03/01/2012 - 04/01/2012 | The Mystic Review With Barbara Graver

Marking the 111st Anniversary of Edgar Cayce's First Psychic Reading!

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm6UkiowiYg/T3eJdb6-EUI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/WgPVUrbybgk/s1600/edgarcayce.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726196590029181250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm6UkiowiYg/T3eJdb6-EUI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/WgPVUrbybgk/s320/edgarcayce.jpg" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 213px; height: 295px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" /></a><div align="justify">Edgar Cayce was always unusual.  As a child he experienced visions and demonstrated a range of psychic abilities that set him apart from his peers and brought him sometimes unwanted attention.  It was never Cayce's desire however to capitalize upon these abilities.  Instead it was his dream to be of service, to work as a minister, and raise a traditional family.  The ministry was not to be but by a curious twist of fate, Edgar Cayce inadvertently found a way to be of service to others in truly inestimably numbers.<br /><br />It was a seemingly chance occurrence.  At the turn of the last century, Cayce was a young man working as a traveling salesman and building his future when he was unexpectedly struck by a case of laryngitis so persistent it necessitated a change of career.  Monthly later, desperate for a cure, Cayce consulted doctors and specialist and finally, at the suggestion of a friend, a hypnotist.<br /><br />Under hypnosis,  Cayce's voice returned to normal.  What's more, he was able to correctly pinpoint the cause of his malady and recommend a related course of treatment.  The date was March 31st, 1901.  In the months and years that followed, Cayce's fame spread and thousands  of people from every walk of life appealed to him for help.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Nearly 70% of Cayce's more than 14,000 recorded readings focused on the promotion and restoration of health, providing accurate diagnosis of illness, as well as specific and highly successful cures in cases considered hopeless by mainstream physicians.  The  information contained in these readings made Cayce so sought after that he would ultimately work himself to  exhaustion and perhaps even a premature death in his determination to be of service to others.<br /><br />The remainder of the Cayce readings addressed questions on such topics as dreams, reincarnation, life mission, psychic phenomena, spiritual growth, prayer, the askashic record, ancient mysteries and the nature of our spiritual reality. This information was, by many accounts, pivotal in the development of the Western New Age movement. 111 years later, the Cayce material continues to provide direction  to thousands upon thousands of spiritual seekers around the globe.</div>

Marking the 111st Anniversary of Edgar Cayce's First Psychic Reading!

Edgar Cayce was always unusual. As a child he experienced visions and demonstrated a range of psychic abilities that set him apart from his...

The Search for the Perfect Meditation Table Continues!

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzsRyUqn_2E/T3ebBmqlCLI/AAAAAAAAARM/5gqbBh4Com8/s1600/meditation-table.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726215903086184626" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzsRyUqn_2E/T3ebBmqlCLI/AAAAAAAAARM/5gqbBh4Com8/s320/meditation-table.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 205px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 286px;" /></a>The search for the perfect (and very, very inexpensive) meditation table continues.  I have tried multiple thrift stores hoping to find something that might be re-purposed to no avail.<br />
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It has become, I fear, a DIY project meaning which means I must go to Lowe's AND get someone to help me.  My last table project, fashioned from an old leaded window and four re-purposed table legs, listed over a period of months, until it eventually collapsed in a heap. Not something I want to replicate with candles and incense!<br />
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As a trip is planned to Lowe's tomorrow, I will see if I can find any odds and ends that might translate into a stable yet inexpensive table.  Not sure if I need (or have room for) a table on the order of the one above.  But I love the way its creator has surrounded it with plants.  Something I would love to do, if I ever have the room for a stationary table.<br />
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I am not promising, but if this project does indeed get off the ground, there will be photos.</div>

The Search for the Perfect Meditation Table Continues!

The search for the perfect (and very, very inexpensive) meditation table continues. I have tried multiple thrift stores hoping to find som...

