Approximately 70% of our planet is covered by salt water, this is why Earth is known as the blue planet as it appears blue from space. Life on Earth originated from the oceans, indeed about 62% of our body’s weight is water. Our blood is comprised of water, salt and minerals. Inside the womb, before we are born, we float in a sea of amniotic fluid comprised of a 1% salt and water solution. In the words of John F. Kennedy: "all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea… we are going back from whence we came."

We are made of water and without it we can only survive for a few days, it is essential for our health and the proper functioning of the human body. To determine the amount of water you need to drink each day, divide your body weight in half and drink at least that many ounces of water each day. For example a person weighing 150 pounds would require 75 ounces of water per day. Of course, clean pure water such as spring water or filtered water is best for our bodies and helps to keep our systems clean on the inside.

We take showers and baths to keep clean on the outside for personal hygiene, healthy skin and to be accepted in our society. It feels good to take a hot shower or bath and put on clean clothes. Physically bathing can help to relax us at night or wake us up in the morning but the benefits of bathing can affect your mind and spirit along with the body. Baths can become a time not only of personal cleansing and pampering but of meditation, ritual and spiritual practice. It is also a great place to read a book or communicate with your guides.

Natural hot springs and hot spring spas are well known for their therapeutic effects on the body for detoxification and alleviating aches and pains. The natural minerals help the body to relax from the outside and the minerals will enter the skin as you soak to help your body detoxify from the inside. The Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan is well known as a world class spa and resort area. Dead Sea salts have been used for centuries for skin health and beauty but also for the deep relaxation, detoxification and healing effects they bring to the body. Dead Sea salts contain over 25 minerals, some unique to the area, it is the most saline body of water on Earth with high proportions of potassium, magnesium and bromide. Cleopatra reportedly went to the Dead Sea for beauty treatments and used the salt for bathing. In ancient times, people would walk hundreds of miles to partake of the healing benefits of the Dead Sea.

Taking sea salt baths helps with protection, clearing and strengthening your aura, and releasing the energy of others. Different types of salt will have their own unique effects. Refer to my Eye-Opener column from April 2009 for more information like my triple salt bath and a great meditation to use in your bath. Shortly after writing that article I was guided to buy Himalayan sole crystals and Dead Sea salt in bulk. I questioned my guides as to whether I needed to buy or invest in 55 pound sacks of each and was clearly told I would not let them go to waste. These salts are particularly powerful and that is compounded when you have ample amounts to use in each bath. The stronger effects are felt from using a kilo or 2 pounds of one of these salts in your bath. I use the Himalayan salt crystals 2-3 times a month. The Dead Sea salts I use as often as I can usually 3 times a week at least. When I can’t take a bath I use a Lavender Dead Sea salt scrub in the shower that I make myself. I will share that recipe with you along with detailed instructionns on taking a Himalayan Sole bath.

How to Take a Himalayan Sole Salt Bath

Himalayan sole is a natural crystal salt that contains over 80 minerals to soothe your skin and detoxify your body. The minerals are absorbed through your skin, the largest organ in the body to produce physical purification and mental balance. A 30 minute sole bath has the equivalent detoxifying results of a 3 day fast. This detoxification and re-mineralization process is accelerated by the New and Full Moon. At the Full Moon the absorption qualities of the bath are intensified. You will retain more of the beneficial minerals at this time. At the New Moon the detoxification or internal cleansing qualities of the bath are at their peak. The New Moon is the traditional time to balance your body and catch up on rest.

Sole will help the body heal from strains, sprains and broken bones. It soothes many skin conditions including psoriasis and allergic rashes. The spiritual benefits of a sole bath enhance meditation and will lighten negativity and depression. Try a sole bath for restoring your personal harmony and physical well being. Use a high quality product for best results, buying in bulk can greatly reduce the cost per treatment. Experience the benefits of sole for bathing. Sole can also be taken orally. Check out the book Water & Salt-The Essence of Life by Dr. Barbara Hendel and Peter Ferriera for more information on preparing the concentrated sole, one teaspoon dissolved in a cup of water taken once each day is reported to restore homeostasis and raise your energy levels. Sole (so-lay) means soul, the ancient Celts believed that all life originated from the ocean, where we were all born from the same solution, arising from the same "soul".

Things you’ll need for Your Bath:

Himalayan Sole Salt bath crystals
Clean Bath Tub
Water
An uninterrupted hour or so
Candle and Incense
Openness to relax and pamper yourself

Steps

1. Dissolve Himalayan Salt Crystals. Fill tub with about 3 inches of hot water to completely cover the bottom. Place a pound or more of Himalayan sole crystals in the hot water. Use an entire kilo for best results if only used once or twice a month. Allow the salt crystals to dissolve for about 30 minutes.
2. Fill tub with very warm but not hot water. It is best to take a bath that is around or slightly above body temperature for best results. The water needs to be a comfortable temperature for your body so you can relax and absorb the minerals. If it is too hot you will perspire too much and dry out the skin. Don't overfill the tub; you don't want all that wonderful mineral laden water to go down the overflow drain. You can always add more water and adjust the temperature once you are in the tub.
3. Allow 20-30 minutes to relax in the water, soaking every part of your body. Do not use soap or rinse off the water. For best results allow your body to air dry after leaving the tub to let the minerals fully penetrate your skin. Use this time in the tub to read something inspirational, pray, meditate or communicate with your guides.
4. After air drying, wrap up in a robe and rest for at least 30 minutes to allow your body to rebalance and rejuvenate. You will feel refreshed, relaxed and renewed. Discover the healing and soothing benefits of sole baths, you will find this to be a healthy and relaxing way to pamper yourself!

Tips & Warnings-Start with a clean tub, it is best not to use harsh chemical cleaners before taking a detoxification bath. Use a natural cleaner like Greenworks or scrub the inside of your tub with sea salt or baking soda. Rinse the tub well. Enhance the spa experience by burning a candle and incense during your bath. By combining the energies of fire and air along with water and earth through this bath, it becomes a spiritual cleansing ritual. Buy in bulk to get the best price on this healthy natural crystal salt. Once you try it, you will want to experience this wonderful cleansing process frequently. Take a quick shower using soap before cleaning the tub and preparing your bath if it has been more than 24 hours since your last bath or shower. This bath is soothing and detoxifying. It can be dehydrating if you do not drink water along with it to help your body release toxins. It is recommended to drink a glass of pure water before, during and after your bath. The sole bath can be taxing on the circulatory system, the rest period after your bath is essential. There will be some pink mineral residue or even rock particles left in the tub after your bath. Rinse the tub to avoid staining.

To take a Dead Sea salt bath use 1 cup to 2 pounds of pure Dead Sea salt crystals. The crystals will dissolve as you fill the tub, soak for 20-30 minutes or longer if desired. Shower off when finished, do not use soap for greater absorption of the minerals. Dry off and relax for a half hour, be sure to drink plenty of water.

