstone that helps illuminate the portal to the afterlife. If you’re looking to know the Cosmos, Lapis Lazuli can open the gateways for you.

If you’re open, Lapis Lazuli can also guide you to self-awareness, liberation, and enlightenment. It can also help you find your deepest truth. It is the perfect stone when you doubt yourself and are finding it difficult to receive love.

Lapis Lazuli is recognized for its powerful healing abilities. It can enhance your spiritual gifts and help you heal and serve others. Lapis provides pearls of ancient wisdom, granting wishes, and awakening the sense of adventure.

19. RHODOCHROSITE IMPARTS CONFIDENCE AND EMOTIONAL BALANCE 

Rhodochrosite is the perfect crystal to open the heart chakra. It will help you attract self-love and people who will love you for who you are. When we allow Rhodochrosite to nurture the flow in our hearts, we expand. There is nothing more potent than our heart chakra.

Rhodochrosite can help you identify and deal with destructive emotions and people. It can encourage you to enjoy life and be more loving and passionate. With Rhodochrosite at your side, you might find that you’ll express more joy in all areas of your life. This divine stone can empower you to feel more confident and grow your self-worth.

Rhodochrosite is the best friend you’ve always needed.

20. TURQUOISE CONNECTS US TO OUR SPIRITUALITY

Native Americans associate the beautifully integrated colors of Turquoise with the blues of Grandfather sky and greens of Grandmother earth. This gemstone is used in ceremonies and jewelry throughout the world. It is a truly special stone.

This vibrant gem can attract money, success, and love. It can fortify our abilities and supports us spiritually. There is so much goodness and light built into this stone, it can be helpful to anyone who wishes to improve their life.

If you’re a therapist, shaman, spiritual practitioner, or healer, you’ll find great nourishment from this stone. Bring it with you wherever you go!

The Lesser-Known Natural Gemstones and Their Transformative and Healing Power

Some of the rarest gems are often the most beautiful. An example is the gemstone Benitoite. This attractive blue or purple-colored barium titanium silicate can only be found in San Benito County in California. There are also lesser-known natural gemstones of Madagascar, which are all beautiful and rare. 

NATURAL GEMSTONES CAN HEAL AND UPLIFT YOU!

Natural gemstones can give your body and soul a deep and wonderful cleansing. They remove the toxins from our bodies and support the healing aspects of our spiritual Being.

Natural gemstones have healing and transformative power that can give us protection, wisdom, love, future insights, and wealth. Gemstones are living Companions that can serve you and your loved ones throughout your lives. You can use them to enhance the vibrations of any room or spiritual practice.

If you’d like, you can name your gemstones. After all, they are alive just like you and me.

I hope this article is helpful and nourishing for you. Wishing you lots of love, light, and blessings in your life!

 

Button Nav Icon
Posted on

Mercury Retrograde: How To Handle This Wonderful Phenomenon

 

Shutterstock licensed photo.

If you travel in new-age styled circles, you’ve heard of Mercury Retrograde. If you listen to most of the folks preaching about this unique cycle, you might think these are dangerous and horrible events. They’re not. Mercury Retrogrades tend to be wonderful for pausing, reflecting, writing, depending ourselves, and expanding our most creative projects.

What is a Mercury Retrograde?

As science tells us, all of the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun at various speeds and unique distances. Mercury Retrograde is when the planet Mercury appears to shift directions as it orbits the Sun. This is only an optical illusion because of the position Mercury in relation to our position on Earth.

It’s not really changing direction. It never changes direction or goes in reverse. It just appears that way.

As planets rotate around the sun, they are all at unique distances from the Sun and each other. When one planet is nearer to the Sun than a second planet, it might appear to pass the second planet in its rotation. This is what creates the illusion, possibly appearing that the second planet is going backward. This Retrograde concept is how the ancients saw this phenomenon.

Mercury goes retrograde 3-4 times every year, going into this phase more than any other planet. Every Mercury Retrograde lasts roughly a month, yet we will also want to consider the “shadow periods,” which run about 1 week prior and 1 week following the retrograde. These shadow periods are when the energies are either forming or dissolving.

A Mercury Retrograde, or any planetary dynamic is how The Eternal Consciousness rejuvenates, regenerates, and re-stimulates the energies throughout the cosmos. We are, after all, made of stardust. It would make sense that we would feel the shift as planets move around the Sun.

What’s Challenging About Mercury Retrograde?

Many feel confused and even dizzy during a Mercury Retrograde. Some feel like a completely different person living a completely different life. You might feel like you’re personality has changed some or you might feel like you’ve somehow become a Super-Intuitive Psychic  and Super-Healing Superhero! You might also feel somehow defeated during the shadow periods or during the majority of the retrograde. It all depends on how deeply tuned you are to your true nature.

Retrogrades can cause a lot of problems in relationships, even between soulmates, because somehow communication becomes a little more emotional or less specific. This creates the confusion that many might feel during these times. The confusion is generated by the disparity between who you truly are and you are pretending to be.

Most of make decisions and live our lives from a temporary self-identity – one that we contrived in order to sustain our ego-related goals and satisfy our temporary desires. When we’re confronted with a shift in universal dynamics with the planetary system we live within, we are basically confronted with our true nature.

Within that experience, we might run from what we created during our pre-retrograde lives or run head-first into experiences that are born from a whole other set of contrivances – ones based on our warped sense of creativity, our inner-feminine aspects, or our secret, unprocessed desires.