The Root Chakra: Working with Yantras, Meditations, Testing & Blockages

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-red25j5xgiY/T3I2ZCN5BPI/AAAAAAAAAQc/tSZwSm3k7W8/s1600/root-chakra-tree.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724697880061084914" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-red25j5xgiY/T3I2ZCN5BPI/AAAAAAAAAQc/tSZwSm3k7W8/s320/root-chakra-tree.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 234px;" /></a>I began working with my root or muladhara chakra intensively last week. And while that was week one of the proposed chakra series, it was not quite a full week - so I have decided to continue on into this one.  I thought it was important to spend adequate time on this chakra as it has always been something of an issue for me.<br />
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My previous experience with the root chakra is an intuitive sense of blockage or energy restriction.  This has been born out by meditation and pendulum testing.<br />
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To test a chakra by pendulum you can position the pendulum over the chakra point and observe its response.  A clockwise rotation may indicate an energy flow (greater or lesser as born out by the spin).  A stationary pendulum may indicate a restriction or blockage and this is what I have historically gotten when testing this chakra.<br />
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I generally use a rose quartz or clear quartz pendulum to test.  I find this kind of testing accurate but do recommend that someone developes a good relationship with their pendulum before they attempt it.<br />
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It is also quite easy (and sometimes more reliable) to experience the state of chakra through meditation in which you focus your awareness on each chakra in turn.  Many people will get a very clear sense of blockage or flow when doing this.  For some this sense presents in a way very similar to physical sensation, for others it will be intuitive.  Visually minded people may notice the presence or absence of color in the area of their third eye.<br />
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My references for the series are Swami Saradananda's wonderful book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844834956/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1844834956">Chakra Meditation</a>"<br />
and Liz Simpson's delightful "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1856752135/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1856752135" target="_blank">Book of Chakra Healing</a>"  and I am finding the multidisciplinary approach of both authors to be just incredibly helpful.  The essential oil I am working with this week is clary sage (Saradananda), though I would like to add sandalwood or patchouli  as well (both authors).  I am also holding both hematite and smoky quartz (recommended in each of the texts) when I meditate.  I am doing the prescribed yoga poses (Saradananda's down facing dog and tree pose) as well as Simpson's very simple exercises though not (I must admit) very consistently.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tB_MJzjskQA/T3I9hBPBXWI/AAAAAAAAAQo/CB_elymC3zA/s1600/root-chakra.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724705713817738594" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tB_MJzjskQA/T3I9hBPBXWI/AAAAAAAAAQo/CB_elymC3zA/s320/root-chakra.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 256px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 256px;" /></a>I am currently working primarily with Saradananda's yantra mediation which includes very specific instructions for using the yantra provided in the book.  I have not done much work with any kind of external visual aid during meditation in the past and am finding it challenging.  I find the idea of the yantra as a doorway to the world of spirit fascinating, however, and am having some success at visualizing it.<br />
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I am enjoying learning about the yantras as well.  The maladhara yantra (right) represents the element of earth (square) or grounding.  Its triangle symbolizes the feminine energy of Shakti and its circle represents both an opening and the idea of perfection.  From the many meanings of the maladhara yantra's lotus, I have selected that  of purity for use in my own meditation.<br />
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I am still very new to this type of meditation and so am also including my own color visualization and psychic healing meditation both of which I am finding very effective.  I have some experiences of very improved energy flow and grounding and have noticed an improved mood and decrease in stress related to the ongoing ups and downs of house hunting.<br />
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Saradananda stresses the relationship between fearfulness and root chakra imbalance.  At first this seemed odd to me as I am not characteristically fearful but it has occurred to me over the last few days that there are many types of fear including a lack of trust in a benevolent universe which can manifest in a need to control outcomes and means.  This is something I can relate to!<br />
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I hope that I will have time to make a meditation table this week, incorporating a root chakra alter similar to the beautiful images in Liz Simpson's book.  When I do, I will post photos.<br />
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Check Out My Chakra Series Here: <br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/muladhara-or-root-chakra-week-1-of-my-7.html" target="_blank">Root Chakra Week 1 </a>& <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/summing-up-root-chakra-focus-segment.html" target="_blank">Summing Up the Root Chakra (Root Chakra 2) </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/radiating-orange-working-with-second.html" target="_blank">Radiating Orange (Sacral Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/my-experience-with-solar-plexus-chakra.html" target="_blank">Finding My Center: Self-Confidence and the Solar Plexus Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/color-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">The Fourth Chakra and the Energy of Nature (Heart Chakra)</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/current-of-color-chakras-as-system.html" target="_blank">The Chakras as a System (Synergy / Throat Chakra) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/wall-of-azure-blue-meditating-on-6th.html" target="_blank">A Wall Of Azure Blue: Meditating on the 6th Chakra  (Third Eye Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/crown-chakra-and-capriciousness-of.html" target="_blank">The Crown Chakra and the Capriciousness of Spirit (Crown Chakra) </a></li>
</ol>
Related Articles:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/major-chakra-chart-includes-yantras.html" target="_blank">Great Big Chakra Chart</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2011/06/book-of-chakra-healing.html" target="_blank">Review of Liz Simpson's Book of Chakra Healing</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