How to Make Lavender Dead Sea Salt Scrub

Save money and be sure the ingredients in your salt scrub really are natural and pure by making your own. Receive spa benefits at a fraction of the retail price. Combine the mineral rich healing energies of the Dead Sea with the clearing energy of pure sea salt. This is quick and simple to make, I make a batch every week or two. It keeps for a month or longer but when using fresh ingredients without chemical preservatives, it is best to use it up and enjoy the benefits frequently rather than leaving the jar on the shelf. If you buy salt in bulk, it costs around $2 for a batch of this all natural spa quality Dead Sea salt scrub.

Use other types of oil if you prefer. I like olive oil since it is rich in antioxidants and nourishes the skin instead of just coating the surface like baby oil. The lavender essential oil and ground lavender flowers cover up the scent of the olive oil and add a relaxing aromatherapy experience.

It is also great for sloughing off dry skin on the feet. Even using it for a quick foot scrub and soak will relax you and help you wash away the cares of the day. Add this step to a home pedicure for extra luxury and exfoliation.

Use the scrub at the end of your shower after washing to soften your skin and relax your body. This salt scrub clears your skin and your aura as it refreshes body, mind and Spirit. It is also antibacterial and helps to heal skin irritation or itching. It is great for those days when you are too busy to take a salt bath.

Try this scrub, you will find that you use it more often than you think. You really can feel it clearing your skin and relaxing your muscles. This homemade spa product will become a favorite way of pampering yourself.

Things you’ll need:

3/4 cup Dead Sea Salt-fine grain works best
3/4 cup Sea Salt
1/3 cup Olive Oil (about 6 tbsp)
Lavender Essential Oil
Glass canning jars
2 tbsp lavender flowers, ground (optional)

Steps:

1. Use a glass measuring cup with a spout to mix up your salt scrub. I have also used my small 3 cup food processor; it works well if you do add lavender flowers or have a coarse rather than fine grain Dead Sea salt. The food processor does the best job of combining the salts but mixing them together in a large measuring cup or small bowl works fine too.
2. Mix sea salt and Dead Sea salt well to combine. Add olive oil one tbsp at a time, mixing oil in well. Add 8-12 drops of lavender essential oil to cover scent of olive oil and enhance healing qualities. Lavender oil helps relieve anxiety, stress and mental fatigue; it refreshes you and induces relaxation. It is also soothing to the skin. Since the oils will be absorbed into your skin, use high quality products for best results. I use the same extra virgin olive oil that I cook with, it adds a slight green tinge to the salt scrub but this balances out nicely with the color added from the ground lavender flowers.
3. Once salt scrub is well mixed put it in a glass canning jar. A 12 oz. jar is ideal or split into two half pint jars. Plastic is ok but is harder to clean and reuse. I've dedicated a few jars to my salt scrub and clean them in the dishwasher before refilling.
4. Use in the shower daily, paying particular attention to the feet and heels. This will heal your skin and soothe your body. Enjoy frequently to help your body detoxify and remain pain free. The minerals in the Dead Sea salt relaxes your muscles and will help relieve foot and leg cramps.

Tips & Warnings-Use 2 tbsp lavender flower ground to add more fragrance and herbal healing energy. I picked the lavender flowers right out of my garden and ground them up with the salts in the food processor. Add more salt if the scrub is too oily, add more oil if you feel it too dry. Try it first to see how you like it so you can determine the consistency you prefer. This makes a nice gift, tie a ribbon and some dried lavender flower stems around the jar to decorate. Be careful with the glass jars in shower, keep them safe and out of the reach of children, rinse the jar off after using the salts to keep the jar from becoming sticky or oily. Do not use the salt scrub after shaving your legs, it could sting and irritate small cuts.

It is important to do something for yourself each day to honor your Spirit, soothe your body and relax your mind. Using the powerful cleansing and healing properties of Salt & Water can help us cope with our day to day lives and remember to create space for our daily spiritual practice and meditation. May you find this information helpful and treat yourself to a lovely Dead Sea or Himalayan Sole Salt bath soon!

My Eye-Opener Column from Psychic Times

November 2009

The modern celebration of Halloween as a night of dressing up in costumes, trick or treating, bobbing for apples and all of the cute bats, spiders and witches we use for decoration during October originated from the pagan holiday of Samhain (sow-en). It actually was the time of celebrating the New Year during simpler days when life revolved around agriculture and people lived closer to the earth. It was also the time of year to honor the Ancestors and communicate with spirits as this was the phase between fall and winter; that between the worlds period as the plants waned and died to start their cycles anew later when the days grew longer again. People called upon the Ancestors for help and guidance in surviving during the lean months when it was cold and there was less sunlight due to the days getting shorter as the Sun advanced towards the Winter Solstice.

In our present time lives, we think of October as a time of settling in to the back to school routine and getting ready for the upcoming holidays. We decorate our homes with witches and jack-o-lanterns, plan our costumes, buy treats for the kids and prepare for a night of fun and frolic but Halloween really represents much more than an opportunity to increase sales of candy and seasonal spooky items. Where did these traditions come from and how did Halloween evolve into a Hallmark holiday? Halloween or Samhain actually was a day to honor and communicate with Spirits and Ancestors.

Our modern Judeo-Christian holidays are based on the old pagan calendar or the Wheel of the Year. Most of the Christian holidays were purposely based on the pagan traditions and were carried over from centuries of observing the natural cycles of time based on the Sun. The Sun was and still is the source of life and enables us to exist on the planet. Basing the Christian holidays on the solar cycle was a way to convert people to a new belief system while still holding the traditions they observed at the various times of the year as they had for eons.

The Wheel of the Year is a spiral dance through time marked by 8 special days that signify the change of the seasons and the cycles of the Sun. The Solstices and Equinoxes are the definitive days when the Sun enters the Cardinal signs of Capricorn, Aries, Cancer and Libra at 0 degrees when a new season begins. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. The Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year. The Equinoxes occur on the first days of spring and fall when the Sun brings us equal hours of daylight and equal hours of darkness or night. The cross quarter days are roughly in between them, marking the middle or height of the season. The cross quarter days occur during the fixed signs of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio and technically would occur around the time that the Sun reaches the mid-way point or 15 degrees in each of those signs.  With our current Roman calendar the cross quarter days are usually on the 1st or 2nd of the month and correspond to a Christian holy day. 

The cross quarter day between the Winter Solstice or Yule which became Christmas; and the Spring Equinox or Ostara which became Easter; was known as Imbolc and celebrated on February 2nd. Imbolc symbolized the first stirring of life under the ground as new plants sent shoots up through the Earth from deep within the ground as it started to warm up again, this was a time of spiritual initiation. It was later known as Candlemas, as well as Ground Hog Day. The Spring Equinox is the start of the astrological year as the Sun enters Aries and was a celebration of nature’s renewal and new life upon the Earth as the days began to grow longer again. The shoots that surfaced at Imbolc became blossoms at Ostara.

