Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: Trinket And Things By Lisa

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

Lisa in the Year of the Snake

One of the many ways we can heal through Nature is by wearing Her natural elements in bracelets, necklaces, rings and other jewelry. Hanging a string of healing beads around our necks can benefit us greatly whether we have issues with verbal expression or just a sore throat.

This week, we offer our readers Trinket and Things by Lisa. A creative jewelry designer living in the Pacific Northwest, Lisa is an incredible metaphysician with amazing psychic skills, too. Her line of healing jewelry can be viewed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/llakeydesigns or search for Trinket and Things by Lisa.

Q: Lisa, how did you become interested in making jewelry? 

A: I was invited to a beading party in 2003. Friends from work were getting together to make necklaces for Nurses Week. They were focusing on making employee ID tags so the nursing staff would have a nice necklace to wear that week at a local hospital in North Seattle. As I gathered the different feelings, shapes and colors of the beads within my fingers, my natural talent for this art overflowed within my heart. I was creating color combinations that no one else thought of. Before I knew it, I was making three long ID tag necklaces next to all the other co-workers that were working on their one necklace. They all seemed amazed by my designing skills. 

It started as a hobby. I went to the local library and read every single book I could get my hands on that dealt with designing jewelry. I wanted to learn more about the history of jewelry making; what types of tools and findings, strings, wires and chains I needed to use to create more designs that were exploding within my dreams; and, every single shape, size, color of all beads created out of healing stones, gems, sterling silver, gold filled, crystals and freshwater pearls. 

Lisa, some jewelry, and friends

Q: How long have you been making jewelry? 

A: I am self-taught, and have been designing jewelry for seven years now, mostly for friends and family on birthdays, special occasions and holidays. They enjoy my simple, but sometimes very detailed, mix of colors that I use in my designs. 

Q: How can jewelry heal people? 

A: Healing stones are known to bring healing properties to the wearer who wears them. I use a lot of rose quartz lately in my designs. Rose quartz is a symbol of unconditional love. It opens up your Crown and Heart Chakras. It’s a calming stone and used to reduce stress and tension. Astrological signs associated with rose quartz are Aries, Taurus, Virgo and Libra. So, anyone who is born under those Astrology signs will feel the benefit of this stone more so than others. 

Blue lace agate is another beautiful healing stone I have used in my work. It helps to soothe and open up self-expression. It aids to speak the truth and release your fears. It can aid with headaches, digestive issues or arthritis. It’s associated with your Third Eye and Throat Chakra. Astrological signs Gemini and Pisces are the rulers of this stone.

blue lace agate featured in Lisa's creation

Snowflake obsidian is another stone I enjoy working with, too. It can provide balance during times of change and aids in seeing patterns in your life and recreating a more positive view. It gives protection from physical and emotional harm, and aids with your veins, skeleton, and soft smooth skin. It’s associated with the Crown and Heart Chakras. Astrological sign Gemini is the ruler of this stone.

I love to use, hematite, too. It’s used to ground yourself when you’re feeling scattered, and to increase your energy levels and bring joy to your life. It’s another stone associated with the Heart Chakra. Astrological signs Taurus, Cancer and Aquarius are the rulers of this beautiful, black silvery stone.

Q: Where can the public buy your jewelry?

A: Presently, I’m using Facebook to market my wire-wrapped healing stones. My page is called Trinket and Things by Lisa. The public can message, or call me directly since I have listed this information in the About section of my page. I’m planning to sell my jewelry through a marketplace for handmade gifts by the end of January. 

Lisa healing the world

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: I’ve been told that my healing stones are a talisman to some. I create my designs through my Heart Chakra, and this is where I find my best designs are created from. I also enjoy working with hand-blown fused glass art and making Victorian designs. 

Namaste, Lisa.

Remember, Gifted Reader, to like our Facebook fan page, The Urban Goddess, where we promote all metaphysicians. Also, our Animal Astrology t-shirts will be available at T-Zing on Café Press just in time for the Solstice. Well, maybe a day or two later, but they’ll be there.

Until we meet again, Gung Hay Fat Choy in the Year of the Green Wood Horse, and…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Lisa with 1/4 of a pony in the Year of the Horse

Once In A Blue Moon

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

If you live on O’ahu, then you’re fortunate to have access to the Blue Moon Psychic Fair. Held the third Sunday of every month in Chinatown’s Maunakea Marketplace--where Quan Yin meets Confucius, the fair offers live, in-person readings with intuitive counselors.

Below, fair organizer, Patiey Tompkins, tells us more:

Patiey Tompkins

Q: What is the Blue Moon Psychic Fair?