The Root Chakra: Working with Yantras, Meditations, Testing & Blockages

I began working with my root or muladhara chakra intensively last week. And while that was week one of the proposed chakra series, it was n...

Major Chakra Chart: Includes Yantras, Names, Colors & Key Associations

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eu2X1oJTIOU/T3IuIFqjIII/AAAAAAAAAQQ/6bAwMmYzlt0/s1600/chakra-yantras.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724688792835793026" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eu2X1oJTIOU/T3IuIFqjIII/AAAAAAAAAQQ/6bAwMmYzlt0/s400/chakra-yantras.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 691px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 544px;" /></a>This chart lists the major chakra centers, including their yantras (left) and primary associations. Their Western and Indian names are listed at right.  I thought it might serve as a useful reference for the upcoming weeks.  Please note that as I began working with the first chakra this week, I will continue working with it (and writing on it) for most, if not all, of next week as well. <br />
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For More on the Chakra's Check Out My 7 Week Chakra Series Here: <br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/muladhara-or-root-chakra-week-1-of-my-7.html" target="_blank">Root Chakra Week 1 </a>& <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/summing-up-root-chakra-focus-segment.html" target="_blank">Summing Up the Root Chakra (Root Chakra 2) </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/radiating-orange-working-with-second.html" target="_blank">Radiating Orange (Sacral Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/my-experience-with-solar-plexus-chakra.html" target="_blank">Finding My Center: Self-Confidence and the Solar Plexus Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/color-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">The Fourth Chakra and the Energy of Nature (Heart Chakra)</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/current-of-color-chakras-as-system.html" target="_blank">The Chakras as a System (Synergy / Throat Chakra) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/wall-of-azure-blue-meditating-on-6th.html" target="_blank">A Wall Of Azure Blue: Meditating on the 6th Chakra  (Third Eye Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/crown-chakra-and-capriciousness-of.html" target="_blank">The Crown Chakra and the Capriciousness of Spirit (Crown Chakra) </a></li>
</ol>
<br />
Read Related Articles:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/major-chakra-chart-includes-yantras.html" target="_blank">Great Big Chakra Chart</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2011/06/book-of-chakra-healing.html" target="_blank">Review of Liz Simpson's Book of Chakra Healing</a></li>
</ul>
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*You may view, save and print a high resolution of this poster courtesy of Friamin.com at <a href="http://www.friamin.com/free-spiritual-material/chakra-meditation-poster/">friamin.com/free-spiritual-material</a>.<br />
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</div>

Major Chakra Chart: Includes Yantras, Names, Colors & Key Associations

This chart lists the major chakra centers, including their yantras (left) and primary associations. Their Western and Indian names are list...

The Muladhara or Root Chakra: Week 1 of My 7 Week Chakra Series!