The cross quarter day between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice is known as Beltane and occurs around May 2nd. This was a holiday celebrating fertility and growth as the crops were planted and growing in the field; as the blossoms on the trees began to grow into summer fruit. It was a time to celebrate life, enjoy the flowers in full bloom and welcome the warm months coming up. Beltane was later celebrated as May Day. The days were growing longer and the summer was imminent. Summer Solstice was the time of the gathering of the tribes as the Sun was celebrated on the longest day of the year. This is also where the tradition of June weddings came from as families would reunite to visit each other at this time of Mid Summer so couples would marry then.

Lammas is the cross quarter day between the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox celebrated around August 2nd; it represented the first harvest of the year. It was the time when people gathered together to harvest corn, wheat, rye and barley and to preserve summer fruits and vegetables for the winter months ahead. Lammas is opposite Imbolc and signifies the culmination or harvest phase of the initiation we experienced midway through the winter. The Fall Equinox was the 2nd harvest and a time of gathering together to harvest nuts, apples and berries from trees, milling grains, gathering herbs for medicinal purposes and chopping wood for fires to stay warm in the cold months coming up. The feasts and celebrations of Mabon and the abundance of the harvest were similar to our present time observance of Thanksgiving.

Samhain was the 3rd or last harvest of the growing season when people would be turning their attention to gathering and storing food like gourds, root vegetables and squash to last them through the upcoming months spent indoors before the next growing season began. The opposite of Beltane, Samhain literally meant the end of summer. The days were growing ever shorter, and the weather was already cold and rainy. People had to stay busy and productive after Mabon or the Autumnal Equinox to beat the cold; to get all the food harvested before the frost began and froze what had not yet been gathered from the fields and trees. It was time once again to organize and clean before it became too cold to do much outdoors. As the chores were finished up and the Sun entered Scorpio the sign of death and regeneration, they celebrated Samhain the cross quarter day between the Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice as the beginning of the New Year, like New Year’s Eve is celebrated now. It was also known as the time of the year when the veil between the worlds was the thinnest and Spirits of deceased loved ones could communicate with us. Divination and fortune telling was enhanced at this time because of the thinning of the veil. It was a time to honor spirit and go within as life slowed down after the work of the harvest was done. This Celtic holiday later became All Saints’ Day to the Christians on November 1st.

So how did Samhain become Halloween? And what do some of these modern Halloween traditions mean? Why is Halloween associated with ghosts, skeletons, candy, witches and black cats? Halloween or Samhain used to be a lot scarier in the past and was dreaded as a time when ghosts and angry spirits could come back from the dead and harm them. It originated with the Celts over 2,000 years ago as the New Year’s harvest festival. The Celts were farmers and gatherers who believed in the spirits of nature and wanted them to be pleased so their harvests would be plentiful and last them through the winter. The Celts lived in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and Northern France. The traditions their descendants later brought with them to America are what the modern day celebrations of Halloween are based upon.

It’s been said that Samhain was the name of the Celts’ lord of the dead and on the night of October 31 he would send hordes of spirits back to their earthly homes for a visit. This really scared them and seemed very real to the Celts, it led to the Druid or Celtic priest tradition of wearing animal heads and costumes made from the skins to scare the evil spirits away. Now kids dress up as cartoon characters, witches, ghosts and all sorts of other alter egos for fun but may have little understanding of how serious and necessary this donning of costumes felt for these people long ago. The bonfires were also to keep the evil spirits away, they would burn branches from sacred trees like oak to deter the bad spirits and guide the good spirits of their family and friends back to visit. Food was left out for their departed loved ones as an offering. The orange blazes against the black sky could be where the traditional colors of black and orange for Halloween came from. The Jack-o-lantern originated with the Celts as the Druid priests would carve faces into gourds or turnips and use them as lanterns to scare away the evil spirits. The use of pumpkins began after Scotch and Irish immigrants moved to the U.S. in the mid 1800s and found pumpkins growing which worked much better and were easier to carve.

The Romans conquered the Celts in the first century A.D., many of the Roman festivals such as their festival for Pomona the goddess of fruits, gardens and orchards were held each year around the same time. To celebrate the harvest the Romans would party in the orchards into the wee hours of the morning to honor Pomona the Apple Queen, they would eat drink and be merry; this is where the tradition of bobbing for apples came from. Many of the Roman traditions joined with Celtic traditions including Christianity around the 5th century. After the church was firmly established, the Romans felt the celebration of Samhain was evil and the Celts were devil worshippers but they could not get them to stop observing it. They changed many of the Christian holidays to coincide with pagan holidays so they could convert the Celts to Christianity. Thus the Roman Catholic All Hallows Day was moved from May to November to coincide with Samhain. All Hallows Day became All Saints Day on November 1st and was intended to be a day of devotion to all the saints who did not have their own feast day. The night before All Hallows’ Day, October 31st became All Hallows’ Eve which later evolved into Halloween. The Celts never gave up the celebratory essence of Samhain and refused to be somber, they just incorporated their pagan customs into the traditions of the newly created Christian holy days.

The observance of Halloween in the U.S. began around 1840 when there were massive numbers of Scots and Irish who moved here at that time, there were Celtic descendants here before that but the early days in the colonies were pretty Puritanical so it took some time for the old traditions to be observed. By about 1910 there were party favors and cards being imported and Americans began developing their own Halloween traditions. Halloween was a good excuse to have a party and trick or treating evolved from pranks like turning over outhouses and putting syrup on door knobs. Again going back to the Celts; people would cook feasts at Samhain and put out plates for their departed loved ones. Other people sometimes dressed up as spirits and showed up at Samhain feasts demanding what the families had prepared for the spirits. Another origin of this tradition may also have been in the middle-ages when beggars would show up on Samhain and offer to pray for the souls of the departed in exchange for money or a soul cake which was similar to a currant bun. Trick or treating for kids in its present form began in the 1930s.

The skeleton was another symbol of the Celts as a protection from the evil spirits on Samhain. This symbol later carried over to the Catholic Church with the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead which takes place on All Saints’ Day on November 1st and the Roman Catholic holy day of All Souls’ Day on November 2nd. The Mexicans embrace death during these two fiesta days and see it as a time to honor and connect with their deceased family and friends.  There are many cultures throughout the world that honor the dead around this time of year.

The ghost became a Halloween symbol for obvious reasons, to represent the spirits. The witch flying on a broomstick became a Halloween symbol along with her cauldron. Witch comes from the Old English word, Wicca, which means wise one. The wise woman knew how to heal with herbs and had knowledge about plants and animals. They were healers who could help people but later were seen as devil worshippers and sorceresses who sold their souls to be able to cast spells. Many innocent women were tortured for practicing “witchcraft” which was actually often just using herbs for healing or being midwives. Since black cats were thought to the witch’s helpers or familiars, the image of black cat hunched up in surprise because they could see spirits also became a Halloween symbol.