A: It's a monthly psychic fair with regular and guest psychic counselors who offer counseling to customers interested in furthering their souls’ journey on the earth plane.

Q: How did you get involved?

A: I was a long-time customer attending the fair for about 20 years. When I moved into doing energy healing and intuitive counseling, I approached Susan Aiu who created, owned and managed the fair, asking if I could join her team of psychic advisers.

Q: What is your background as a reader?

A: I've always been able to naturally feel (Clairsentient) and see (Clairvoyant), and I thought everyone else could, too. It would surprise me, and others, when sometimes I would blurt out loud some true fact about someone.

Patiey's intuitive art

Q: When did you first become interested in metaphysics?

A: When I was 17, there were three things that happened: 1. I received a short letter in the mail from the Brotherhood of White Light letting me know if I needed to contact them that I could. There was no return address and I thought it was a joke, and at that age I didn't receive mail so I don't know how they got my address. 2. I chose to do a book report on Transcendental Meditation and discovered years later that meditation works for me; and, also that it goes hand in hand with teaching us how to hear (Clairaudient) our guides and angels. 3. I attended one of Susan Aiu's psychic fairs, which was at Puck’s Alley in Honolulu.

Patiey reads for a client

Q: How can our blog readers contact you for a reading?

A: Please email me at patieytompkins@yahoo.com

Exciting news is on the horizon, Readers! Gypsy Stars has FINALLY begun working on a series of t-shirt designs featuring the 12 animal signs of Asian Astrology. Although some refer to it as Chinese Astrology, the story of its creation begins with 12 animals chosen by Buddha to represent human personalities and, of course, Buddha came from India. Thus, Asian Astrology.

Anyway, stay tuned and check out the T*Zing store at Café Press in early December. Just in time for the holidays!

You can also friend Gypsy Stars on Facebook, and "like" The Urban Goddess fan page where we promote all metaphysicians.

Happy Blue Moon!

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

...Confucius

Quan Yin meets...

Kalana, The Princess Of Cups

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

The Princess of Cups

With yesterday’s Full Moon in Aries opposite the Libra Sun, sparks could’ve easily flown and led to WWIII. Luckily, Aries’ ruler—Mars--moved into Virgo earlier this week, bringing a more analytical vibe to actions we undertook. This Monday, Mercury (ruler of Virgo) goes Retrograde. Will you be repeating actions from your past? And, will you do so with the thoughtful discipline of Virgo?

One sure way to find out is by getting a reading. Astrology can be a complicated method to use for arriving at an easy answer, for some, and that’s why Gypsy Stars learned to read Tarot. When you need a fast and simple resolution, there’s nothing like consulting a deck of cards.

Just ask our featured reader who not only uses Tarot, but other magical means as well to help you sort through your life. Check out Kalana, The Princess of Cups, and host of Celestial Honey radio.

http://www.celestialhoney.com/index.html

Q: Kalana, what does your name mean?

A: Kalana means the heavens, but more personally it’s a combination of my first and middle names. My father wanted to name me Alana, and my mother Kristin, so that’s my given name. When I began to do my spiritual work, I included them together to honor Spirit and both my parents.

Q: You also call yourself The Princess of Cups.

A: I really love the Page of Cups card. Matter of fact, all the Cups cards are my favorites.

Q: How did you get started practicing metaphysics?

A: I’ve been studying metaphysics, it feels like, all my life; especially with growing up in a Spiritual home. We just honored flowers, nature and God growing up so much that I figured it was part of the routine. I wouldn’t say I began to formally study until about ten years ago. I started by doing intensive prophetic dreamwork, and things blossomed from there.

Q: Tell us a little about your radio show.

A: I host a radio show called “Celestial Honey Spirit Radio” which is what I call “Sweet Talk about Spirituality”. We talk about all things Spiritual and other related topics. Here’s the link:

http://www.celestialhoney.com/celestial-honey-spirit-radio-supporters.html

Q: What about the divination kit you're designing?

A: I just completed the divination kit that I will be using for future readings. It’s a divination system that uses shells, charms, curios and the like. It gives readings on the chakras, Royal Road Path, and the 100 poems of Kuan. There is a lot going on, more than meets the Yin… It’s great for reflection, readings and journaling. I named the divination kit “Goddess Griot” and will begin offering readings with it by the end of 2014.

mindful, but joyful

Q: Any advice for people during this powerful cycle in our Universe?

A: My advice for people during this cycle is to hold on…keep pushing. Don’t give up on whatever you are wishing to manifest, because things are evolving now to a place where things are aligning to your thoughts and intentions quickly. Be mindful of your thoughts right now as well. And, no matter how things look, always keep your joy!