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VWMEF3ERNo/T2v8ItmfMhI/AAAAAAAAAQA/NbTxxs-naig/s1600/yantra-root-chakra.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722944978114523666" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0VWMEF3ERNo/T2v8ItmfMhI/AAAAAAAAAQA/NbTxxs-naig/s320/yantra-root-chakra.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 247px;" /></a>The muladhara or root chakra is located at the base of the spine.  Muladhara is a Sanskrit word meaning "root support."  According to Swami Saradananda, in her wonderful book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844834956/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1844834956">Chakra Meditation</a>," the muladhara chakra works to provide an energetic base for the individual and is associated with matter in its most dense form.<br />
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The muladhara chakra's associated element is earth and its color is red.  Per ancient Indian tradition, it is the chakra which holds a powerful storehouse of potential spiritual energy called kundalini.<br />
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Swami Saradananda explains that a balanced muladhara or root chakra releases energy downward (grounding like a lightening rod) as it simultaneously draws energy upward from earth engendering feelings of safety and security. An imbalanced muladhara chakra may be related to childhood trauma and feelings of isolation, insecurity and fear.<br />
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A balanced muladhara or root chakra increases overall well-being and aides in the manifestation of dreams and ideas.  Swami Saradananda  recommends adding essential oils such as sandalwood, vetiver or clary sage to a bath prior to meditation on this chakra.  Crystals which amplify root chakra energy include hematite, smoky quartz and garnet.  They may be placed directly on the chakra or held in the hand during meditation.  Also recommended, dietary changes such as an increase in root vegetables, vegetable protein and seeds when working with this very important chakra.<br />
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I am currently working with the muladhara chakra as part of my 7 week chakra series based on Swami Saradananda's very comprehensive book.  More on the muladhara chakra next post, including my meditation progress and pics of my own root chakra altar. I have been wanting to make a chakra altar going all the way back to one of my first and still dearly loved chakra books, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Chakra-Healing-Liz-Simpson/dp/0806920971?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Book of Chakra Healing</a><img alt="" border="0" class=" lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom lkolzegekercgappuaom uvnqdztmiijugnjwugtx uvnqdztmiijugnjwugtx uvnqdztmiijugnjwugtx uvnqdztmiijugnjwugtx uvnqdztmiijugnjwugtx uvnqdztmiijugnjwugtx" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=mystictea-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0806920971" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />" by Liz Simpson.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Pictured above</span>:  A traditional muladhara yantra (<span style="font-style: italic;">yantra</span> is Sanskrit for "instrument").   The yantra is a Vedic power symbol composed of several highly symbolic design elements. All yantras contain geometric patterns designed to draw the eye inward and provide focus and stillness of mind  which may serve as a portal into the absolute.<br />
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Check Out My Chakra Series Here: <br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/muladhara-or-root-chakra-week-1-of-my-7.html" target="_blank">Root Chakra Week 1 </a>& <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/summing-up-root-chakra-focus-segment.html" target="_blank">Summing Up the Root Chakra (Root Chakra 2) </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/radiating-orange-working-with-second.html" target="_blank">Radiating Orange (Sacral Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/my-experience-with-solar-plexus-chakra.html" target="_blank">Finding My Center: Self-Confidence and the Solar Plexus Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/color-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">The Fourth Chakra and the Energy of Nature (Heart Chakra)</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/current-of-color-chakras-as-system.html" target="_blank">The Chakras as a System (Synergy / Throat Chakra) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/wall-of-azure-blue-meditating-on-6th.html" target="_blank">A Wall Of Azure Blue: Meditating on the 6th Chakra  (Third Eye Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/crown-chakra-and-capriciousness-of.html" target="_blank">The Crown Chakra and the Capriciousness of Spirit (Crown Chakra) </a></li>
</ol>
Related Articles:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/major-chakra-chart-includes-yantras.html" target="_blank">Great Big Chakra Chart</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2011/06/book-of-chakra-healing.html" target="_blank">Review of Liz Simpson's Book of Chakra Healing</a> </li>
</ul>
</div>

The Muladhara or Root Chakra: Week 1 of My 7 Week Chakra Series!

The muladhara or root chakra is located at the base of the spine. Muladhara is a Sanskrit word meaning "root support." Accordin...

Seven Week Chakra Series!