The roots of Halloween go deep and have a long history across many beliefs and cultures. Observing the Wheel of the year by paying attention to the Solstices and Equinoxes and the cross quarter days of Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain are a way to remain connected with nature and witness the passage of time. By observing Halloween we can certainly have a good time watching excited children dress up and go trick or treating. Costume parties for adults and family gatherings are fun, and are also part of observing the old traditions. Keep in mind though that Halloween is really a time when we acknowledge the Spirit within and those Spirits that have passed from our lives but remain connected to us forever through our hearts. Reflect upon what has been removed from your life over the past year and let it go. Honor your ancestors on Halloween or All Souls’ Day, talk to them as if they are with you and say what you would like them to know about how you feel. Set a place for them at the table and put some food out for them too. They are always with us but it just may be a bit easier to feel their presence and communicate with them at this time when the veil is lifted at the end of the old cycle and the beginning of this New Year.

Selene

copyright 2009

From the July issue of Psychic Times:

Chakras-Gateways to Consciousness

By Selene

My Eye-Opener Column from Psychic Times
May 2009

What is Mercury Retrograde Anyway?
By Selene

We moved in to the shadow period of Mercury retrograde on the 23rd of April. This was just as I was struggling to complete the Horoscope column for May after a considerable amount of research. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed as I realized what a potentially tough month we were facing. I run a couple dozen charts each month between all the sun signs and lunations and look them over as part of my preparation for writing the horoscopes. Well, it sure looks like we have some particularly intense energy to contend with in May 2009. Check out my horoscope column for further information on what else is happening besides Mercury retrograde. I had been pondering several different subjects for this month’s Eye-Opener column. As I tried to keep the highlights section of the Horoscope column concise and easy to comprehend but still be helpful, I began to consider writing about Mercury retrograde in this column so that I could go into more depth about what it really means. I do explain it briefly each time it occurs but just like this transit’s effects, details are often misunderstood since Mercury retrograde really is about miscommunication. It is also a cycle that lasts longer than the actual time that the retrograde occurs. 
Mercury will be retrograde for most of the month from the 7th-30th, so the energy of confusion will prevail throughout May. It is interesting that Mercury retrograde has become a bit of buzz word even amongst those people who couldn’t care less about astrology. Since Mercury rules computers and the retrograde period has a noticeable effect upon them, more and more people are aware of this cyclical occurrence even if they don’t really understand what it means. Just as people ask if it is a full moon when things seem a bit wild or out of control, it is not uncommon now for folks to wonder if Mercury is retrograde when there are difficulties with their computers, communication devices or unexpected events.
I had a situation occur this weekend as I was working on Ose’s interview that gave me a clear message that this was indeed to be my subject for this month’s Eye-Opener.  I purchased a new laptop early this month and put a lot of time into getting it up and running. I knew we had a Mercury Rx period coming up soon so I wanted to insure everything I needed to do for the computer to function without mishap was taken care of well ahead of time. I installed all my programs and transferred my files from my old computer that I had saved to an external hard drive. It is a good idea to install any new computer hardware or software before the retrograde period begins, also to back up your hard drive too. I had installed a new trial version of MS Office so I would have Word on my computer. It seemed to work pretty well and I was able to still access my files that were saved in the old Word format. I sent Ose the questions and we spent time going over them on the phone. I added some additional info from our phone interview and spent a few hours going over the interview to edit and fine tune it. It was perfect by the time I was finished with it, I was very pleased with how it turned out. I closed the file to attach it to my email to Doug to send it in just as I had so many times before on the old version of Word. Somehow due to not being familiar with the way the upgraded version works, my work did not get saved. I was totally devastated that hours of my time just got wasted. Thank goodness I still had the written replies Ose sent me and since I had read the interview in its entirety at least 3 times to carefully edit it after it was finished, I was able to reconstruct it. I then realized that we were already in the shadow period of Mercury retrograde starting on April 23rd and I already had been bitten by it. Sigh… Ok so this is a classic illustration of the effects of Mercury Rx even before the actual retrograde period begins.
The shadow period is when Mercury first crosses the degree of direct station about 2-3 weeks before it actually goes retrograde. The shadow period extends to 2-3 weeks after the direct station at the end of the retrograde period. So each time Mercury goes retrograde, which occurs 3 times a year for 3 weeks at a time, we are affected by this planetary movement for 7-9 weeks each time. In 2009 we will actually experience 4 Mercury retrograde periods so it will be even more pronounced. The effects of each period or cycle differs,  according to the sign Mercury transits each time it appears to slow down and move backwards. Since Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun and is the fastest moving planet, it changes signs every 3 weeks. When Mercury retrogrades it will transit two different zodiac signs during each period. For example: this month Mercury stations retrograde in Gemini on the 7th, it moves back in to Taurus on the 13th which changes the energy of the focus of the retrograde period. Mercury will station direct in Taurus on May 30th and moves out of the shadow period to end this cycle on June 14th. So even though the actual retrograde is from May 7th-30th, we are experiencing the effect of this cycle from April 23rd-June 14th.
Often the unexpected events will occur just before or right after Mercury has actually gone direct while we are still in the shadow period. As Mercury is crawling forward again before picking up speed, we often feel we are out of the woods and boom; that is when things hit the fan and chaos occurs. I have also observed that accidents and mishaps often happen just as the planet takes its station and gets ready to retrograde. The day before can be ominous at times, I have learned to lie low and try not to plan to do too much at all. So it is important to pay attention to the cycle and be aware of when we need to practice caution to be on the safe side and to avoid issues or problems.
Mercury is the planet that rules thinking and mental issues such as communication and contracts. It affects written words, spoken words, business, sales, travel, purchases etc. So even though electricity and electric appliances are ruled by Uranus, Mercury retrograde will cause issues with electronic communication devices like phones, computers, etc. Cars and mechanical devices are ruled by Mars but again because of the apparent miscommunication or issues caused by lack of attention, if you forget to take care of maintenance and such you may experience trouble with your car. It is best to take care of as much business and attend to as many details as possible ahead of time. This is not the time to start a new project or sign an important contract if you can help it. This does not mean that everything you try to do will fall apart but it does mean that you may have to redo or rethink anything you do begin or initiate during this cycle. We don’t have to stop doing things in our daily lives but as the bible states to everything there is a season, this is the time to complete projects and clear us loose ends, reorganize and clean out the closets rather than start something new.
Retrograde periods, although often problematic for us are a phenomena we experience frequently.  Each planet retrogrades, except for the Sun and Moon. Mercury is most famous for its retrograde periods probably because Mercury represents our communication abilities.   Although it has a very powerful astrological influence, Mercury is quite a small planet that travels at a relatively fast speed through the zodiac. It is the closest planet to the Sun but is not always in the same sign as the Sun. This time, Mercury turns retrograde in Gemini (variety; sociability), while the Sun is in Taurus (security, material pleasures), but retrogrades into Taurus while the Sun is in Taurus. The Sun moves into Gemini while Mercury is still in Taurus, but Mercury soon thereafter heads back to join the Sun in Gemini! We will move back and forth between mental and communication issues and security and material issues.
Mercury retrograde is actually a good time to meditate, read, contemplate, edit the book/poem/song/essay you've been writing, clean house, talk to your pet, listen to music, paint or catch up on your rest. It literally is a good time to recharge your batteries and clear away the debris in your life. Interestingly many unresolved issues from the past may present themselves now. You may hear from an ex mate or lover, old friends could make contact with you; these retrograde phases seem to present us with events over which we have little conscious control. We learn to slow down and go with the flow, just be careful that you ‘dot all the i’s’ and ‘cross all the t’s’ or you will have to go back later to clear things up.  
A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, during the cycle, a planet's energy is most powerful during the time when the planet takes its station, before it goes retrograde or moves direct it slows down and appears to be motionless at these times. The stationary periods occur near the beginning of the cycle and midway through the cycle when Mercury slows to a stop before moving forward again. The direct station is the most powerful phase and completes the lessons of the cycle. Of course as I stated earlier, we are not out of the woods until the planet completes the shadow period a couple of weeks after it goes direct.
Mercury retrograde creates a time of personal misunderstandings, delays, glitches and breakdowns. It is not a bad time to travel but make sure you have all your details worked out and bring a book to read in case of delays. Most of the time problems occur due to something crucial that goes astray or awry due to circumstances beyond your control.  It is best not to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics may be less acute than usual. Read the fine print and put off any important decisions or purchases until later if possible. The key to surviving Mercury Rx is to focus so that unexpected changes or blocked energies don’t distract you too much. It is annoying and frustrating but you do get through it, be patient with yourself and others and try to chill out rather than give in to the aggravation.
Mercury retrograde affects people differently, depending on where it hits their personal charts. For example my sister and her husband frequently make important decisions during Mercury Rx. When she would ask my opinion on this and I pointed out that Mercury was retrograde so I would personally wait, she asked me if it were always retrograde. She said it seemed to be. I replied that it only seemed to be when they were buying a car or making an important decision of some sort. I checked her chart as well as her husband’s and discovered that they both were born during Mercury retrograde. Since they have been dealing with the effects of this throughout their lives it does not seem to cause them the same problems or issues that it does for others. It is natural for them so the mishaps or regrets don’t seem to occur for them. I learned to stop pointing it out to her since it would just upset or confuse her. If you are accustomed to dealing with certain energies they don’t create backlash for you in the same ways. Some people actually prosper under retro Mercury, especially if Mercury is retrograde but otherwise well-aspected in their natal charts. My sister has Mercury retrograde conjunct her Sun in Aries so for her this is a period when she can take positive steps since her Moon is also in Aries. It is actually an alignment phase for her. Mercury retrograde is a time for introspection and preparation for what comes next. If you started something before the retrograde it is fine to finish it up, just get all the negotiations and details settled ahead of time.
The best way to handle this period that occurs every 88 days for 21 days at a time is to be prepared and alert. Pay attention, take care of things ahead of time, expect the unexpected and don’t be upset when things go awry. We learn from each phase of life and rather than holding our breath it is a good time to catch up instead. Keep it in perspective, see which area or house in your natal chart is affected by this transit and don’t dread or be afraid of Mercury retrograde. It is like driving in the rain, you can still see to move ahead, you just have to slow down a bit and be cautious but you will eventually reach your destination safely. It is a time to try to relax and see the big picture, align with what you wish to create but wait until things settle down before you take action or commit to long term commitments.
Don't be surprised if you often feel confused during this period. As the word "retrograde" means to re-do, the theme of having to repeat or clear things up will come up for you. If you can accept this with grace and prepare ahead of time things will be fine and you will survive Mercury retrograde without too much trouble.  I will share an excellent list of guidelines I ran across in my research to sum things up:
If at all possible, avoid signing legal documents.
If at all possible, finish projects which involve communication before the retrograde.
If at all possible, avoid closing big deals during the retrograde.
If at all possible, avoid launching new projects during the retrograde.
If at all possible, avoid scheduling meetings to make a big decision.
Allow extra time when travelling.
Backup your hard drive before the retrograde.