Thank you, Kalana. May you continue to be blessed with the flowers of life just like in these photos taken at beautiful Pt. Defiance Park.

flowers of life

Until next time, readers…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

How To Win At Craps With Astrology

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

Who among us doesn’t love to gamble and win? What if that could be guaranteed through Astrology? Would you take the time to learn how?

Jim with fellow Astrologer, Connie

This month’s featured Metaphysician is Jim Clark, a fellow Astrologer from our group that meets regularly in Seattle. Below is Jim’s story in his own words. Note that Jim is a Leo, the sign that rules gambling:

On the 21st of August, I visited a gambling casino in spite of transiting Venus in my 12th house opposite my 6th house Saturn. It turned out to be lucky for me, and most players, that evening. My theory was that Neptune was in the Nadir and would cause the influence of the number 7 to diminish a bit. My concern was that the Moon may influence sevens (according to some Astrologers), but it was buried in the Nadir with Neptune. I believe that the Moon may have more influence on the number 2. I won over $60 the day before on the craps table, but won over twice that on the 21st. Most of my money was made by place betting the numbers 6 and 8 (Venus and Saturn), but with Mercury and Mars in the 9th, I did win those a few times on the 5 and 9 when they were the point.

With some of my winnings, I bought 2 craps books from Barnes and Noble. In one of the books, I discovered the story of Patricia Demauro and, out of curiosity, decided to run an event chart for her record-making roll. I have attached it, as well as a gif image, that shows all the crap possibilities. The story goes…

>>It sounds like a homework problem out of a high school math book: What is the probability of rolling a pair of dice 154 times continuously at a craps table, without throwing a seven?

The answer is roughly 1 in 1.56 trillion and, on May 23, Patricia Demauro, a New Jersey grandmother, beat those odds at Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Demauro's 154-roll lucky streak, which lasted four hours and 18 minutes, broke the world records for the longest craps roll and the most successive dice rolls without "sevening out". According to Stanford University statistics professor Thomas Cover, the chances of that happening are smaller than getting struck by lightning (one in a million), being hit by an errant ball at a baseball game (one in 1.5 million), or winning the lottery (one in 100 million, depending on the game).<<

Read more here: http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1901663,00.html#ixzz2dQWh3ly6

The interesting part of the story was Neptune tucked down in the Nadir of the record-breaking event as well.

See ya at the casino,

Jim

Jim, far right, with fellow Seattle Astrologers

Wow. Thanks for sharing, such an interesting story, Jim.

Remember, Gifted Reader, we’re always looking for Metaphysicians to promote here and on The Urban Goddess fan page on Facebook. Let us know if you’d like to be featured.

Until next we meet,

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Beauty And The Beholder

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

Beauty is subjective. That, I’m sure, we can all agree on.

purplish Pacific Ocean, Oahu

I might find purple to be a color I resonate to while you might find it repulsive. I might find the Pacific Ocean a lovely image to behold while you might not.

Puget Sound, Washington

And, the saying that it doesn’t matter what someone looks like on the outside as long as they’re beautiful on the inside? Does that hold true for everybody? If that’s the case, then why did the Elephant Man experience such hardships merely trying to survive among those who found him physically revolting?
  
What would happen if you were locked up behind bars, away from the beauty of Nature? Could you summon her missing beauty to your mind and find peace nevertheless? It seems you would need to attain an extremely high level of consciousness in order to shift your mind from the mundane to a place of beauty. But it’s possible; so, how does one get there?

Gorge Park, Saanich, Victoria B.C.

Some people swear by meditation, citing deep practices incorporating the philosophy of Buddha that they’ve cultivated for years.

For those who don’t care to embrace a religious doctrine, exercises that utilize visualization are a good way to alter consciousness.

Rather than provide instruction here about how to move forward towards beauty, Gypsy Stars will await your suggestions. Please drop us a line so we can post them.

For now…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Psychological Astrology And You: Life On A Soul Level

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

Margaret Gray

If you haven’t looked up recently, you’re missing a lot! There’s so much going on in the sky right now, and Astrologers worldwide are pointing to the Grand Trine as a time for good fortune. Because trines (when planets are 120 degrees apart) are harmonious, it is believed that you’ll have luck in those Houses in your Natal chart where the Grand Trine transits. With Jupiter in Cancer, Saturn in Scorpio and Neptune in Pisces, all water signs, the Grand Trine can trigger an emotional outpouring. So, your good fortune might be a release from something that hurt you in the past.