We are complex to say the least.

Things to temper:

      • Signing contracts
      • Having sex with new people
      • Making long-term plans
      • Signing a lease
      • Starting a business (although it’s a great time to explore ways to expand a business already in progress)
      • Playing with technology
      • Being angry
      • Being sad
      • Beating yourself up

I tell all of my coaching clients that Mercury Retrogrades are the perfect time to clean house, cry, write, and move beyond the desire to become “something” in this world. They are the perfect times to get over ourselves and go within.

What’s Awesome About Mercury Retrograde?

I LOVE Mercury Retrogrades. They’re wonderful for getting back in touch with aspects of yourself that either fell by the wayside or that you neglected for one reason or another. The downside of retrogrades are often overplayed and over-exaggerated. This is because the new-age scene loves to crank out hilariously insane content that tends to create more fear than anything else.

Btw, the new-age movement is a weak, spineless ego-realized collective that over-accentuates the feminine and devalues the masculine. It’s a warped scene.  The new-age encourages people to build narcissistic self-identities instead of promoting spiritual discipline. It’s all about how you look and feel – and who you pretend to be – instead of knowing yourself, loving yourself, being authentic, and going within. New-agers love selfies while donning Prana pants and faux-light makeup. And they love talking about how spiritually evolved they are. It’s so sad!

It’s the perfect time to:

      • Write
      • Be creative
      • Express your feelings
      • Pray
      • Start new and deeper spiritual disciplines
      • Reflect on prior experiences
      • Unearth old emotions and finally release them
      • Forgive others
      • Set boundaries
      • Heal & evolve broken aspects of yourself
      • Heal relationships
      • Release relationships
      • Release aspects of your life and nature
      • Meet new people

But wait, aren’t we all connected to the Divine? Aren’t we able to surpass all the limits a retrograde might present? Yes, but even Superman had issues with kryptonite.

In all things: Be Happy. Be Peaceful. Encourage the same in others. You are truly an infinite Being. Live according to this idea and life will flow accordingly.

 

Button Nav Icon
Posted on

It’s Been A Long Haul! Helpful Tips During COVID-19

Prepare For COVID

Purple and blue Covid-19 – A Shutterstock Licensed.

It’s Been A Long Haul! Helpful Tips During COVID-19

Over 600,000 dead as of this writing.

Whether it was engineered at a clandestine lab or it naturally emerged from interactions between animals and humans, the coronavirus will be with us for some time. While it might spread more akin to a drip-feed than surge, caution (not panic) is recommended, especially for those who are elderly or health-compromised.

The official name of the 2019 novel coronavirus is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The associated disease is known as COVID-19. Hundreds of scientists have confirmed that COVID-19 does not have a natural origin. As of this writing, there is no vaccine or cure for the coronavirus.

A Few Facts About COVID-19

There are many conspiracy theories about the coronavirus, most of which are based on irrational thinking, political propaganda, fear, stupidity, and racism. These theories cover a broad range of ideas, from “Bill Gates is using his man-made disease to reduce world population and to gain profit” to “it was created by Democrats to bring down Donald Trump.”

Spreading this type of misinformation during a health crisis can be extremely dangerous, not to mention a waste of time. It might even prevent the weak and infected from seeking the help they need to live.

If you’re lost in the insanity weeds and would like to return to a noble and defensible reality, consider these facts:

  • COVID-19 is a pneumonia of unknown cause, first (officially) reported in Wuhan, China,  on Dec 31, 2019.
  • It’s now reported to be in over 100 countries.
  • Dozens of research scientists, labs, and companies have identified the genetic sequence of the coronavirus and are working on a vaccine.
  • Symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and feeling unusually tired. Some cases include vomiting and diarrhea. The more extreme cases result in severe pneumonia and renal (kidney) failure, which can lead to death.
  • The incubation period is between two and 14 days. 
  • The virus can live and thrive for up to a full day on your kitchen counter, door handles, and other objects. 
  • The virus (so far) cannot sustain itself in the air for long. This means that unless someone spits, coughs, or sneezes in your direction, you might not be at risk. To some, the verdict is still out on this idea.
  • The coronavirus is an intense and deadly flu, far more dangerous than viruses from recent history, and nothing like the common cold. While preliminary reports state that COVID-19 results in 5-20 deaths per 1000 (depending on the source), the common cold does not have a mortality rate. Even if the virus ranges from 1-5 deaths per 1000, it’s a pandemic, which means the disease could spread to millions of people within a relatively short period.
  • In late February 2020, China CDC reported that 2.3% of confirmed cases died, but this number could be misleading, as not all cases are reported. To date, of people age 80 and over, 14.8% have died. The fatality rate for people in their 50s is 1.3%, 0.4% for folks in their 40s, and 0.2% in people aged 10 to 39. As more data is reported and analyzed throughout the world, we will likely see a shift in these numbers.
  • Children tend not to die from the disease.
  • The elderly, those with medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, and those who are societally disenfranchised are far more vulnerable than other segments.
  • University of Nebraska’s Dr. James Lawler, who’s received a bit of flack for his leaked presentation to hospitals, estimated in 2019 there would be over 4.8 million total hospitalizations from the coronavirus, 96 million US cases, 480,000 deaths, and a flu season that’s 10X more severe than usual. While it’s important to understand the varying levels of potential risk, only time will tell. 
    • James was mostly correct!