I hope this information is helpful to you and while there is much more you could study to learn more about this common celestial occurrence I do hope this information will dispel some confusion over what Mercury retrograde actually does mean and how it can affect you. As always I welcome your questions and feedback and encourage you to contact me with suggestions for future Eye-Opener columns.
Blessings,
Selene

Spiritual Spring Cleaning

By Selene
from Psychic Times April 2009

Today was the New Moon in Aries, the strongest New Moon of the year. This is a seed time to set your intentions and utilize the energy of renewed life. At this time of rebirth we are more mindful of what we need to do to create what we desire in our own life. Spring is also the traditional time of cleaning and clearing our homes to refresh our space and let go of doldrums of winter. We clean the windows and wash the curtains, after the Equinox as the days get longer we feel energized and hopeful as we move towards summer. Traditionally spring cleaning really was about cleaning and airing the house out after the long cold winter and literally letting the light back in. We want to get the work done so we can relax during the warm weather to come but as we contend with spring fever during the energetic Sun in Aries period we just can’t seem to get it all done fast enough. The focus shifts towards self nurturance during the Sun in Taurus time where our attention turns more towards creature comforts.

As we observe the trees in bloom and appreciate the daffodils and tulips that signal the beginning of spring, we feel energized and alive. Many of us decide to clean up our act, eat more healthy fresh foods and want to be out in the sunshine and moving around outdoors. We may decide to go on a diet to prepare for swimsuit weather or decide to detoxify our bodies with fresh juices or herbs. Just as we begin to tend our gardens and clear out the leaves and weeds to allow our reemerging plants to come out of their dormant phase, we also need a time of clearing our body, mind and spirit to make room for the personal and spiritual growth that comes at the start of the solar New Year.

After all Easter is a springtime holiday based upon resurrection of our souls, it actually occurs on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon after the spring Equinox. The symbolism of new life is evident even as we purchase different candy or gifts at Easter for the children in our lives. The religious significance goes back to Ostara or the pagan observance of the vernal Equinox, the time of equal day and equal night. The cross is also symbolic of blending the conscious with the subconscious along with the traditional Christian beliefs about the sacrifice and resurrection of the Son of God. The Goddess Ostara is an eternal maiden who works with us at this time of year to bring new energy into our lives by bringing us herbs and flowers. The egg symbolizes a vessel for new life, even if it is a chocolate one in a plastic basket. The marshmallow peeps symbolize baby chicks and ducks that are born in spring. The stuffed Easter bunny is also a symbol of new life as bunnies are known for breeding prolifically. The season is all about clearing out what we don’t need and bringing in what is new and will rejuvenate us. It is also a time to make contact with those we care about and reconnection with family and other loved ones. It is a time for self renewal and personal resurrection as well.