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC76uxu7kZQ/T2YOG1pOK4I/AAAAAAAAAPk/Fn-wgM_yGmk/s1600/yantras-7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721275887262772098" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VC76uxu7kZQ/T2YOG1pOK4I/AAAAAAAAAPk/Fn-wgM_yGmk/s200/yantras-7.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>Next week marks the beginning of my 7 week series on chakra meditation and practice using Swami Saradananda's beautiful and very comprehensive book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844834956/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1844834956">Chakra Meditation</a>" and Liz Simpson's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Chakra-Healing-Liz-Simpson/dp/0806920971?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Healing with the Chakras</a>."  I think this will be a great way for me to learn more about the chakra system!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I begin the meditations already knowing a bit about my own personal chakra issues which include constriction of the first and third chakra and what sometimes feels like congestion at  my crown chakra.  This is information, I've realized intuitively, through previous chakra  meditation and visualization and via self diagnostic pendulum work.<br />
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I don't expect to complete this process in 7 weeks.  In my estimation, it is an ongoing perhaps lifelong pursuit.  I do however expect to gain a better energetic flow and understanding of the subtle energy system as I progress.<br />
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One of the things I love about Saradananda's book (please see my review, "<a href="http://thenewagereview.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-chakra-meditation-by-swami.html">Chakra Meditation</a>," for more info) is her balanced and highly comprehensive approach which includes suggested chakra specific meditations, yantras, crystals, incense, essential oils and targeted yoga poses.  You will much of this Simpson's book as well plus some beautiful images.  Of the two I would recommend Simpson's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Chakra-Healing-Liz-Simpson/dp/0806920971?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Book of Chakra Healing</a>" as an invaluable first read and ongoing reference and Saradananda's work for a more traditional and detailed approach.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPOVNwK-TPk/T2Y46ouYp5I/AAAAAAAAAPw/J-ZR10FAlao/s1600/IMG00257-20120318-1257.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721322956636333970" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPOVNwK-TPk/T2Y46ouYp5I/AAAAAAAAAPw/J-ZR10FAlao/s320/IMG00257-20120318-1257.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 158px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 212px;" /></a>Today I visited a wonderful local crystal shop, The Crystal Connection, at the 6th Street Flea Market in Wyoming PA (pictured left) to stock up on crystals recommended by both authors - but not already contained within my collection.<br />
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I came home with a beautiful piece of citrine, some hematite, smoky quartz and carnelian as these are all stones suggested for the first and second chakras.  Also a nice big hunk of fluorite because you cannot have too much fluorite during Mercury Retrograde :)<br />
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This is going to be fun!     Later this week: <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/muladhara-or-root-chakra-week-1-of-my-7.html" target="_blank">  The Root Chakra</a>.<br />
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Full Series Links: <br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/muladhara-or-root-chakra-week-1-of-my-7.html" target="_blank">Root Chakra Week 1 </a>& <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/summing-up-root-chakra-focus-segment.html" target="_blank">Summing Up the Root Chakra (Root Chakra 2) </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/radiating-orange-working-with-second.html" target="_blank">Radiating Orange (Sacral Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/my-experience-with-solar-plexus-chakra.html" target="_blank">Finding My Center: Self-Confidence and the Solar Plexus Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/color-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">The Fourth Chakra and the Energy of Nature (Heart Chakra)</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/current-of-color-chakras-as-system.html" target="_blank">The Chakras as a System (Synergy / Throat Chakra) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/wall-of-azure-blue-meditating-on-6th.html" target="_blank">A Wall Of Azure Blue: Meditating on the 6th Chakra  (Third Eye Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/crown-chakra-and-capriciousness-of.html" target="_blank">The Crown Chakra and the Capriciousness of Spirit (Crown Chakra) </a></li>
</ol>
Related Articles:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/major-chakra-chart-includes-yantras.html" target="_blank">Great Big Chakra Chart</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2011/06/book-of-chakra-healing.html" target="_blank">Review of Liz Simpson's Book of Chakra Healing</a></li>
</ul>
</div>

Seven Week Chakra Series!