While holy roller Jim Bakker is promoting the unproven idea that the consumption of silver or praying to Jesus will eradicate the coronavirus, keep your eyes glued on the data and scientific facts.

There is a wealth of facts and scientific information available on the CDC and WHO web websites: http://CDC.gov/COVID19.

Protecting Your Health

At some point, COVID-19 might become a slight or moderate threat to you and your family. Keep in mind that only you know what is best in terms of precaution and preparedness. As such, some of these ideas could be helpful to you and those you love:

  • If you’re sick, stay home for the week. If you’re feeling a little “under the weather,” consider staying home for at least one day to see if your symptoms are escalating. 
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap for 20+ seconds. 
  • Wipe your phone with a disinfectant wipe at least twice per day.
  • Regularly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. You might consider researching how to make your own with aloe vera. 
  • Keep a personal towel (that only you use) to dry your hands, or dry them with a paper towel or air dryer.
  • Do not directly touch or rub your eyes with your hands. Do not rub your lips, wipe your mouth with your hands, pick your teeth, or pick your nose. Keep your fingers away from your face.
  • Limit your time in crowded places. Consider canceling group events and parties.
  • Consider traveling by car or air, instead of by train. It’s best to prioritize your transportation modalities in this order: walk/bike, car, plane, then train. 
  • It might be best to avoid carpools during this time.
  • Working from home during time is preferable. Consider replacing some of your regular business meetings with videoconferences.

Prepping Your Home

When large populations become physically ill, there can be changes in local, state, and national operations.

While it’s never helpful to panic, it can be advantageous to prepare (with limits). If some of these ideas are interesting to you, be thoughtful, methodical, and careful in your planning around COVID-19.

While parts of this list might not be required at this time, if you live alone, a few of these ideas could save your life.

  • Store an additional 1-month supply of food, including lots of vegetables, dried or frozen meats, meat alternatives, canned goods, and pickled eggs. Consider canning and jarring your favorite vegetables so that you never run out of nutrient-rich food.
  • Consider storing 2 weeks’ worth of water, just in case something happens to your plumbing while you’re sick or in case there’s a temporary change in how local utility companies function. 
  • In light of a possible power outage, have a collection of candles, flashlights, and batteries on hand.
  • Stock 1-2 months of nonprescription drugs and other healing supplies, including vitamins (especially vitamin C), soothing herbs and lotions, cotton swabs, rubbing/disinfectant alcohol, herbal pain relievers, essential oils, stomach remedies, and cold medicines.
  • Buy an advanced first aid kit.
  • Consider putting a small freezer in your garage or basement to store some of your favorite items.
  • Keep 24 extra rolls of toilet paper and paper towels on hand. While storing any more than this would likely be excessive, production and supply lines will naturally adjust to increased demand.
  • Source your health records from hospitals, doctors, chiropractors, dentists, and other health professionals. If possible, keep them handy and in printable formats. 
  • Have a backup plan for your video, streaming, and internet services. For example, you can have a Zoom account with a backup Skype account. Add a mobile hotspot to your phone line to remedy any temporary internet outages.

Advanced Prepper Suggestions

book-live-intuitive-reading-with-paul-wagner

Some of us enjoy preparedness as a hobby. If you’re an aspiring survivalist or amateur disaster prepper, you might consider these ideas upon any escalation of COVID-19. While some of these suggestions might appear to be overkill, there’s nothing wrong with learning how to be more alert, prepared, and self-sufficient.

  • Make sure your toolbox has all the essential tools for building and repairing walls, doors, plumbing, and electricity.
  • Keep extra cash on hand in case you need to buy essential items from friends and neighbors. 
  • Learn how to make basic herbal remedies and tinctures so that you can nurture and heal you, your family, and your friends during extreme weather, power outages, and other emergencies.
  • Learn how to grow enough food at your home to feed you and your family for at least one day per week. 
  • Have printed maps of the area on hand. 
  • Make sure everybody in your family has printed contact information for the whole tribe. 
  • Purchase a basic generator.
  • Keep 20 gallons of gas on hand for emergency use in your generator and car.
  • Buy a few sets of inexpensive, two-way radios.
  • Ready a travel-bag in case you need to exit your home quickly.

Additionally:

  • For a time, consider refraining from using holy water and other sacred ritual items at churches, temples, ashrams, mosques, ceremonies, and religious events.
  • If you begin to display symptoms, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or paper towel so that you can protect others from also becoming sick. Consider wearing a mask.
  • If someone is coughing or sneezing, and you’re not clear on what’s happening for them, to be safe, leave the room.
  • Sleep at least 8 hours per night, exercise, eat healthy meals, meditate and pray.
  • Drink lots of fluids.
  • Thoroughly wash vegetables before cooking or consuming.
  • To give your health and immune system a boost, reduce your sugar intake.
  • Frequently wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
  • Avoid sharing personal items with others.
  • Consider taking immune system boosters like Elderberry, Spirulina, Wheatgrass, Barley grass, and other superfoods to improve your immune system and energy, and give yourself a fighting chance.
  • If you’re on any regular medication, try to source a few extra week’s supplies of prescriptions and antibiotics.
  • For a time, consider refraining from using church holy water and other sacred ritual items at churches, temples, ashrams, mosques, ceremonies, and religious events.
  • If someone is coughing or sneezing, and you’re not clear on what’s happening for them, to be safe, leave the room. 
  • If you begin to display symptoms, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or paper towel so that you can protect others from also becoming sick. Consider wearing a mask.
  • Sleep at least 8 hours per night, exercise, each healthy whole food, meditate, and pray. 
  • Drink lots of fluids.
  • Thoroughly wash vegetables before cooking or consuming.
  • To give your health and immune system a boost, reduce your sugar intake.
  • Frequently wipe down surfaces, objects, and incoming packages with disinfectant wipes. This means you might consider being wary of unclean keys, eating utensils, cutlery and cutting boards, cups, and computers.
  • Avoid sharing personal items with others.
  • Buy inexpensive, electric hair clippers, and scissors. Cutting hair at home is free, and it reduces your chances of contracting a virus at a high-traffic, touch-based business.
  • Consider taking immune system boosters like Elderberry, Spirulina, Wheatgrass, Barley grass, and other superfoods to improve your immune system and energy, and give yourself a fighting chance.
  • If you’re on any regular medication, try to source a few extra week’s supplies of prescriptions and antibiotics.
  • For a time, replace handshakes, hugs, and kisses with waving, saluting, bowing, applauding, nodding the head, and winking. In general, avoid close contact with others. The safest bet is to keep a distance of at least 3 feet during this time. 
  • In crowded areas, consider temporarily wearing a simple N95 or N99 mask. For the sake of ensuring that hospitals have ample supply, refrain from hoarding masks.
  • Create a separate, protected space for potentially sick household members. You might provide them with a small fridge, microwave, and water dispenser so they can be somewhat self-sufficient for a time, thereby reducing the chance of infecting others.
  • Have emergency numbers on hand. Know how to contact your primary care physician and schedule tests. 
  • Keep apprised of your city’s plan to counteract the challenges surrounding the spread of disease and related emergencies.
  • Don’t obsess over risks and fears; instead, focus on preparedness, preventive care, loving yourself and others, and staying healthy.
  • Gather a few books and get back to reading throughout the week.
  • To counterbalance potential drama and stress, find time to laugh, play, and pray with loved ones. 
  • In all things, seek the best for yourself and your loved ones. Care for your friends and neighbors when you are able. While there are challenges ahead, this is a great time to pray, spend time alone, work on creative projects, start a home business, love-up your family, and curl up with a favorite book.
  • As always, it’s best to refrain from fear and panic, while ever reaching toward peacefulness, forgiveness, and love.

From all the media hype and misinformation, and all the streams of helpful insights pouring into your social media feeds, you might simply choose to use the coronavirus as a provocation to improve one aspect of your life: your diet, your exercise regimen, your relationships, or your meditation and prayer practices.

When we focus on happiness and personal improvement, we increase our vibrations and thereby improve our states of mind and health.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As humankind continues to massacre the earth and haunt its many creatures, we will see more challenges and viruses in the years ahead. Stay healthy, positive, and informed.

Try to be prepared, while also loving, thriving, and living in the moment. On a lighter note, you might enjoy this COVID-19 safety video from the Vietnam government, promoted by The World Health Organization: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eWmKQmMoFk

For the latest and most accurate information, please visit the WHO and CDC websites. Always root for science – it’s our ally! Wishing you health and happiness, always!

Button Nav Icon
Posted on

The Year of the Ox: The History, Meaning & Power

Shutterstock licensed image:  

The Year of the Ox: The History, Meaning & Power

Every 12 years, we experience a Year of the Ox in the Chinese Zodiac. Most recently, we rode the rollercoaster of the year 2021, and the next time we see the Ox will be in 2033. You might have heard about years marked by animals in the past, but what does it all mean?

Coming to understand the history, symbolism, and ultimate power of the animals that stretch across the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac can help you come to understand yourself and the Universe so much better. Armed with this new tool and information, you can better delve into self-reflection, spiritual development, and rebirth!

The Origin Of The Chinese Zodiac

As early as the 14th century, the Chinese used a celestial calendar and celebrated the New Year. The Chinese lunar calendar is the oldest structured example of the zodiac animals used in conjunction with years passing. However, the Chinese Zodiac itself is so ancient that we can’t pinpoint its origin exactly!

However, there is a legend of the Great Race, which tells the story of the Chinese Zodiac’s beginnings. The Jade Emperor commanded all the animals to race across a river in the story.

The first 12 animals to make it to the other side would have years named after them, and they would appear in the order that they placed in the race. According to the legend, the Ox would have been first if it weren’t for the cunning of the Rat, which hid in the Ox’s ear and jumped out across the finish line as soon as the Ox made it to the other side.

When it comes to archeological evidence, signs of the 12 animals in the zodiac first appeared around the 5th century B.C. during the Zhan Guo period. It wasn’t until the Han Dynasty between 206 B.C. and 9 A.D. that the zodiac was officially identified. It was not until the late 500s A.D. that the animals were used to identify people born in their corresponding years. The North Zhou Dynasty was officially in power when the zodiac animals became popular!

We now know that Chinese Zodiac uses animals and elements to mark time passing. Partnered with the lunar calendar, the Zodiac uses animals to mark years, days, and hours in 12 segments each.

Overall, the Zodiac spans 60-year cycles with different combinations of animals and elements to uniquely identify them.

Why An Ox?

The Chinese Zodiac consists of animals significant to China’s culture and history. Each animal was chosen intentionally as being helpful, majestic, and powerful in the people’s eyes.