Sea salt baths have been my personal refuge for many years; I found them to be one consistent way of unplugging from the energies of others and helping my body to relax after a long day of work.  I began using inexpensive bulk sea salt from the grocery or health food store in a hot bath at night along with burning a candle and some incense as a simple ritual to help with incorporating meditation into my daily life. Sea salt baths were also a part of my preparation for ritual at the New or Full Moon. I found that the water was very soothing and of course reminded me of how relaxed you feel after swimming in the ocean. Soon I realized that the bath itself was the ritual and I got into much deeper levels of meditation by just staying in the water rather than jumping out of the tub to go through a bunch of orchestration and preparation to have a spiritual experience. I found that for me the results were the same if I just allowed myself the quiet time and really let the salt do its work at clearing my energy along with relaxing my body.

I discovered that a triple salt bath consisting of sea salt, baking soda and Epsom salts really would clear my aura and made me feel energetically lighter. As a very empathic person as I am sure many of you are, I found that I needed to clear other people’s energies out so I didn’t continue to carry their issues with me. The triple salt baths work as the different salts strengthen each other and I still take them frequently to help me with clearing before and/or after doing readings and energy work for clients.

I have experimented with many different types of salt and will share a bit of my research and results with you here along with an awesome meditation I was given by my guides while enjoying a Dead Sea salt bath on the Equinox. I actually purchase salt when I travel; it is another quirky habit I have acquired. After my trip I will hoard the salt and use it up gradually as a way to remind me of the ocean where I visited. Hawaiian sea salt carries the energy of the Pacific Ocean; you can literally feel it relaxing your body and get a sudden urge to hang loose. Well I suppose in the bathtub what else can you do? Seriously though if you do ever visit Hawaii, you can buy a bag of authentic Hawaiian salt right in the grocery store. It is reminiscent of the islands when you bathe in it later. I have received intense visions of the ocean and flowers, the sites and sounds. Even if it is wishful thinking it worked for me. I purchase Mediterranean Kosher Sea Salt when I am in Florida; it is as good for cooking as it is in the tub.

I have even tried exotic pink Himalayan sole’ crystals; the salt does turn the water a light pink if you use enough of them (about a pound). They come in large chunks or crystals and you must allow them to dissolve for a half hour so run some hot water and wait a bit before you fill the tub. Because the sole’ works to balance the water levels in your body these baths will clear and rejuvenate your skin but because they are intense on your physical body they are best used about twice a month, at the New and Full Moon you will have the strongest results. You can also use fine or coarse grain Himalayan sea salt and experience a more subtle healing on physical and spiritual levels. Authentic Dead Sea salts bring a lot of minerals to your body through your skin and will relax and soothe aching muscles as well as being a great way to clear your aura. Try different types of salt or just use ordinary sea salt, the minerals contained within will all bring you relaxation and healing while they enhance meditation. You can also experiment with aromatherapy by adding essential oils to your bath or purchase bath salts that are already scented. I prefer to use natural salts that are not chemically enhanced or artificially colored. I intend to present an article on aromatherapy in a future issue of Psychic Times.

Spring Renewal Lotus Bath Meditation

Draw a bath and add the salts of your choice. Relax in your sea salt bath as you breathe deeply and let your eyes close and your body unwind. Feel yourself surrounded by the energy of the ocean as you bathe in the warm water and relaxation slowly spreads throughout your body. Feel your muscles unclench as you visualize a green meadow surrounded by trees with a small creek running through it. As you follow the creek see that it ends at a pond that contains lotuses or water lilies. Sit down on the big rock next to the pond and visualize that the soles of your bare feet are flat upon the warm earth. See and focus on the many petals of the lotus in front of you, suddenly you feel submerged in the pond. Feel the deep root of the lotus extending from the base of your spine down into the earth below the water. See how that delicate water flower draws its nurturance and beauty from deep within the Earth. Know that your lotus in front of you holds all the keys to unfolding the innate wisdom of the Earth and your Spirit as you tune into the gentle vibrations that are subtlety flowing through your body now as you become more and more relaxed. Breathe in the lotus’s energy and feel yourself fill up with the wisdom of the Earth, exhale any anxiety or tension. Visualize the lotus in front of your root chakra at the base of your spine; this is your center of survival which affects our health and prosperity. As you place the lotus in front of your body visualize that there is a deep root extending from the base of your spine and reaching all the way down to the center of the planet. Use this root as a cord to connect you to the center of the Earth as you release all the energy of the people around you and all the situations in your life and thoughts in your mind. Allow the root to become as wide as your body as you release your worries and concerns, washing away judgments and fears along with all the energy of other people that you hold in your space. See your root chakra as a circle of light and let it gradually transmute to the shape of a many petaled lotus that fills up with a radiant ruby red light as you place your attention on clearing and balancing your survival center and release all fears and negativity. Allow any undesirable energy being released to go right down that root and release back into the earth.

Take a deep breath in and out, and place a lotus at the 2nd chakra, located right below your naval. This is our center of emotions, family patterns and sexuality. It rules appetites and addictions too. See this energy center filling up with a deep orange color as you visualize it taking on the lotus shape while breathing in serenity and exhaling any excess energy or anxiety held in this area of the body. Continue to release negative thoughts and stuck emotions that come up out through the deep root extending from the base of your spine.

The 3rd chakra is located at the stomach area, about 3-4” above the naval and between the ribcage, this is your center of power and life force. Breathe pure yellow energy into this center as you visualize a lotus there; see this lotus fill up with clear yellow light. Let go of any energy attachments or control from others that may come to mind, releasing them down your root as you fill your center of power with pure golden yellow light. Feel your own neutral energy filling this center as you clean and clear all other people’s energies away.

A lotus appears in front of your heart center now; fill your 4th chakra with pure green light. Allow your center of Love and affinity to fill with emerald light, unconditional love for yourself and healing. Release sorrow and grief down your root at the base of the spine. Allow the green to lighten a bit and let some pink light in as you see the lotus petals at your heart center filled with pink and green light softly colored like watermelon tourmaline. These colors and energies will help to clear and balance your heart center.

The 5th chakra is located at the base of the throat; see the lotus appear there as that energy center fills with the pure blue light. See this lotus filled with sapphire blue light as it clears your center of communication and creativity. Release unexpressed emotions down your root and bring in clarity and truth. Continue to breathe deeply and allow the colors and lotus energies to infuse the centers you have cleared so far.

Moving your attention up to the 6th chakra, the 3rd eye in-between your eyebrows, see a lotus appear in front of your center of clairvoyance and knowingness. Fill this sacred lotus with indigo colored light as you breathe out uncertainty and breathe in information and understanding. Continue to release through your deep root into the water as you cleanse, clear and open your center of spiritual wisdom and information.

