2011: Year of the Herkimer

                                 (photo)

In just the past few weeks, I have had several chance encounters and internet blog feeds (including even some more from a "fashion" and vintage perspective than spiritual) touting this lovely gem.  The herkimer seems to be every where! It's in many ways my favorite and a stone I associate with dreams, reiki, and pure love.  Some associate it with the third eye while others associate it with the crown chakra.  Some use it for astral travel and for communication with beings from the plant, animal and mineral kingdoms as well as celestial energies.  The stone cleanses its environs and thus frequently needs to be cleansed itself.  The clear stones are mined in Herkimer NY USA.  

 

(photo & golden herkimer information)

I have a few of these golden citrine herkimers which come from India and North/South America.  I associate these with the Reiki healing symbol and find them helpful in clearing out emotions and difficult feelings.

I think herkimers are very effectively worn as jewelry and can also be put under your pillow or used in a reiki healing grid.  Below are some photos of herkimer jewelry for sale on Etsy that I think are very pretty (not for sale by me and also I have not received any endorsement from the sellers).  I heart & shop Etsy always!

(Japanese jewelry designer)

(Japanese jewelry designer)

(photo)

(photo)

Herkimer "Diamond"

"Herkimer Diamond is called the 'stone of attunement'...Psychically, it's useful for auric cleansing and dream recall. Mystical lore says that physically it can be used to heal addictions and remove toxins."

"Herkimer Diamonds are also said to help people to become attuned to each other. They are especially useful for helping healers to attune to their patients...
Herkimer diamonds are a very powerful clearer of electromagnetic pollution and a blocker of geopathic stress. " (Cite)

New Beginnings this New Year 1/1/11

(photo)
After reading the excellent most recent post at reiki4writers, I wanted to do a little further research into the idea of this upcoming year's New Year's Day having the interesting numbers of 1-1-11.  I am not a numerology expert or practitioner, but for whatever reason this particular combination intrigued me and gave me a funny feeling.  Which, when I have a funny feeling I always have to follow it!

Interesting tidbits discovered are that Oprah is launching her new network, OWN, not coincidentally, on this day and that there is a whole host of people that feel that seeing 11:11 on a clock is a time to make a wish and that we are strongly connected to our guides and angels at that time.

I found out on the 11:11 dimension website the following (quoted directly):

• The 2012 Winter Solstice will occur on December 21, at 11:11 Universal Time (UTC). On this unusual winter solstice in 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in about 26,000 years. This is a rare astronomical alignment. This means that "whatever energy typically streams to Earth from the center of the Milky Way will indeed be disrupted on 12/21/12 at 11:11 p.m. Universal Time. The ancient Maya recognized this as the Sacred Tree, an event that has been coming to resonance very slowly over thousands and thousands of years. This event is also recognized in Native American and Egyptian cultures to name a few. In Astrology,The 2012 winter solstice will mark the end of the age of Pisces and the beginning of the age of Aquarius.
• In Numerology 11 is a Master (or Power) Number, as are all double digit numbers, such as 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, and 99. The 11 represents rare and exceptional energy originating from outside mundane reality. It also represents impractical idealism, being visionary, intuition, revelation, and artistic and inventive genius. In Astrology, the eleventh sign of the zodiac is Aquarius associated with the 11th house. The astrological traits of Aquarius are attributed to humanitarianism, eceentricity, Intellectualism and Independence. Uranus is the ruling planet of Aquarius and brings with it a new way of looking at things and its approach is best met with an expanded consciousness. Uranus rules unexpected change, upheaval and revolution.
• 11:11 is said to be a pre-encoded trigger placed in our cellular memory banks prior to our descent/incarnation into matter. when activated, it will signify that our time of completion and ascension is near. A shift will occur. Our consciousness will raise in frequency along with our bodies. We will be ascending into the next dimension of time/space or space/time. It can be seen as the evolution of consciousness and the earth herself. One will know when this particular gateway to awareness and higher vibration is open for them because they will continually see the numbers 11:11 (or 1111) in there every day lives and it will be a continuous occurrence. The activation of other gateways can be symbolized by other digits.

I think for me, this new year's day is going to be a new beginning heralding in new levels of light and love.  At 11:11 on 1-1-11, I will be sending Reiki to the world Reiki grids with my highest intent for openness and peace.  I really also like the idea in reiki4writers of putting your intentions in a box that you regularly send Reiki to--seems perfect to me, so I will try it this year.

Danza Serpentina

This very much reminds me of what I experienced during the Master Attunement except it was two guides dancing and making wave patterns with enormous ribbons.
So beautiful--can't believe this was made before 1900.  When I saw it posted on a vintage fashion blog and that it was by the Lumiere Bros. I knew that it would perfectly express what I wish for us all as we welcome the Light this holiday season.  My best to you and yours as we celebrate beauty.