The animals are always cycled through in the same order, starting with the Rat. Following are the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally, the Pig.

As a result, if your birth year lands within the second year of the Chinese lunar calendar cycle, you are marked by the Ox.

So why did the Chinese choose to honor the Ox so highly? Oxen have been an essential part of the Chinese’s ability to farm, transport go

ods, and build a powerful military throughout history. For farming, they are strong, sturdy animals that can move heavy materials, graze and provide milk.

They are low-maintenance, providing great help without needing rewards or anything in return.

On the back of the Ox, Chinese agricultural success and history stand tall. As a result, the Ox is highly revered and often used to compliment others, such as “You are very like an Ox!”

What Happens in the Year of the Ox?

Many predictions are told by seers using the elements and animals, including the year ahead, the people born in those years, and guidance such as for relationships and financial success. Though highly revering each animal in their zodiac calendar, the Chinese have never denied the existence of negative forces and flaws.

Each animal in the zodiac has positive and negative traits that help those born in their years better understand themselves and what awaits them.

One might guess being an Ox in the current year of the Ox (also known as your natal year) is a great thing, but it’s quite the opposite! Chinese astrology says that Tai Sui, otherwise known as the “God of the Year,” works to make the natal year of that person unlucky for them.

Tai Sui can be found as a constellation connected in opposition with the planet Jupiter and draws on the unstable energy of the planet.

Using the knowledge of Tai Sui and the characteristics of the Ox, fortune tellers have formulated horoscopes. For those born an Ox, seers have predicted turmoil and strain in love and finances during natal years. Each year has exceptions, however.

In 2021, for example, those marked by the Ox might find some good fortune in their career even if the overall situation was still mainly negative. Which element is combined with the animal during that year can help bring insights to the nuances of those lucky and unlucky events.

If you are born in the Year of the Ox and are entering your natal year, fortune tellers warn that attempts at success beyond self-development are risky. Rejection in love and missteps in your career can lead to turmoil for you. Instead, focus on your wellbeing and take steps to balance your inner self.

What Are The Chinese Zodiac Elements?

Each year, the animals also cycle through five elements. The Chinese Zodiac includes water, metal, earth, fire, and wood. In 2021, the Year of the Ox was also metal, giving the personality of the Ox nuances of popularity among friends and hardworking, active work ethics.

If you are Wood Ox, you’re probably restless and headstrong. If you’re a Fire Ox, you might be practical but narrow-minded.

If you’re an Earth Ox, you could be honest and responsible. If you’re a Water Ox, you might be ambitious and have excellent observational skills.

Using both your animal and water signs, you can begin to explore yourself further and better respond to relationships and situations in the future!

What Does It Mean to Be Born in the Year of the Ox?

Born in the Year of the Ox? A few set things according to the Chinese Zodiac are good and bad luck for you. Your lucky numbers, for example, are 1 and 4, and your lucky colors are white, yellow, and green. You can also have particular affinities to tulips and peach blossoms and to north and south directions.

You also have compatible and incompatible signs! You should stick close to people with Rat, Snake, and Rooster signs, as they are most likely to work well with you.

Lesser compatible signs are the Tiger, Horse, Goat, and Monkey, so you might want to proceed with caution when entering relationships with these signs.

Like the Ox, those with the Ox sign usually enjoy a long and healthy life. They are also best suited for hard work requiring close attention to detail, like agriculture, engineering, carpentry, or politics.

The Chinese recommend wearing red throughout your natal year to avoid some of the bad luck that might come!

REMEMBER!

In all things astrological, please realize that these aspects are only suggestions to help you better delve into self-reflection and ease some stress. You are far more powerful than you realize.

The blueprints that astrology suggests are not hard and fast rules. It might also be that you have other influences in your life that might greatly enhance your ability to receive what you desire.

To improve your vibration, luck, and happiness, spend time chanting Sanskrit mantras and love-filled sutras.

Pray for others and the Universe prays for you.

If you’re looking for more tools to delve into self-reflection, you can try out my personality cards or look into my FREE YOURSELF course. It’s wonderful.

YOU ARE LOVE!

You are a beautiful Living Being filled with light and love, born from stardust. You are unlimited potential in every direction. With a focus on discipline, virtue, and your own goodness, you can become as expanded and liberated as you desire. 

BLESSINGS TO YOU!

There is no “Other.” There is only you experiencing yourself.

Button Nav Icon
Posted on

The Nature Of Spirits: What Are They And How Do They Function?

Spirits are everywhere in the world around us

Spirits are everywhere in the world around us

 

SPIRITS ARE EVERYWHERE! YAY!

Maybe you’ve been visited by a spirit from another realm. It might be that you feel there is an entity attaching to you somehow. Or maybe you’re just curious as to the nature of spirits: what they do, why they appear, where do they reside, and how can they be in both the spirit world and this physical reality?

The veils between here and there are thin. While our lives might appear to be one solid experience with clearly defined forms and boundaries, the truth is far more complex and bizarre.

As we relate with people in our daily lives, we must remember that they comprise a tiny subset of a much larger group of relationships with whom we relate on a regular basis.

When we awake in the morning, we might feel as though we are alone. We might even love our solitude. The reality is that we are never 100% alone. There are always spirits wandering about. They might not be sitting on our beds as we sip our morning java, but you can be certain that some are hovering or meandering somewhere near your home.