Next week marks the beginning of my 7 week series on chakra meditation and practice using Swami Saradananda's beautiful and very compre...

"Chakra Meditation" by Swami Saradananda: A Very Comprehensive Program!

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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UyUybUpRqM/T2UAZYXXz0I/AAAAAAAAAPM/WnB_g6InxzY/s1600/chakra_figure.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720979337681293122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_UyUybUpRqM/T2UAZYXXz0I/AAAAAAAAAPM/WnB_g6InxzY/s320/chakra_figure.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 309px;" /></a><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133">Generally I finish a book before I review it but I find myself so excited about "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1844834956/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=mystictea-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1844834956">Chakra Meditation</a>" by Swami Saradananda  that I find myself wanting to write about it almost from the start.  </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133">This is not my first chakra book but it is already shaping up to be one of the best.  The author, Swami Saradananda, served as editor of Yoga  Life and is the current director of the Sivananda Yoga Centers in NY, London and Delhi and her understanding of the topic seems to be on a par with her credentials.  I learned something I found valuable from the introduction.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133">In the first few pages Saradananda describes the chakras as "seven focal points of radiant power or vital energy, within the subtle body."  According to Saradananda these points may be conceived of as energetic centers approximating physical nerves, vortexes of energy, centers of spiritual consciousness or a developmental map.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133">She goes on to say that they may also be thought of as gears which shift energy up or down.  A wonderful example illustrates the downward shift of an inspiration drawn through the crown chakra, transformed by brow chakra energy, discussed with friends (throat chakra), taken to heart (heart chakra) transformed into a reality via solar plexus energy, watered by dreams (sacral chakra) and finally taking root and increasing in structure and density and physical form in the root chakra.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133">It is an analogy that works with ideas, food or any sort of creative endeavor which we sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively, birth into being.</span>  I  have never thought of the chakras quite like that but the information as it was given really clicked for me.<br />
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133"></span><span id="yui_3_2_0_18_1332014988138133">Saradananda illustrates the upward flow of energy as well, describing the process of energetic transformation from the lowest chakra and the solidity of earth through the higher chakras, becoming progressively freer lighter and less restricted until said energy transcends the elements and awakens consciousness.</span>  I found both illustrations very helpful in my understanding of the chakra system.<br />
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This information is followed by a traditional and very illuminating discussion of chakras including "ancient origins, modern methods," the three bodies of yogic subtle anatomy, prana and nadis, kundalini, an introductory chakra meditation and preliminary breathing exercises.  The remainder of the book, which I have only browsed, deals with each major chakra in turn.<br />
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Each of the main chakra sections includes a full page, color yantra (like a mandala) and several meditations (yantra meditation, as well as meditations on related elements and emotions).  Recommendations are given for flower essences, essential oils, crystals and incense specific to each of the main chakras.  Additionally each section includes detailed, but not intimidating, yoga poses.  It seems to be a truly comprehensive program for working with the chakras.<br />
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I am really quite excited about the book.  Putting it into practice now!<br />
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Check Out My Chakra Series Here: <br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/muladhara-or-root-chakra-week-1-of-my-7.html" target="_blank">Root Chakra Week 1 </a>& <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/summing-up-root-chakra-focus-segment.html" target="_blank">Summing Up the Root Chakra (Root Chakra 2) </a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/radiating-orange-working-with-second.html" target="_blank">Radiating Orange (Sacral Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/my-experience-with-solar-plexus-chakra.html" target="_blank">Finding My Center: Self-Confidence and the Solar Plexus Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/04/color-of-kindness.html" target="_blank">The Fourth Chakra and the Energy of Nature (Heart Chakra)</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/current-of-color-chakras-as-system.html" target="_blank">The Chakras as a System (Synergy / Throat Chakra) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/wall-of-azure-blue-meditating-on-6th.html" target="_blank">A Wall Of Azure Blue: Meditating on the 6th Chakra  (Third Eye Chakra)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/05/crown-chakra-and-capriciousness-of.html" target="_blank">The Crown Chakra and the Capriciousness of Spirit (Crown Chakra) </a></li>
</ol>
Related Articles:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2012/03/major-chakra-chart-includes-yantras.html" target="_blank">Great Big Chakra Chart</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2011/06/book-of-chakra-healing.html" target="_blank">Review of Liz Simpson's Book of Chakra Healing</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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"Chakra Meditation" by Swami Saradananda: A Very Comprehensive Program!

