Understanding The Spiritual Effects of A Solar Eclipse

Many of us are feeling the effects of the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, August 21st. The

energy has been quite challenging for many and we here at both centers have been coaching many clients through their dark nights of the soul.  No matter how challenging life may be there is always, always a blessing waiting for you on the other side of each and every challenge. Sometimes the blessings are crystal clear immediately and sometimes the blessings are tucked in a corner or waiting for you a little further down the road. 

But wait...there's more!!! Not only are we experiencing the effects of the eclipse but the planet Mercury has gone retrograde which means we are also feeling the influences of Mercury when it is retrograde.  

Some of the common themes that are coming up for many are:

1. Masks being taken off
2. Hidden agendas are revealed
3. A surge of anger coming to the surface
4. Experiencing crazy dreams
5. The need to separate oneself from drama 
6. Our own shadow side is front and center
7. Other people's shadow side is front and center
8. Creativity is at an all-time high
9. Communication is wonky on both parts
10. Electronics are going haywire
11. Accident incidents are increased

All that is coming to the surface is to help you align yourself with the path, people and opportunities that are for your highest and best good. Eclipses are catalysts for change and they pack quite an energetic punch. They get the ball rolling for us and the worst thing we can do for ourselves is to resist and try to go against the cosmic flow. 

There are some sweet benefits that come with the energies of the eclipse as well and I would highly suggest everyone take advantage of them. 

Please Do:

• Plant those giant seeds, not just the small ones but the ginormous seeds that you have been a little leery of planting. This is big energy so it's either you go big or go home! I am going big during this time!
• Dedicate more time and energy to your spiritual practice. Meditation, journaling, read books and or spend time with like-minded-conscious people.
• Carry paired crystals such as moonstone and citrine or selenite and fire agate to embrace and enhance the solar and lunar aspects of the current energies that are influencing us. I would carry the moonstone and selenite on the left side for the lunar aspects and citrine and fire agate on the right side for the solar aspects. You can also create crystal grids with these crystals magnifying your intentions. 
• Pay attention to the signs that spirit will be planting all around you. These signs may come in the form of animals, number sequences, songs on the radio or even through your dreams. Write down these signs in your journal. They will have meaning for you within the next few months.

Most importantly, try to not go into the place of fear or worry as things get stirred up for you. Remember all that occurs is for your benefit as a growing and evolving beautiful soul who is here to learn, share, grow and embrace the uniqueness of who you are. 

Blessings and Light,

Laurie

Have You Experienced These 7 Signs of A Spiritual Awakening?

We have all experienced times in our lives where life is chaotic and our patience and faith are tested. Usually, when things are not going well and you are feeling that you may have lost your way, you are in fact experiencing a spiritual awakening. A spiritual awakening is not as lovely and dreamy as it sounds. Often the way spirit gets us to grow and evolve is through challenges and a few dark nights of the soul. It is through these challenges that we are provided the opportunity to make conscious decisions to work through our unhealthy habits and disconnect from toxic relationships and careers.

How Does One Know If They Are Experiencing A Spiritual Awakening? 

1. You have zero tolerance for drama and gossip and cannot and will not be bothered with it at all.
2. You feel ungrounded and your ability to focus is challenged.
3. You crave time alone to yourself and would like to be left alone.
4. You begin to question just about everything – your job, your lifestyle habits, your relationships and seek alternate healthier alternatives.
5. Your intuition is at an all-time high and your dreams are vivid and are filled with tons of messages.
6. There is a breakdown of order in almost every area of  your life, there are s@$! storms everywhere.
7. You do not feel like yourself. You may even be uncomfortable in your own skin. It almost seems like you are living your life through different eyes.

How To Manage These Shifts

• Be patient and gentle with yourself.
• Release judgement about how things look in the moment.
• Meditate
• Don’t rush to make huge changes without giving a lot of thought to your options and checking your resources before making a drastic lifestyle change.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Schedule a healing date with your favorite and trusted energy practitioner.
• De-clutter your home/office/car/mind.
• Sage yourself and your personal space.
• Carry and or wear grounding stones such as: hematite, black tourmaline, tiger’s eye, fluorite and or selenite.
• Pay attention and listen to your intuition. It is going to show you the next best step for you to take.
• Remind yourself of this truth – This too shall pass and you will be stronger, wiser and happier for these experiences.
• Journal, write down your thoughts, feelings and inspirations.

There is no way to avoid challenges in our lives and change is always a constant in our lives. We might as well suit up, show up and put our best foot forward and make the best out of our experiences. Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.

Blessings and Light,

Laurie Barraco

Is There Really a Plan?

I find myself asking myself the questions...was this was part of the plan, why some must suffer, why the same scenarios repeat themselves over and over again. 
There are some who have unfortunate events, relationships and heartbreak over and over again. 
In my sessions I am witness to it all - deception, heartache, health crisis, financial ruin etc...what is the meaning behind all of this?
I honestly do not have an answer as to why or what the "plan" or reason for all the does occur in our lives. However, I do know there is a purpose for all that does occur in our lives. We may not be able to see the "why" for a long time.
If you were to take a step back and observe the world, the universe you would see everything - plants, weather cycles, biology, stars etc. all has a purpose and a place. 
To dismiss the idea that there is not a reasoning or purpose for us as well is overlooking the miracle of life. Every single person has a path on this earth. Our "job" here is to find that purpose  during our lives. 
Here's a secret - there is not just one purpose. We all have many purposes on planet earth. The path to finding our purpose(s) is like a treasure hunt. You may need to go through some rough terrain, some bad weather, interact with some unsavory characters along the way. You might even have to learn some new skills and try some different tactics and learn to continue to keep moving forward. You might be required to let go of a few items in your backpack or even travel down a dark and unfamiliar pathway to find that treasure. But, once you arrive at the treasure chest you are able to embrace the sense of accomplishment and reflect on all you had to overcome along this journey. 
Unfortunately for some, they never do reach the treasure, but I do know, those who are lost do receive clues and assistance from spirit. The assistance may come in the way of people, signs, doors closing, or being placed in situations that are so uncomfortable that the only solution is to move forward.
Here's another secret, 99.9999% of the time the treasure chest is not a physical object. The treasure is the feeling, the sense of accomplishment, the level of awareness (consciousness) you are at when you arrive at this destination after overcoming and healing the soul. We are all seeking the feeling or emotion we experience when we reach our destination. It is the sense of relief, contentment, peace or love we are able to embrace after we achieve our goals.
My suggestion is this - when you are going through difficult times, pain and suffering please, please, please keep moving forward in your life. Nothing ever is random, there is a plan, a purpose a reason for all that occurs in our lives. 
We are here to evolve our souls, to share our light with others as well as ourselves. 

May you find peace, love and light along your paths,
Laurie