Spirits are everywhere. They come and go within this realm and on this planet, and throughout many others. Spacetime is not limited in any way. And neither are spirits.

Spirits Pop In And Out

Like you and me, each spirit has its own electromagnetic signature and vibration. This means it will magnetize aspects of itself – to itself – just like you and I would attract situations, relationships, and learning in our physical lives here on planet earth.

Whether they know it or not, spirits can dematerialize and reappear at will. They might not even know when they are appearing and disappearing. Their electromagnetic signatures have a life of their own.

Most spirits aren’t fully conscious of their skills or the nature of their form. Most often, they behave like children playing Hide-n-Go-Seek or lost puppies who lost track of how to get home.

We are each a collection of particles continuously moving from one reality to another. It’s the same with spirits and it’s the same with every physical object in our lives – the chair, the computer, the couch. Everything is moving within itself and outside itself without any limiting boundaries. The only limiting boundaries are form, assumption, intention, and vibration – all of which are changeable.

And now the super complex part….

What Is Infused In A Spirit’s Vibration?

While you, me, and any spirit might appear to be a very specific thing, there’s a lot going on under the hood. It might look like an old fucked-up truck, but it may have been built in a way to make you think it’s got no teeth. It might appear to be a GMC Pacer or Toyota Prius in the picture, but once you get a look at the engine,  you’ll know the nature of the beast.

Each of us has lived thousands of lives. We live, we get excited, we do stuff, then we die. At the moment of our death, we imagine where we are headed, and since we don’t usually clean our palettes at death, we don’t die very well. We leave our bodies, feel confused, get a sense that we have some unfinished business and juicy desires, choose another mom or dad, then, within 6 months of Earth-time, we end up birthing into a similar form doing similar things.

YAY! REINCARNATION! WOOHOOO!

No thanks.

The idea here would be to meditate, pray, have boundaries, learn lessons, and inch toward the simultaneous death of our egos and bodies. Since our egos carry the agendas, if we diminish them over time (reducing our vasanas,  desires, etc), we can die and exit our bodies and truly complete.

If we don’t achieve enlightenment in this lifetime, through a great deal of effort, we can certainly achieve a higher level of consciousness. That said, if we’re not careful while we are dying and exiting this body, we could easily trick ourselves (or be tricked) into doing all the same crap all over again.

Yeah, let’s not do that.

When we are born, built into our fabrics, deeply infused into our natures, is the unfinished business of prior lives. Ahh! There’s the rub! Yes. We are not necessarily what we appear to be. This is why when you date someone and it feels all warm-fuzzy and then all of a sudden, it’s holy-moly, this person is NUTZO, it’s because they are working through their stuff – just like you – which is why you attracted them in the first place.

There you are all pretty and wonderful, but you know that something else is going on. You have anger, struggles, concerns, confusion, and more. You might be continuously attracting knuckleheads into your life and losing limbs at every turn. You might be happy on one particular day and then feeling like death on another.

This is all because we have unresolved desires (vasanas), each of which takes quite a bit of effort to dissolve. Each vasana has been with us for many lifetimes. We might dissolve one and then grow another – until we stop growing desires and refuse them all. That’s called LIBERATION.

We might not even know the half of what we’re carrying in terms of karma and vasanas. Our cute little lives might not be able to handle all of them. We birth, have vasanas, and work through as much as possible. What mostly happens though is that we enter this life excited and we continue to be excited about all of it, including the vasanas. We tend to forget that we were mostly in pain during our life. We forget that the pain can be avoided by releasing the vasanas. Therein lies the challenge: we love the emotional roller coasters of karma. We love to own and achieve, even though neither what we own or what we achieve can be carried forward from life to life. Yup, we’re not that bright.

This is why I highly recommend having spiritual masters and gurus in this life. They can help us expedite the burning of karma and vasanas.  As a devotee of Amma (Amma.com), The Hugging Saint, I am continuously uplifted. In many ways, I feel Amma has my back. If not Amma, there’s Jesus, Yogananda, Mother Meera, or a host of other loving, enlightened Beings who are either living or recently lived here on Earth.

Keep reading, but enjoy this other article I wrote about what happens when we die. JUICY!

…

How Do We Burn Through Karma

The more we pray, the more we love, the more we meditate, the more we can release the negative aspects of ourselves, including the twisty, tenacious twirls of karma. We can also do rituals, pujas, and ceremonies that help us forgive ourselves, forgive others, and dissolve the attachments and burdens that inhibit us. It’s all about forgiveness. It’s all about letting go.

Remember, this is all an illusion.

I subscribe to and pay Amma’s temple to do pujas for each aspect of my soul and life. Meanwhile, I do rituals that I’ve learned from Native American and other teachers. These rituals are powerful. They’ll change your life. I also pray, chant mantras, chant sutras, and do lots of giveaways. All of these things help me enrich my soul and connect with higher vibrations.

Why Is This Spirit Following Me?

This is one my favorite questions.

One of the more probable answers is that the spirit is someone you knew from this life or a prior life. This spirit might feel unresolved about prior life interactions with you or they’ve come to tell you they love you. This might even just want to hang out with you. Why? They might be bored or they might need to watch you for a while so they can learn something specific from you.

The spirit might also be someone who wants to know you, but hasn’t met you within a physical life experience yet.

And yes, some spirits just want to cuddle. I know that sounds a bit scary, but it’s really no big deal. It’s like when a puppy nuzzles up to you. Just relax and ask them to follow the light and go elsewhere.