Generally I finish a book before I review it but I find myself so excited about " Chakra Meditation " by Swami Saradananda that ...

"Aura's & Colors" By Todeschi & Liaros: Cayce FaceBook Book Club Selection

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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiQgjKZ439Q/T1-p0HOOChI/AAAAAAAAANg/VSBHTdTyIcQ/s1600/auras.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719476764540799506" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiQgjKZ439Q/T1-p0HOOChI/AAAAAAAAANg/VSBHTdTyIcQ/s400/auras.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 305px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 203px;" /></a>I am a member of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/263953160307718/">Edgar Cayce Book Club</a> on FaceBook. Each month the book club selects a new book for members to read and discuss. Members also  get the added privilege of participating in a live online Q & A with the author of the book they are reading! Discussions take place on the book club FaceBook wall and the Q & A takes place via FB chat.<br />
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This month's selection is "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087604612X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=087604612X&linkCode=as2&tag=themysrev-20&linkId=292e041462d217597425a8e05c88efc5">Edgar Cayce on Auras & Colors</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=themysrev-20&l=am2&o=1&a=087604612X" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" width="1" />" by Kevin Todeschi & Carol Ann Liaros and I enjoyed it so much I have already finished it.  The book presents both Cayce's own work with auras and that of Liaros which makes for a wonderful mix of aura and color information.<br />
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The Cayce material is presented in  in Cayce's own words (as well in summary form) via transcripts of actual readings and through quotations from Cayce's only written work, "Auras: An Essary on the Meaning of Color."  Topics covered include the meaning of various colors, associated behaviors, color therapy and the nature of the aura.<br />
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Todeschi does a great job of breaking down and explaining the Cayce material and seems to know it inside out.  I have enjoyed all of his books, video and audio recordings on Cayce and this book is no exception!<br />
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In contrast with Cayce, who saw colors in association with people for as long as he could remember, Carol Ann Lioros developed her own skill with aura reading.  She taught aura reading widely, working with both sited and non-sited individuals through regular workshop and the truly amazing Project Blind Awareness program.  She maintains that anyone can learn to see auras and provides great instructions on how to do so.<br />
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I started practicing visualizing my own aura as I read the book and by the time I got to the end (and the explanation of how to actually do it) found that what I was doing was very close to the method Liaros recommends.  As it turns out, my aura is blue-green with a bit of indigo nearest to my body and just a hint of violet farther out.  I thought it was really interesting about the blue-green as that relates to healing and I have a background in nursing.<br />
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I found that the soft focus Lioros recommends - with and without my eyes half shut - worked well for me. My best results were with my normal bedroom lighting, which is soft, using the off-white wall as a backdrop. I concentrated on my hand and arm, focusing on the space next to the skin. The color took a few seconds to show and when it did was very distinct, mostly close to my skin with a sort of energy trail at the finger tips not unlike a candle flame in shape.  I have been able to repeat this on multiple occasions in this location.<br />
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I am experimenting with other locations as well and find that I do not see color in all types of lighting.  In my living room for example I see only a bright, mostly colorless or light gold emanation. I found it interesting, however, that even though the color is not available everywhere, I do see the same shape including both the trail at the fingertips and an indent near my outer index finger in all locations.<br />
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As I understand it, I am seeing the etheric and astral layers but not the entire aura and I am working on expanding my field of vision.  Will update on my progress!  For more about the energy and science of color please check out the following post: <a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2010/07/frequency-of-color.html" target="_blank">The Frequency of Color</a>.</div>

"Aura's & Colors" By Todeschi & Liaros: Cayce FaceBook Book Club Selection

I am a member of the Edgar Cayce Book Club on FaceBook. Each month the book club selects a new book for members to read and discuss. Membe...