Books & Symbols

Reiki Peace Grid placed in Jerusalem 

I am going to reread Reiki Shaman as I enjoyed it so much and want to make sure I understand all of the content.  I was reading the Reiki Bible by Eleanor McKenzie and came across the interesting idea that the symbols are not necessarily what we are taught in classes.  ***Spoiler alert:  Do not go to the following link if you are offended by seeing the symbols in print and believe they should be completely secret.***  Go here to read an interesting article by a different author along the same lines.

I have such a love affair with the symbols, probably because I think that way and have been given symbols in dreams, that seeing them as only triggers rather than imbued with more beyond that is a bit difficult for me.  I do think they are "keys" so in that sense I agree with the above sources.

Reiki Shamanism

I will post more about this at a later date after I finish the book, but I just wanted to say that I am very much enjoying reading Jim Pathfinder Ewing's book, Reiki Shamanism.  I am impressed and he is presenting ideas in a different but well-researched manner.

Origins of American yoga

I have been looking into the history of American yoga and came across this video (there is a typo, the congress actually took place in 1893 not 1863).  The Swami's words are very inspiring and we in the reiki community and other spiritual communities could all take a cue from his words of unity and peace.  There is too much unproductive discord in most spiritual and healing communities.  Discord can be productive and cleansing, but not when people are on power trips or overly protective.

Theta, Sat Nam Rasayan & Reiki

 

Guru Dev Singh

I recently went to ye old bookstore and picked up random magazines to peruse whilst I drank a decaf cuppa.  I came across an article on using the Theta state (a deep, meditative brain wave deeper than the creative alpha state) to heal and in many cases instantly.  It reminded me of Reiki and also of deeper states I associate with Sufism or Kundalini.  So, this made me do a little internet research into the whole concept.  Others have also seen the connection.  The most interesting person I unearthed is Ula Modela, an Usui trad practitioner now located in India, whose Reiki website features all three modalities (and more) under "healing arts" in her side menu.  Ula's website is very comprehensive and informative regarding Reiki and healing. I am very interested in the intersection with Reiki and these deeper states which seem related to 7th chakra.She has a nice entry for thetahealing (tm) founded by Vianna Stibal and for Sat Nam Rasayan, whose main healer is Guru Dev Singh.

How to clear a room

The vibratone is a humorously named and perhaps even funnier looking bell instrument that in my mind is perhaps the best sound cleansing tool I have used.  The link above is where I got the photo and also has sound samples.  I first heard about it being used for energy work about a dozen years ago from Chilean shaman Luz Clara who also uses the scared sounds of the qultrun drum in healing ceremonies.

I loved it and have used it since.  The bell is struck by a mallet and the hole can be covered and uncovered for an other-worldly effect.  You can "point" the bell at your client while striking the instrument and covering and uncovering the aperture.  I like to circle the client or go over the aura or outside the body outline.  I find the tool also effective for space clearing, especially if there are any smoke sensitivities and white sage or other smudging herbs cannot be used.

Reiki and Reiki treatments in of themselves do not require cleansing and in fact are cleansing to the practitioner as well as the client.  Reiki can also cleanse and clear crystals, a room, or any tool.  Before and after treatment, I do think it's nice to clear the room for everyone's comfort and it is useful for grounding and bringing everyone back to the present moment at the end of treatment.  I find the Reiki emotional symbol very helpful, but I do incorporate sound and other techniques for space clearing.

acceptance

I was dismayed by a post that mentioned the "people of Walmart" website.  I had never heard of this site and when I looked it was just as hurtful and shaming as you might imagine.  Clearly smug, there are people taking mostly secret photos of often overweight or differently dressed people followed by horrible comments.  All I could think was that I wish people could be more accepting of others and not feel the need to humiliate or hurt.  It's probably judgmental of me to feel this way, but I can't help but think that we have all been bullied and that it is rather chimp-like to proceed to find someone perceived "weaker" to showcase.  Some of the photos are defiantly proud and I applaud those photo subjects for being free to be themselves without approval or reservations.

All of this is to say, when we are giving Reiki, I think it is important and affirming (for ourselves, Reiki doesn't require this), to find what is beautiful and unique about the person before us and also what is the same or common for all of us.  Without exception, people look so amazing when they are receiving Reiki. Their faces relax, really relax, and you can feel the tension of having to fit in lifting.  Sometimes the face will look like a person from another era and we are reminded of lineage and of the passage of time.  Giving Reiki is giving acceptance and we all benefit from this sort of embrace.  Can we look at people on the street with Reiki eyes and hearts?  Send a little distance Reiki rather than a smirk?

Catholocism

Though I studied the earlier levels with other Reiki masters, my master teacher for the final level was my mother, who is also a very devout Catholic.  It makes me sad to think she now feels conflict using Reiki to heal.  It's been, I think, over a year since the original pronouncement, and since then many have felt they can't share Reiki publicly.  Here is a recent video of a nun who sharing Reiki.

I'm sure everyone's thoughts today are on love and in reading various blogs this morning, it is clear that in the vintage and cooking blogs I tend to read, Valentine's Day and pretty cards are the focus.  My favorite thought for today came from The Kitchn in a lovely post by Dana Velden

Here's a Hafiz poem the blogger cited:

With That Moon Language

Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, 'Love me.'
Of course you do not do this out loud,
otherwise someone would call the cops.