While some people like me tend to sensationalize this idea of detached spirits and all the dangers – that’s so rare, it’s not even worth mentioning. They are as open boundaries and a nudge to leave as all the positive and peaceful spirits. They just might need a little more love for a moment. You can also just chant your mantra or a sutra and hold the intention that they find the light.

From a spiritual-lesson perspective, here’s another answer: If you attracted it, it’s you! You are the Universe. You are everything! No matter what is in front of you or within you, you must deal with it as if it were an aspect of YOU. Because it is. You are what you seek. You are what you see. You are what you attract. You are what you project. You are what you experience. Own it all, forgive it all, and release it all. In truth, it’s all nothing.

When we have negative energies and spirits attaching to us, it’s a really GOOD SIGN. It’s a wake-up call. Just like in real life when a crazy person tries to hurt you in some way, it’s God saying, “Hey, you might want to look at this part of yourself.”

I see spirits all time time. Some of them scare the heck out of me. Others are so sweet that I can barely handle it. Here’s the thing – all of these spirits are the same. They are a little lost and they need love. For each spirit who engages me, I might scream at first LOL, but then I immediately tell them I love them. I say things like:

“You are so beautiful and so loved. I am with you and I want you to be happy. God loves you. The light is waiting for you. Follow the light, follow your heart, and seek your highest Self. You are love, my dear. Go toward love and become it! Follow that light and you’ll feel better. I LOVE YOU!”

 

If you attracted them, they are either interested in your Lightbody or they recognize their shadows as being the same ones within you. It doesn’t really matter why or how they appeared. What matters is that you love them and you want them to be happy. Doing so, you might also see and feel things within yourself that require forgiving.

Look at every aspect of yourself and your life and forgive it all. Go piece by piece, person by person, circumstance by circumstance, and forgive everything about everything, forever backward and forward.

 

Dissolving it all, we can Be Here Now.

Loving it all, We Can Be Without Fear.

 

Fear is good because it reminds us of the unprotected parts of our lives. We can then improve those parts. Soon, most fears can become little friends who continue to remind us to protect ourselves.

Fear can also be a nasty sore. The idea here would be to look honestly at your fears and look for ways to either uplevel them into love or dissolve them into history.

The Past Does Not Exist. It Is A Canceled Check. Let It Go.

 

After doing rituals and forgiving, it’s important that we get back to the present moment. That’s because we only have the present moment. Everything else is a result of our minds and spirits seeking attachments and control.

All we can do is love.

If we know how to love, we can serve others.

If we have fear, we can meditate on love.

If we have spirits attaching to us, we can meditate on love, and we can pray for those spirits. When we pray for others, the Universe prays for us. We can also pray for ourselves. My gosh, pray for yourself as often as possible! PRAYER WORKS!

If something is bothering you or if someone is attacking you, you can set boundaries. You are powerful. We are resourceful. You are a Light-Being wrapped in light and love, born from stardust.

I already know that I love you, even if you have blocks and even if I don’t see you perfectly as you believe yourself to be. I know that I want to love you. I know that love works. It can dissolve all burdens.

Jesus was love. Jesus is love.

Buddha is nothingness wrapped in love.

You are the same. You are all of it.

 

Remember yourself. Remember how lovely and wonderful you are.

Be love. You got this!

Button Nav Icon
Posted on

Ashwagandha: Natural Stress Relief And Much More!

Stress relief ashwagandha herb and supplements on a tablerbs

Stress relief ashwagandha herb and supplements on a tablerbs

What is Ashwagandha? 

 

Withania somnifera, otherwise known as ashwagandha, is an evergreen shrub originating in India, parts of Africa, and the Middle East. Its roots and fruits are highly revered and often used in Ayurvedic medicine, one of the oldest holistic medicinal approaches in the world. 

 

This ancient medicinal herb has found its way into modern-day uses as well thanks to its whole body healing properties. Easily found in supplement form at your local grocery store, ashwagandha is probably best known for its ability to relieve stress. 

 

But Ashwagandha has plenty of other uses, too! Over recent years, this herb has been seeing an increase in popularity across Western medicine, all due to its effectiveness.

 

So why should you include it in your daily, self-care regime?

 

Reduces Arthritis Pain

 

A study conducted in India found that participants with rheumatoid arthritis reported fewer tender & swollen joints, lower pain scores, decreased self-assessed disability scores, and reduced ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) scores. 

 

ESR refers to a measure of inflammation in a patient and is tested by how fast red blood cells sediment (or settle) at the bottom of a test tube over the course of an hour. Normal cells sediment in a relatively slow fashion, but people that experience a lot of inflammation (like those with rheumatoid arthritis) will find that red blood cells settle much faster.  

 

Its anti-inflammatory properties are well documented across many animal studies, as its healing effects continue to impress scientists worldwide. Ashwagandha’s anti-inflammatory properties are fantastic for people with severe joint pain. 

 

It is also believed to assist in preventing pain signals from traversing the central nervous system, meaning that overall pain is also reduced. 

 

Boosts Your Immune System 

 

Ashwagandha’s has the remarkable ability to reduce inflammation, yet it plays a much larger role than just aiding with arthritic pain.

 

Ashwagandha can decrease c-reactive proteins (CRP) in your blood, a common inflammation marker. CRP is a protein created in the liver and released into the bloodstream as a response to inflammation. Increased levels lead to swelling, pain, and all those other uncomfortable symptoms that come with it. 