The 7th or crown chakra at the top of your head is your connection to the Divine. See the lotus that now sits upon the crown of your head as it fills with pure violet light. Watch as the many petals unfold and see this energy center being cleared as you remove any old thought patterns that make you doubt your connection to the Creator. Allow your crown to be cleansed and cleared as you fill up with the pure light of the Sun filling in all the places where energy has been released as you have worked with your lotuses to clear your energy body. Breathe in the sacred lotus energy and the wisdom of the ages to clear the edges of your aura surrounding your body, when you feel you have completed this lotus clearing, sit for a moment and allow the lotus at each chakra to fill with light. Breathe deeply, feel the relaxation throughout your body and pay close attention to any thoughts now brought to you as you behold your glowing energy centers. Feel the water that surrounds you cleansing and clearing your field. You may sense your guides or visualize that you are being given a gift, don’t try to make sense of it, just experience and remain neutral about what you hear or receive now.

When you feel ready, open your eyes and allow the water in the tub to begin to run down the drain. As you thank your guides for working with you, see those beautiful flowers and colors vibrating within your aura. Stand up and rinse off with clear warm water from the shower, shake off any excess energy as you bring your attention back in to the room. Feel clear and refreshed from your sea salt bath and lotus meditation. Drink a big glass of fresh water and rest for a half hour or so after your meditation and bath. Keep your journal handy to record any thoughts or visions that you received during your experience.

I hope you will treat yourself to some quiet time and a nice sea salt bath soon. Enjoy the energies of spring and spend some time outdoors in the fresh air. Work in your garden and clear out your living space. This is the time of year to clear out what is old and no longer needed to make room for new growth. Please let me know how the meditation works out for you if you try it.

Spring Blessings,
Selene

Journey to Tulum-

Land of the Maya

By Selene

Everyone has heard of or read something about the Mayans and their culture but until you see the ruins contrasted against the deep blue Caribbean Sea, and get a glimpse of what it may have looked like centuries ago, you can’t really comprehend how amazing and advanced they really were. I always felt drawn to the Maya as a child in school and felt a connection I could not quite understand. The pictures of the ruins I saw felt vaguely familiar to me but I did not think I would ever see them for myself.

My journey to Tulum began on a cruise ship; actually it probably started with the first Psychic Cruise in 2004. We had planned to go then and perhaps to channel there. My guides had given me a firm NO on this at the time and it turned out that excursion, while taken by some of the folks who sailed with us was not meant to become a group event. I personally did not want to open up to the energies there since I had heard so much about human sacrifice and actually had a lot of misinformation from others. Keep in mind that Maya to the Eastern world means “illusion” so there was some energy for me to cut through before I visited this land for more than a trip to the beach and some shopping while on a cruise. So instead of going to the ruins that first time, a small group of us went to Playa Mia Beach and had a great time in the Sun. I have been to Cozumel a couple of times since then and never visited the ruins, it seemed appropriate to go this year, with things the way they are in the world now, who knows if this opportunity would present itself to me again in the future. I believe that things happen when they are meant to and this was the right time to make that journey back in time to the land of the Maya. We booked our excursion through the cruise line since it was the safest way to travel the considerable distance over to the mainland by ferry boat and south on a bus tour to Tulum.

From the island of Cozumel we boarded the Mexican Federal Ferry to the mainland at Playa del Carmen. Since our trip was arranged through the cruise line the ferry picked us up right at the International port rather than having to catch it in the center of San Miguel. Cozumel is really busy this day; there are 7 cruise ships here. I was glad not to be a part of what promised to be a really crowded day ashore and was looking forward to the trip to Tulum. The ferry ride lasts 30 minutes or so, and today it’s a bumpy one. A flat screen TV blares out commercials advertising different tourist attractions and shopping opportunities in Spanish. The instructions posted are all in Spanish too, which is to be expected since it is Mexico, but it did really drive home the fact that we were in a different country and on an adventure. Mind over matter helped me through the worst case of seasickness I had ever experienced, the sound of others getting sick as we bumped and pitched and bounced on the waves even on this huge ferry boat almost got to me. When I heard the others, I asked for one of their purple plastic bags, just in case, but thankfully made it through the ride without needing to use it. Putting cool bottled water on my face really helped a lot but I remembered being told not to drink water when feeling seasick as this will usually bring the water right back up. I made a mental note to bring a packet or two of soda crackers with me if I ever made this trip on the ferry again. The water changed from a deep murky blue to that beautiful clear Caribbean blue that is so gorgeous that Crayola named one of their crayon colors after it.

As we pulled in to Playa Del Carmen the water changed to a dirty green and although it was pretty and colorful on shore, most of what you could see was condos, timeshares and hotels. As we walked from the dock to where we boarded our bus to the Tulum beach break, the excursion we had chosen, I had to laugh at the huge prominent billboard on the shop that said Tequila & Drugstore. Welcome to Mexico, of course there was a Starbucks and a dozen or so bars and restaurants along with lots of brightly colored souvenir shops and the ubiquitous  Del Sol store that sells items like t-shirts, Frisbees and nail polish that changes colors in the Sun. Even though it was just after 9am the shops were open and business was bustling. It looked interesting but we had to hustle off to our respective buses depending upon which tour you were taking. Playa Del Carmen was a Mayan city but is actually only about 20 years old as a tourist spot and ferry port. Over the past two decades it has grown from a sleepy little fishing village of 500 people to a rapidly growing tourist spot with a population of over 15,000. We were met by our bi-lingual guide Alejandro and boarded our bus for the 40 mile drive to Tulum. He conducted the tour in both English and Spanish since there were some people from South America and from Spain in our group. It was very interesting to hear the same thing in both languages.

Tulum “the city of the Dawn” was built in honor of the Sun God, the temples were built for navigation and observation of astronomical events.  In the carvings on the buildings and temples the solstices, equinoxes and Sun movements are represented side by side with the figure of the rattlesnake. The rattlesnake was a solar symbol and represented the equinoxes. The old city was erected on a huge natural platform made up of big cliffs that face the sea offering natural protection. The rest of the city is walled; the Mayan inhabitants took refuge here from other tribes. The Yucatan peninsula has the North Caribbean Sea on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other side. In the 1500s when the Conquistadors came from Spain, Mayans rescued the Spaniards from the ocean where they had shipwrecked. When the Spaniards asked them where they were they replied “Yucatan” which in Mayan meant we hear you but we don’t understand. So the land was called Yucatan when actually to the Mayans it was known as the Land of deer and turkeys. There was lots of wildlife back then but the indigenous white tailed deer and jaguars are now endangered species.