11:11 and the Repeating Number Phenomena

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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M600dKBgDX0/T1jbkynZKfI/AAAAAAAAAMY/k1uDmLApLCA/s1600/numbers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717561152055618034" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M600dKBgDX0/T1jbkynZKfI/AAAAAAAAAMY/k1uDmLApLCA/s320/numbers.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a>Why are people apparently and frequently  noticing repeating numbers, such 11:11 or 2:22, on digital displays?  Consider the following theories.</div>
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<strong>The Pattern Recognition Theory</strong>: Pattern recognition is a natural function of the human brain and something most people do automatically.  Reading digital displays is somewhat automatic as well.<br />
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The argument for pattern recognition and random chance maintains that people experiencing the repeating number phenomena look at digital displays repeatedly and mostly unconsciously throughout their day until they observe a repeating number sequence.  The sequence makes an impression on the individual's conscious while the majority of patternless events do not.  According to this theory, we believe that we are seeing a repeating number every time we time we look at the clock when when we really are only seeing it occasionally.</div>
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While I suspect there is some truth in this idea, I don't think it addresses the phenomena in its entirety.  There are, after all, 1,440 minutes in a 24 hour day and while we are not awake or in proximity to digital devices for all of these 24 hours, it is probably not unusual for most of us to be within reading range of a digital display for half of them.<br />
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How likely is it that a person will note the single occurrence of 11:11 out of the possible 720 remaining number combinations in a specified 12 hour period (morning, afternoon and evening)?  That depends on how many times he or she checks the clock, of course, but if we consider random as a 50 / 50 chance occurrence, observing the 11:11 event is only random if the clock is checked in excess of 360 times per 12 hour day or 30 times per hour. And while it is not impossible to check the clock every 2  minutes it is not ordinary behavior either.<br />
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So if the number do not add up to a truly random phenomena in the majority of 11:11 reports, just what are we dealing with?<br />
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<strong>The Time-Interval Training Theory</strong>: Could people be training their minds, albeit subconsciously, to note repeating numbers? I think in some instances it is certainly possible. Some people find themselves noting a specific point on the clock on a daily basis without ascribing any special meaning to this accomplishment.  These are the people who check the workplace clock at a particular time in the afternoon every day or to wake up at  7 am on a Saturday even though they have not set their alarm.  In these situations, it seems that they have established their own independent body clock - training themselves to trigger an awareness of time at regularly reoccurring intervals.<br />
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The time-interval training theory however is only applicable to people who have this skill and not everyone does.  Additionally, time-interval training mostly seems to work when a person notes a specific time on daily basis and many people who note repeating numbers do so frequently as opposed to daily.<br />
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<strong>The Hype Theory:</strong> Does the fact that many people are noting the not particularly random occurrence of repeating numbers make it more or less credible?  I would lean towards more but this is only my opinion and an argument can be made in either direction.  Still from where I sit, the repeating number phenomena does seem to be a real phenomena being at the very least telepathic (in the way of the Global Consciousness Project).   But is it, as so many are implying, truly synchonistic?<br />
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<strong>The Case for Synchronicity:   </strong>The issue with the synchronicity, is that synchronicity  is by definition not only a pairing of events (e.g. looking at the clock / observing a repeating number sequence) that are neither causal or random but a pairing of <span style="font-style: italic;">meaningful</span> events.  In other words,  for something to be a true synchronicity, it must contain a message.<br />
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Does 11:11 convey any meaningful message? This is a question that can be answered in a number of ways but I feel that further research is in order before I can address properly in this publication.  In order to do so I have ordered a book :)  I hope to follow up with a review of it in the next several weeks.<br />
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Update:  It has been more than weeks but I have just written the follow up to this article.  I call it<a href="http://www.mysticreview.com/2015/01/the-number-11-repeating-number-craze.html" target="_blank"> The Number 11 & the Repeating Number Craze</a>.  In it, I talk about the meaning of the number 11 and my theory on what this phenomena might mean.  Check it out if you can!<br />
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