 

This medicinal herb has also made notable results toward the improvement of immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells. These NK cells are a type of lymphocyte (white blood cell) and part of the innate immune system important for rejecting virus-infected cells and tumors. By increasing the number of these NK cells, ashwagandha assists your immune system in fighting illness.

 

Improves Strength & Muscle Mass 

 

That’s right, adding ashwagandha to your life might help you get fit and drop some extra pounds!

 

After 8 weeks of administering a root extract, participants saw their speed and muscle strength increase by almost 10%, in comparison to the placebo group. 

 

Another 30-day study saw a significant increase in muscle activity and more than doubled their body fat reduction percentage. 

 

Increases Fertility in Men 

 

Give your little swimmers a fighting chance!

 

The use of ashwagandha resulted in higher sperm counts and increased sperm mobility during the course of one infertility study of men. It also leads to higher testosterone levels, a key component of a healthy reproductive system in men. 

 

Not only that, but the herb can increase the quality of sperm over time. One 3-month study saw a 14% rise in partner pregnancy after introducing ashwagandha supplements!

 

 

Helps with Cancer Treatment 

 

The herb has been used to induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells, (just like garlic!). By reducing the cells’ ability to resist this death stage, it can slow or stop the spread of cancer. 

 

Ashwagandha also interrupts new cancer cell growth, an important step in treating the disease. The herb interrupts the functions of cancer cells by increasing internal formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

 

While human studies are still ongoing, research conducted on mice with ovarian tumors found that ashwagandha not only prevented the cancer’s spread to other vital organs but also resulted in a 70-80% reduction in tumor growth. And this occurred whether the herb was provided as the only treatment or in conjunction with other cancer medications! 

 

Improves Brain Function 

 

Ashwagandha helps protect us from failing memory and general brain function degradation. It’s given to patients in traditional Ayurveda who need to boost their memory. Why does it have this effect? 

 

Free radicals are molecules that are harmful to the body in large numbers. Damage they cause leads to a variety of degenerative diseases and issues such as cancer, asthma, senile dementia, atherosclerosis, degenerative eye disease, and more. Our bodies naturally produce antioxidants which target these free radicals and destroy them. 

 

Ashwagandha have been proven to promote antioxidant activity, meaning free radicals have a much more difficult time attacking our bodies and we stay healthier. 

 

One study conducted over 2 months with 50 adult participants gave 300 mg of ashwagandha to one group and a placebo to the second. After receiving this dose twice a day for the duration of the study, the group consuming ashwagandha showed significant improvement to attention, general memory, and even task performance. 

 

Performance, choice discrimination, and reaction time was also improved by adding ashwagandha supplements into the daily routine in another study. Twenty healthy adult men were given 250 mg of this herbal extract twice a day (so 500 mg total per day) over the course of 2 weeks. The improvements were observed through testing, both before the program started and after the study was finished. 

 

Lowers Blood Sugar Levels 

 

Reducing blood sugar is important for optimal muscle health, fighting diabetes, and overall well-being. 

 

While research is still ongoing, several studies have already shown ashwagandha’s ability to improve blood sugar levels.

 

When compared to patients who received placebo pills, those who took ashwagandha supplements saw a lower average fasting blood sugar level. The study involved schizophrenic patients over the course of 4 weeks. 

 

 

Improves Stress and Anxiety 

 

Of all ashwagandha’s healing abilities, it’s probably best known for its efficacy for reducing a person’s stress and anxiety. Animal studies found that it regulated chemical signaling in the nervous system, in turn blocking stress pathways to the brain.

 

It can also alleviate symptoms of both acute and chronic stress and anxiety. 

 

Insomnia (a common stress and anxiety side effect) and anxiety were reduced by 69% for chronic stress patients who took an ashwagandha supplement. And after only 60 days! The placebo group, for comparison, only saw an 11% reduction in the same amount of time. 

 

Another incredible study involving 39 participants found that over 6 weeks, 88% of the group receiving ashwagandha supplements reported lessening anxiety. 

 

This healing herb is also a good option for improving stress and anxiety because it can lower your cortisol levels. Cortisol is released from your adrenal glands in response to stress. If those levels become inflated (or even stay that way because of chronic stress), you can also start to see other side effects such as more fat collecting in your abdomen and increased blood sugar levels. 

 

After just 60 days another research group of adults diagnosed with chronic stress lowered their cortisol levels by an average of 30%.

 

So by adding this herb to your daily routine, it can not only combat the toxic cortisol levels but also promotes regulated chemical signaling for the nervous system. 

 

Summary 

 

Like many other traditional Ayurvedic herbs, ashwagandha has seen an increase in popularity among western medicine in recent years. It improves a variety of body-wide functions, like boosting your immune system and memory, while reducing stress and anxiety levels. 

 

Just make sure that while you’re keeping your body healthy, you keep your mind and spirit healthy too!

 

Daily meditation and prayer can also uplevel your vibrations and help you feel at the top of your game. Use these free rituals, mantras, prayers, and more to awaken yourself and become more in tune with the world and universe around you. 

 

Start empowering yourself now and feel a lifetime of change as you shift your reality for the better! 

 

Remember that you are the embodiment of light and love! Seek forgiveness of everything, own your power, set boundaries, stand strong in the face of challenges, and remain drenched in gratitude!

Button Nav Icon