The Land of Mayan encompassed over 140,000 square miles including the countries now known as Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and the 5 Mexican states of Yucatan, Compeche, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Chiapas. It was an independent nation in the pre-Colombian period and still could be due to the oil or petrol available on the gulf side. There are many different cultures in Mexico since it is such a large country, the Mayan civilization is older than the Aztecs, and the Maya were more intelligent and advanced. To this day their origin is not exactly known, some scholars believe they are of Andean origin, others think they arrived from the North following a route along the Atlantic coast, some feel they came from across the Sea and some feel they are the descendants of other cultures. They were Astrologers and Astronomers who were able to make remarkable discoveries without the use of modern equipment. According to legend, the Mayan region had emerged from the waters and its name, Maya, meaning “footprint of water” originated from this belief.

In Tulum it self there was once as many as 40,000-50,000 inhabitants, the height of this civilization was from approximately 900-1500 AD. The 60 or so buildings still standing are but a quarter of how many were here in the past. The wall of protection around the city helped to keep them safe and they used the reef to protect against nature, hurricanes. This is not the largest of the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza is actually much bigger with better preserved buildings but what is remarkable about Tulum is the location. This once thriving Maya city-fort is built on a cliff above the sea commanding a magnificent view of the Caribbean. Just by looking at the ruins and the beach below takes you back in time to evoke visions of the people who once lived here.

Most of their religion was based on astrology and they were fanatically religious. The Mayan cosmology is very complex and is still being studied and rediscovered to this day. They watched the stars, planets and eclipses, there were 3 different calendars, according to our guide. The solar calendar consisted of 13 months of 20 days each for a total of 260 days in a year. The fertility calendar had 360 days with 5 unlucky days; each leap year has 20 extra days. A new era occurs every 52 years. The Mayan base 20 number system was binary as computers are in the present time, 13 is a lucky number since there were believed to be 13 heavens and 9 hells. There are four original Mayan books left in existence, one is in Mexico City, one in Madrid, one in Paris and one in Germany. The Mayan bibles were made of stucco with accordion pages with hieroglyphics that looked like faces and read from left to right and top to bottom. Our guide offered a codex or stucco book in the traditional style for purchase that gave more complete information on the Mayan calendar and interpretation of the included personal stela based on your individual birth information, containing your own symbols and printed on the same amate bark paper used by the Mayans. We ordered one codex with my chart and an extra stela or chart with my mate’s birth symbols too; it was his birthday the next day so I gifted both of us. Our Calendario Maya was ready for us on the bus at the end of the tour and is a meaningful souvenir of a very special journey to a place that seemed quite familiar to us both even though we had never been their before in this lifetime.

When we reached Tulum, most of our group chose to pay to take the optional tram to the ruins rather than walking over a mile, it saved us 20 minutes each way and we only had about 2 hours at the archeological site. As we walked through a pyramid shaped arch through the wall that surrounds this once thriving city, it felt like a portal and we were transported back in time. El Castillo or the Castle is a three level tower of rock and is the tallest construction in Tulum; it was first seen by the Spaniards upon their arrival to the Yucatan coast in 1518. It stands above the beautiful beach below, in it the Sun God reigns with the rattlesnake. There are different shaped openings in the walls for each of the solstices and equinoxes, they were architecturally designed to show the Sun’s light through each specific shaped opening only on those exact days each year. It is amazing to think of how they would have calculated this construction but this natural keeper of time is still accurate. It is a quite a sight to see. The two windows were also designed to guide friendly ships through the treacherous coral reefs that surround the bay at Tulum. At night when the Sun could not be seen lanterns were placed to assist with navigation, if ships could see the light they aimed right for the middle and were able to safely navigate through the coral. This ancient pre-Hispanic port was considered of major importance in coastal navigation on the Caribbean coast in those days.

Below the steep cliffs behind the Castle is a winding stairway to the beach below. You can understand why they built their city here it is a most beautiful beach, and today you can sunbathe as the Mayans did on this Mediterranean style topless beach in the exquisite crystalline waters of the Caribbean. Looking down on the tourists on the beach we longed to join them but had a long way to go to complete our tour. Our time on the beach would come later in the day.

The Temple of the Frescoes is the most outstanding of all the temples in Tulum and shows strong Toltec characteristics. It served as an observatory, its main façade overlooks the west to better observe the Sun. They could accurately measure the duration of day and night and obtain many other important scientific data they put into practical use in their daily life. The techniques employed for carving and painting the frescoes was very advanced, all the symbols and colors used had very specific meaning and purpose. The theme of fertility is repeated over and over and the frescoes depict much information about the Maya’s way of life. The Temple of the Descending God is covered with frescoes depicting religious scenes with representations of different Gods, particularly those related to the Sun, rain and maize, contained in frames made of entwined bodies of snakes. There are several large homes or palaces where the more important people had lived, quite a few other temples, cisterns, habitational platforms, ceremonial platforms, guard towers, tombs and of course the huge walls of the city that served to protect it from being invaded. Our guide gave us a lot of information about Mayan life and religious ceremonies including the human sacrifices that occurred there. The rites were performed on the equinoxes. The resin copal was burned during ceremonies to help the souls of the sacrificed to reach heaven. The Maya believed in trinity with the theme of morning, noon, evening; past, present, future; born, live, die. They saw life as a series of cycles and honored nature along with marking the passage of time.

Our time at Tulum passed too quickly and we most certainly will return. There are many other ruins in the immediate area and we would like to see them all but none are as spectacular or striking. Our tour continued a few miles south to a private club on the beach where we were served a buffet lunch from an open air tropical restaurant complete with hammocks hanging from palm trees. We had time for a swim in the warm Caribbean Sea before heading back to the ferry at Playa Del Carmen; the ride back was much smoother. It was a wonderful and enlightening day that truly took us back in time to experience the majesty of this beautiful natural setting and get a glimpse of an advanced civilization which occupied this area many centuries ago. It is a day well spent and well worth the time. There is so much to know and learn about the Maya; in this article we have barely scratched the surface. I feel compelled to learn more about them and their cosmology particularly with the important date of December 21, 2012 coming so soon. When we asked our native Mayan-descent guide about this date which is known as the end of the Mayan calendar and asked him what would happen then, he replied “the world will not end, a new calendar will be made, and it is not the end but rather a new beginning and a new direction.” If you ever get an opportunity to visit Tulum, take it, it is an experience you will never forget.

I hope you enjoyed accompanying me on my expedition to Tulum; I would not have taken the time nor had the discipline to take notes on this trip or do so much research unless I was doing it to share with you. So thank you readers for giving me the incentive to record and share this extraordinary journey with you. I invite your questions or feedback and am interested to know what you would like to see covered in a future Eye-Opener article. Contact me at editor@psychictimes.com. Since we have an eclipse in the erratic sign of Aquarius later this month, February’s subject will be a surprise. I have quite a few ideas and irons in the fire so check this column out next month to see what Spirit guides me to share.

Blessings,

Selene