This image is from the amazing Gaian Tarot deck by Joanna Powell Colbert

 

                              HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE!

The summer Solstice is Thursday, June 21 at 4:07 am Mountain Time. This is the time where the Sun reaches it’s northernmost point from the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the day with the most hours of sunlight of the whole year. Have you noticed that your energy has changed over the past few weeks, in anticipation of the fire energy of summer? I know I have! This is typically the time of year where I have a lot going on, and luckily, an excess of energy in order to meet those commitments. It’s a time where it’s easy for me to book several social events (sometimes several on the same day!) and still have time and energy left over to do what I need to do. It's a great time for me to start new projects and revisit my goals.

But what I also know from past experience, is that even though there’s a lot of excitement and positive energy flowing, that if I’m not careful to tend to my physical and emotional needs, I can burn out very easily. Can you relate? 

How are you tending to your mind, body, and spirit? How do you make sure that you aren’t pushing so hard that you are causing illness or exhaustion? How do you balance that fire energy of transformation, movement, change, and passion with the earth energy of groundedness and the feminine energy of water that encourages nurturing and rest and recharge?

            5 WAYS TO WELCOME MORE BALANCE INTO YOUR LIFE

There are 5 main elements (air, fire, water, earth and spirit) that are a part of this universe, this earth, and in each of us. I believe that we must tend to all of the parts of ourselves to live a life that feels healthy and balanced. I tend to look at things from a systemic lens; I believe if one area of our life feels out of balance, chances are our whole being will feel out of whack. I invite you to take a more holistic approach to your healing by taking an inventory of these 5 elements and relating to how you are currently integrating them into your life. As you reflect on each element, think about what they mean to you, and how you can invite more of this element into your life for wellness.                             

ELEMENT OF AIR

What it Represents: Inspiration, Wisdom, Knowledge

Questions to Ask Yourself: In which ways am I tending to my mental health? Do I feel like I am intellectually challenged? What makes me feel inspired? Do I put time aside to cultivate inspiration?

What's helped me personally: Continued education and learning. Therapy. Unscheduled "dream" time. Time in nature. Balance of alone time and time with others. Challenging thoughts. Philosophical discussions. Articles, books, and movies that allow me to see things from a different perspective. Listening to music.

ELEMENT OF FIRE

What it Represents: Passion, Movement, Sensuality

Questions to Ask Yourself: What gives me that "spark?" Am I currently doing things in my life that I am passionate about? What makes me feel good in my body? 

What's helped me personally: Exploring my spirituality, both with self and others. Walks in the park. Stretching. Massage. Hot showers. Dancing. Starting my own businesses. Physical touch. Creative pursuits. Being present with my emotions. Following my impulses.

ELEMENT OF WATER

What it Represents: Intuition, Dreams, Nurturing

Questions to Ask Yourself: What can I do to allow more flow into my life? Am I getting enough rest? What does my inner child need? How can I tune in to my intuition better?

What's helped me personally: Paying attention to symbols, signs, and dreams. Resting and slowing down when I need to. Being gentle with myself and checking in to see what I need. Trusting in myself and my higher power. Meditation. Pets. Soft blankets. Hot tea. Tarot cards. Visualization. Shamanic journeying. Connection with others.

ELEMENT OF EARTH

What it Represents: Groundedness, Physical Form, Abundance

Questions to Ask Yourself: What grounds me and brings me "back to earth?" How is my diet? Am I taking good care of my body? Do I have good boundaries with others? How is my financial health and security? 

What's helped me personally: Continued growth in my career. "Back to basics" (making sure I'm getting enough sleep, eating nutritionally, tending to my health, drinking enough water). Being clear and realistic with my boundaries around time. Walks in the park, and laying in the grass. Structure (a continual struggle in my life!). 

ELEMENT OF SPIRIT

What it Represents: Connection, Soul, Purpose

Questions to Ask Yourself: What gives me a sense of purpose? What are my spiritual beliefs, and how can I live by them? How is my connection with my self and others? How do I deepen my relationship to the Universe/Source/God/Goddess/My Higher Self (insert spiritual belief here)? 

What's helped me personally: Mindfulness. Meditation. Deep breathing. Shamanic journeying. Practicing mediumship. Community. Rituals, celebration, and connection with others. Faith and trust. Nature and Animals.

After looking through this list, do you feel like there are any areas of your life that feel imbalanced? Are there any goals that you'd like to make for better health and well-being? Sometimes having an accountability buddy can help you achieve changes in your life and develop new habits--whether that's a trusted friend or family member, a spiritual advisor, a therapist, or a coach. Humans are wired for connection and for survival. We are not meant to go through life's struggles and joys by ourselves. I hope you are inspired to find what "balance" means for you, and know that you don't have to be alone it!

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Are you unsure of which reading would be most helpful for you at this time? Here’s a brief description of some of the services that I offer so that you can decide what feels right. As always, I'm available for questions here if you need more clarity.

Tarot Readings
There are many different ways to work with Tarot. Some use cards for wisdom or inspiration. Others use them as writing prompts, or as an oracle for spiritual guidance. Some play games. I mostly use Tarot as a tool to channel helpful information for myself and others, to deepen understanding around a certain area of my life (or others), or as guidance for next steps to explore or to take action. Sometimes I will pull a card to see how the message and/or image shows up in the rest of my day, or as a way to focus my attention.

The one-card Tarot reading is a quick check in about an area of your life with which you’d like more information, or if you’d just like general information that your guides would like you to know at this time for your highest good. The more in depth Tarot card reading uses a 3-6 card spread (again, around a specific question or for general info). Both types of Tarot readings include a “write up” that will be e-mailed to you, that includes descriptions of the card, any helpful information that you may need to know, any action steps that you can take, and/or things to be on the lookout for. Since every person and every issue is unique, so is each reading.

Shamanic Reading
If you’d like a Shamanic reading, the first thing I do is pull a Tarot card with your concern or question in mind. I then go on a Shamanic journey on your behalf and meet with guides and helpers who will give me information related to what you have asked. Often I meet with power animals who have messages too. At the end of my journey, I will provide a write up of any information that I received, the meaning of the Tarot card, and let you know of any animals that I came in contact with, and their messages for you.

Mediumship Reading
A medium reading is a live reading (either through online video or in person) where I will connect to your loved ones in spirit. The first part of the reading I will explain a little bit about the process and what to expect and answer any questions that you may have. And then we’ll jump right in! Please note that I’m not able to necessarily connect to the specific loved ones who you have in mind. I don’t have control over who comes through or what information that loved ones want to give to me. But I always set the intention before we start that only spirits come through to me who are associated with you or someone you care about, and that the messages are for your highest good. Not to worry—I never connect to “bad” energy or get messages that are not loving. I often get that question, so just wanted to mention that so that you know that there is nothing to fear.

Coaching Session
Are you looking for guidance and clarity, but not necessarily a reading? I'm a licensed therapist in CO, and also a life coach who could help either in person in one of my Denver offices or through online video. For more information about the counseling services that I offer, or to schedule a coaching or therapy consultation, visit me here.

Scheduling or Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me. I won't bite, I promise! To schedule a reading, simply visit https://Flylikearaven.as.me/ for instant access to my schedule. I wish you all the best!