Speaking of good fortune, this month we’re featuring Margaret Gray, a well-known Psychological Astrologer currently based in Honolulu:

Q: Margaret, tell us a little about your roots:

A: I was born in Dublin Ireland. My mother was Italian and my father Irish, and I grew up spending summers in Italy where my mom worked with her dad. It seems to be my path in life to live between two countries as I continue to do so now with my home in Dublin, yet also spending time here in Hawai’i.

Margaret in water

Graduating from TCD with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, I realized that I wanted to be able to apply the theory I had learned in a practical way, to create some useful change in the world. So, I applied to MSW programs in Social Work in the USA, as many Irish students did in those days. One of my core criteria was being by a warm ocean and, by synchronicity, the dean for the faculty of Social Work at Florida State University happened to be in Ireland at that time. We met and, nine months later, I was on my way to Florida with a bursary to help with my studies. 

Two years later, I returned to Ireland and started a career in social work that spanned 15 years--many of them in the UK as the economy in Ireland had crashed. I finally left social work in the year 2000. By then, I had had two major wakeup calls with my health, alerting me that I needed to change my work. I finally heeded this second one, resigned from my social work post and bought a school of holistic therapies with a friend in the UK. My venture into self-employment had started, and I loved it. By then, I was also working as a consulting Astrologer having graduated from the Centre for Psychological Astrology in London where I studied with Liz Greene and Melanie Reinhart. 

Q: How did you get interested in Astrology?

A: I feel like I have always been interested in Astrology although going for readings inspired my interest even more. I spent several years (pre-computer days!) trying to draw up charts by hand with the help of manuals. This was so frustrating as math is not my favorite or best subject by any stretch of the imagination. So, many of the charts were inaccurate! One of the best gifts I have ever received was an old Amstrad computer that a kind friend passed to me when she bought a new one together with a copy of ‘electric ephemeris’ that enabled me to print out accurate charts. It was a real gift from the gods, and I am very grateful to her to this day. In 1993, amidst a lot of personal turmoil and health issues, I went to an evening class in Psychological Astrology at a local college. I remember sitting in the cold classroom (the UK was not too fond of heating in those days!) with a bunch of strangers and knowing in my soul that I had finally come home to a part of me. A light of passion that I had never experienced before was ignited within and has never gone out. I studied with Cate Reidy for the next six years on a weekly basis, and then attended the three-year part-time course at the CPA in London.

About 15 years ago, I discovered that my now 90-year old aunt in Italy has also been an Astrologer for many years. She is also very psychic as was my mom. My aunt and I have had many interesting Astrological discussions over the years. 

Q: What is Psychological Astrology?

A: Psychological Astrology is one of many approaches to Astrology. It was mainly developed from the work of Dane Rudyar and Carl Jung by pioneers such as Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas. It is fundamentally concerned with the development of the personality rather than the prediction of events. Over the years, many branches and variations of Psychological Astrology have developed including Transpersonal Astrology, some branches of Evolutionary Astrology, etc. Most Astrologers learn the basics and then develop their own approach to working with the stars and planets.

Margaret on water, Diamond Head in background

Over the years, my core passion has been to explore, teach and work with the tool of Psychological Astrology to facilitate the study of psyche meaning spirit/soul as well as the more modern understanding of personality. Hence, I view a birth chart as offering useful information on themes we came on a soul level to experience in this incarnation. The chart also offers information on ways we may choose to experience these themes or not. One of our great gifts as humans is free will and hence we can choose to live out our chart at its most expansive or most limited and/or not at all--it is merely a map--we will get to the same destination whether we follow the map or not! My belief is that we choose an exact time, date and place to come into this world and, hence, we choose the exact birth chart that can help us achieve what we chose to come here to do on a soul level. Sometimes we get into conflict with ourselves as there is a discrepancy between what our human self wants and what our soul self would like for our fulfillment. Understanding our birth chart can often help us more easily align our human self with our soul self.  

Q. What is the relevance of Astrology right now?

A: During this time of evolutionary change, Astrology can offer us a map of what the energies are encouraging us to move towards and how we might best engage with them. As humans we all seek meaning--why am I here? And, what is this life about? Astrology offers both a macro overview of the larger picture as well as how it interacts with us on a personal level. For example--if you are born with your Sun in the early to mid-degrees of the sign of Capricorn, the planet Pluto will visit your Sun sign between now and 2017 if it has not done so already. As Uranus is squaring Pluto in the sky at the moment, he will also connect with your Sun sign at the same time. The invite for you at this time is to transform and empower the ‘self’. It is a time to release whatever is inauthentic and to embark on a new period in life that is aligned with your ‘self’. Being aware of what is going on can bring comfort and a greater ability to engage fully with the changes rather than stagnating or allowing fear of the unknown to block movement.

significance of water with Grand Trine in Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Q: Please describe your practice. 