Still, though,
think about this,
this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye
that is always saying,
with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in this world
is dying to hear?

-Hafiz

Oh, if we could just BE the love we wish to see and experience in the world, what a world this would be!  I  think Reiki affords us an amazing opportunity to BE that love.  When you send Reiki or give a treatment, you also experience Reiki.  Your heart is never wilder or freer.  You are never more yourself, yet you are never more connected to another or some aspect of this earthly experience.  Amazing...

Medical Stigmata

Just for fun, look at the palm of your hand you use to write (the sending hand in palmistry representing the present and the future), and glance at the mound immediately under the pinky (Mercury) finger.  Do you see a series of several little vertical lines especially toward the ring finger?  if you do, you may have an "aptitude for medicine, whether conventional or alternative, and tend to concentrate particularly on healing" (Peter West, 1998) often called the medical stigmata.

LaRoux (1993) asserts that the palm of your writing hand is what you are currently doing in your life, while the on the palm of the other hand (the receiving hand) is where you can see the influences of your past and childhood.  I also think it represents the talents you were born with.  So look at your receiving hand and see if the marks are there.  If they are present on the receiving hand but not the sending hand, you may have some tendencies as a healer but may not be manifesting them in the present to their fullest potential especially to benefit humanity.

Webster (1994) also has an interesting interpretation of these fine lines, "People with a medical stigmata have an empathy for all living things, and have a healing touch.  They often gravitate towards one of the healing professions.  Consequently, you will find this marking on the hands of good doctors, nurses, ..., and anyone else involved in the helping professions.  Bear in mind that if someone has become attracted to one of these fields with the aim of making money rather than helping others, he or she will not have a medical stigmata."  Reiki does not require an innate healing touch as the ability to channel Reiki comes from the transmission of Reiki attunement through your teacher and the Reiki lineage.  You may not have grown up in a Reiki family but are part of one now.

I don't have a source for this (I may have heard it from my grandmother), but I remember hearing that if the lines radiate out from the pinky your talent may be healing children (I wonder if it extends to animals too?) and if the lines are more toward the inner side of the pinky more toward the ring finger, your talent was more with adults.

Please remember, this is not specific to Reiki but the healing arts in general.  Reiki flows effortlessly through us once you have gone through the attunement process.  I have looked at many, many hands and have noticed that both those who work in traditional fields (doctors, therapists, etc.) or alternative therapies (massage therapists, light healers, etc.) do tend to have these marks especially if they are passionate.  I've noticed teachers may have these marks too.  So, it's just something to look at and consider.

Gassho and Reiji-Ho

My pondering continues in regard to certain hand positions spontaneously producing Reiki and I remembered Gassho.

From Usui & Frank Arjava Petter's book, The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui (1999 English ed.), "Gassho literally means 'two hands coming together'" and Petter goes on to explain the Gassho meditation which was used each time at the beginning of meetings with a noticeable increase in energy occurring when practiced in groups.  The meditation is very simple.  You place your hands together in front of your chest (prayer pose) and focus your attention on where the two middle fingers meet.  He cautions you may experience energy phenomena such as your hands or backbone becoming very warm.  This seems to in some ways explain what is going on in yoga class sometimes with Reiki as yoga asana practice is often a precursor to meditation.  My yoga teacher also often has us focus on our middle finger in a variety of asanas.

Petter goes on to explain that Reihi-Ho is a set of 3 short rituals that can be conducted before a Reiki session.  The first step is to assume Gassho posture while closing your eyes and connecting with the Reiki power by asking.  Repeat the wish 3 times.  If you are 2nd degree or higher, you can use the mental-healing symbol sealed by the power symbol.  The second step is to pray for the recovery and health of the patient on all levels.  Step three is to hold your folded hands in front of your 3rd eye (6th chakra) and ask the Reiki power to guide your hands where energy is needed.  There is the connection to the upper chakras I also wondered about.

I hope you have a peaceful and Reiki-filled day...

Chakras

Being semi-snowbound today, I had plenty of time to reflect more on how reiki seems to flow so naturally at times during activities such as yoga.  I found this video and it has also made me consider the role of the third eye (perhaps where our soul resides!).  I really also enjoyed the idea that the first position is like a reset button that helps to clear out le junk.

light

Sometimes you need a little light in your life.  In having reiki in my life for over a decade,that bit of extra illumination always feels like it is there, always available.  I would like to learn more about others' experiences with reiki and to grow spiritually and emotionally.  Reiki has taken me places I had never dreamed possible, and seems to imbue all aspects of my life and other practices such as yoga.  I am by no means an expert in yoga, but I have noticed when doing certain asanas especially with hands in prayer pose, that reiki seems to begin to flow very naturally and unconsciously, making my hands super hot and bringing a state of extra well-being.  Is chi re-aligning?  Are the heart and/or crown chakras open and just vibrating in an open state?  Or is it a mini-peak experience where you are part of the One and all is right in the universe?