Past Articles and Teaching
JANUARY 22, 2023
Smokeless Smudging -
Using a Clearing Mist
by Claudia O'Malley
Smudging is a common name given to powerful cleansing techniques calling on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance to our environment and ourselves. The act of smudging uses simple ritual, intention, and ceremony. These practices of burning incense and other herbal smoke mixtures are used around the world
Smudging with smoke may not be appropriate in an office, in a sick room, during a Reiki session, or because of concerns regarding respiratory conditions. An alternative is to use a smudging or cleansing mist. Here are some options and their specific purpose:
White Sage – said to drive out any negative thoughts, energies, spirits, and influences.
Eucalyptus Rosemary – may be used at a subtle level to cleanse any place where there has been conflict or where negative energies are felt. It is a scent of newness and renewal, recommended for those seeking new horizons.
Lavender – has been traditionally used to restore balance and create a peaceful atmosphere in the home. It is profoundly calming and soothing and is said to draw in loving energy.
Rose – is a scent of the heart. It symbolizes beauty, love, youth, perfection, and immortality. It opens the heart and soothes anger, grief, loss, fear, irritability, and anxiety.
Palo Santo – is legendary for working in many ways: attracting good fortune, bringing love, and inspiring creativity.
White Sage & Cedar – both white sage (Salvia apiana) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) are traditional to Native North Americans. The spirit of sage and cedar together have the power to drive out negative energies and spirits. It is sacred to the gods, as well as having a purifying effect on environmental air and in sick rooms.
Frankincense – traditionally used to smooth the flow of stagnant Qi-energy. It also reduced irritability, restlessness and insomnia.
Sandalwood – has long been considered the scent for meditation. It is reputed to quiet mental chatter that can distract a person. It is also recommended for preparation in healing work.
Continued in next column.
Sweetgrass – is used to attract positive energy after all the negative energies have been banished by sage.
Sweetgrass (Hierochloe ordorata) does not give up an essential oil through distillation or any other process. Its essence can be gleaned though steam distillation.
DECEMBER 22, 2022
Frankincense and Myrrh
The History
In cultures around the world such as the Middle East, China, and India, Frankincense and Myrrh have been used reverently for thousands of years for medicinal, religious and ceremonial purposes, as well as to beautify the body. It was thought that the smoke from burning the resin of frankincense had divine powers and would provide a direct connection to God.
The custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas reminds us of the presents given to Jesus by the Three Wise Men – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and as a gift; it symbolized that Jesus would be worshiped. Myrrh was also a perfume used for a variety of ceremonial purposes, one of which was to anoint the dead, and as a gift it indicated that Jesus would suffer and die. It was also used in ancient times by Hebrews who drank it with wine to prepare themselves for religious ceremonies in order to raise their consciousness. I do not recommend drinking it.
Additionally, these were apt gifts for the baby boy who was born in a stable and was about to go on a long journey through the desert to escape from Herod. Frankincense strengthens the immune system, and myrrh inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Frankincense – Traditionally is used to smooth the flow of stagnant Qi-energy, reduce irritability, restlessness and insomnia. It is said to “deepen the breath” thus it ceases mental chatter and stills the mind; and to be helpful for respiratory conditions, especially bronchitis and asthma.
Myrrh – Used in a diffuser, lotion, or oil for massage or as a perfume, it is gently calming to the nervous system, and is soothing and grounding, helping to prevent over-thinking, worry and mental distractions. Myrrh is said to unite the spiritual and the physical, building a bridge between Heaven and Earth.
Frankincense and myrrh are commonly found in the form of resins, incense sticks and cones, and essential oils and lotions.
NOVEMBER 22, 2022
The Power of
Color in Feng Shui
A room can be transformed and energized in a positive way with the use of Feng Shui colors, so, when someone enters the room, they are affected both visually and emotionally.
Continued in next column.
How Does it Work?
Feng Shui literally means “wind and water” and is the study of how to create harmony between the energy of the earth and the human body, and how to use the energy of our surroundings to nurture and support us. The Chinese have been practicing the art of Feng Shui interior design for centuries. This ancient art taps into the hidden energies of inanimate objects by using the five elements.
The elements in this Chinese art are wood, water, metal, earth and fire. When correctly used, Chinese Feng Shui will bring about balance, harmony, and prosperity in the household. Chi is the internal energy of a place, person, or object. This energy is very important in the practice of this art. The flow of Chi or energy is unique to every home and every room in the home. The creative challenge is to read this energy and help it to flow freely.
Using Candle Colors to Enhance Energies
Candles are an easy way to bring positive energy into your spaces. Here are the basic colors and how they can improve the Chi in your home.
Green – The color of new growth. It also represents healing and the life force. It is a good color in kitchens – life force and
nutrition. If you have a library or space where you study, green can stimulate creativity.
Blue – Water is about the flow of positive energy. It can be used to create a “wealth corner” or used for foyers and
entrances – anywhere to stimulate wealth Chi and abundance. It is also great for a family room or dining area. Blue is
the color said to help insomnia and can be an auspicious accent color in a bedroom.
Red – The color of fire and passion. Great for accent colors for a spa, yoga studio, or workshop. Even a kitchen – consider
how passionate a gourmet chef is about the meals they prepare. It is considered very effective for lifting and balancing
the energy from computers and electronic equipment.
Earthy Beige, Orange, or Yellow – Promotes confidence. These colors are great for living rooms, libraries, and study areas.
Use it to enhance a spiritual connection, bring peace, and to stimulate intuition.
White to Silver – Associated with metal. Consider that in ancient cultures, metal had an association with the sword. It
represents both power and the ability to cut through obstructions. The color works well in bathrooms and kitchens.
Feng Shui Colors in a Single Room - Choosing a color is an important part of any interior design project. Color either enhances an overall room design or weakens it. Ideally, you will try to decorate the rooms of your house with a focus on the mood you are trying to create in each room. If you have limited space and use a room for multiple purposes, combine elemental colors in that room.
By using the Feng Shui Elements, you can bring about harmony and balance in the rooms of the house which will lead to a relaxing and prosperous overall environment.