A: My practice has three main sections: the first and fundamental part is individual and couple birth chart consultations. I also work with children’s charts. I particularly enjoy working with relationship, vocation and relocation issues. Most clients come once or twice a year for follow-up consultations to explore the current transits. I work in person when in a location and on Skype and phone the rest of the time. I am also a Reiki Master and I open myself to the Reiki energy when working with clients. When working with couples, I ideally like to meet both individuals, but I will also work with one only if the other is unable to come. I also offer ongoing Astrological counseling sessions that allow for more in-depth work with the birth chart and the current transits over a period of time.

The second part of my practice is teaching. For example, I have just put together a two-year online certified course in Psychological Astrology with IAA starting in October 2013. It is a unique course that includes some of the best and most soulful Psychological Astrologers in the world including: Melanie Reinhart, Lynn Bell, Brian Clarke, Claudia Bader and Graham Ibell. The well-known Astrologer Donna Woodwell is also one of the lecturers. I am the coordinator as well as teaching a portion of the course that I am really excited about.

I also regularly teach classes in Ireland, both independently and with my dear colleague and friend Christeen Skinner--author of ‘The Financial Universe’. My connection with my first Psychological Astrology teacher Cate Reidy also continues as she now teaches in Dublin as well as in the UK.

I will also be teaching an online course on Life Transitions for Kepler College starting in September 2013. Whilst on location, I regularly offer seminars and classes from Introductory to Intermediate level. I am also always delighted to offer free talks on Psychological Astrology at centers such as Oscailt in Dublin and Yoga Hawai’i in Honolulu. In Honolulu, I have set up free monthly Meet-up groups to explore the current transits. One of the meetings is for experienced Astrologers and the other one is for everyone with no Astrological knowledge required.

I also offer individual intensive tuition.

The third part of my practice is offering mentoring/support to newer Astrologers, mostly on a monthly basis. I found this very helpful in the early years of my practice as it enabled me to get feedback on my work and to increase my learning. Hence, I love offering it to other Astrologers. It is a fun and expansive way to learn through practice. 

Q: How can Gypsy Stars’ readers reach you?

A: The best way is through email in case I am on my travels.

My email address is: Margaret@astrologypsychological.com

My website is: www.astrologypsychological.com 

Feel free to also go to my Facebook work page which is:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Psychological-Astrology/188561817828453?ref=hl

Thank you, Margaret. Dear Gifted Readers, keep looking up--to the sky! Also, you can friend Gypsy Stars on Facebook, like our Urban Goddess fan page where we promote all Metaphysicians, and check out our T_Zing line of t-shirts.

Soon, we shall meet again. Meanwhile…

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com

Sun Daze

Greetings, Gifted Reader.

There’s nothing like the mid-year solstice that screams SUMMER! Blazing sunshine during long hours of daylight, while frolicking in a grassy park or floating in the cool waters of a nearby lake, brings summer joy. Summer is also the time for fairs, festivals and carnivals.

"county fair in the country sun..."

Remember Sly and the Family Stone’s song, "Hot Fun in the Summer Time?" "...County fair in the country sun, and everything is cooooool…”

Yup. Summer can really work magic on our spirits.

Here’s wikipedia’s definition of summer solstice:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice

And, an interesting article in the Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/2013/0621/First-day-of-summer-2013-What-is-a-solstice-anyway

"and everything is cooooool..."

But what does summer solstice mean metaphysically?

This season seems to make most of us feel more alive. Longer days give us more light to radiate through our souls. Birds sound chirpier, flowers bloom brighter, fruits ripen sweeter, and there’s a feeling that we’re at the apex of existence. Where spring was like birth, summer is us living our lives before we begin fading in fall and dying in winter—only to do it all over again.

flowers bloom brighter

If you’re a yogi or yogini, practicing sun salutations outdoors is lovely this time of year. Remember to eat fresh fruit and drink lots of spring water. And spending time among flora and fauna can be so fulfilling.

Another phenomena to look for happens tonight with the so-called Super Moon. It’s the fullest and closest moon to earth all year. See for yourself:

http://news.yahoo.com/supermoon-humanitys-fascination-explained-153630397.html;_ylt=AwrNUbLKkMZRtjcA.8LQtDMD

And, drop us a line to tell us how you celebrate summer solstice.

While you’re at it, please like our Urban Goddess fan page that celebrates all metaphysicians everywhere. We also have T_zing t-shirts, which we’re just about ready to relaunch with some new designs. 

Until we meet again,

Good luck, light and love,

Gypsy Stars

http://www.gypsystars.com