Charlotte by Alex
About a year ago I had to have my cat Charlotte put to sleep. She was one of the most
beautiful cats I have ever known. It was really hard to do. I had Charlotte for about 17 years and
was quite attached to her. She had gotten older, as cats do. But one day she would not eat her
food. And for Charlotte that was a big deal because Charlotte loved to eat. At that point I knew
something was very wrong. I began to cry. Looking back I must have known that it was time to
say goodbye to her.
I had spoken to Kat (one of Foretell’s psychics) about this earlier. She had said, “you will
know when it is time.” Well, it certainly was time. I took Charlotte to the vet. The prognosis was
not good. Even if they fixed her up there was no guarantee that I wouldn’t have to come back in a
month or so and go through it all again.
I agonized over the decision again and again, but in the end I just wanted Charlotte’s
suffering to stop. At about 8:30 in the morning I gave the ok for the vet to put her to sleep. The
vet gave her the injection. I held her in my arms until she was gone. I could not stop crying. Even
now, recounting it over a year later is still difficult.
That day was August 15, 2009. After that day, for three weeks straight I would sit every
day at 8:30 am to remember Charlotte. And I cried and cried and cried. After a while I began to
wonder what this was all about.
Now I am no stranger to processing my emotions, or past lives. I had had the good
fortune to do several years of workshops around 1994-1996 with a top notch trance channel, and
more or less have devoted myself to clearing out all my past karma. (This has taken over 15
years).
But somehow this seemed different. I mean, crying every day for three weeks straight –
over a cat? Most people would agree this sounds strange (including me). I talked again to Kat
about this whole thing. I really wanted to know where this was all coming from. And I knew from
experience that it had to be either from this life or a past life.
As Kat related it, Charlotte and I had been together for something like 15 lifetimes where
we had been together over 10 years each time. So there was a strong connection from that. I had
know about previous lives with Charlotte, but there was another one waiting to surface.
It turned out that I had been a monk in a French Monastery in the Pyrenees a long time
ago. I am not sure of the exact time frame but I think it was between around 1200 and 1400 AD.
At that time, Charlotte had been a wild cat. She was not as big as a mountain lion, but somewhat
smaller, although larger than a regular house cat. I think she had black tufts on the tips of her
ears.
Charlotte apparently wasn’t a good hunter, so she would go scrounging around for food.
And being a monastery, we had a kitchen and must have left the back door open. At some point
we became aware that Charlotte was coming into the kitchen looking for food. I think many of us
in the monastery became enamored of her, myself especially. I think we began leaving food for
her. I was told that I was the only one Charlotte would let near her. I don’t know if I was actually
able to touch her or not. But for whatever reason, she took a liking to me.
After some time, one day during prayers, we heard a loud rumble. Charlotte had been
living in a cave somewhere down the mountainside under the monastery, and the roof of the cave
had collapsed. We rushed down there as fast as we could, but there was nothing we could do. The
rocks were too big. And even if we could have moved them, it was too late for Charlotte.
So that was the major piece of the puzzle that was missing. Knowing this hasn’t changed
the way I feel. But it does put everything in perspective. There have been some difficult days, and
I can’t say that the last year has been especially encouraging for me, largely because of losing
Charlotte. But I think I am getting through this, and I think the fact that I can write this now is
testimony to that. I just wanted to say thanks to Cat for helping me understand what was going
on.
Soulmate
by: Robert Johannsen
We know there are magical signs once we meet our soulmates face to face. Expect it to be not ordinary. Imagine a fairy-tale coming alive. Most certainly, there would be sparks flying, butterflies in the stomach, stuttered sentences, ease of communication, physical attractions, love-at-first-sights, answered prayers, love remembered from dreams; in other words, a soulmate connection.
At first, the connection may be quite dream-like and a little too overwhelming until it turns into a vague familiarity. It may also be intense there may be no words to describe it perfectly. Details of soulmate connections can every so often overpower love itself. It’s spirit-lifting. It’s addictive. It’s without doubt a “connection” between two hearts. It’s beyond anything you have experienced. Meeting your soulmate at this time and age is a rare gift, one who’s interested needs to plumb the depths of all possibilities, if not, just wait for it to happen. But for some, waiting can be as dreadful as searching without finding the “right one”. So might as well go for it and enjoy every second of your “finding your soulmate expedition”. At least, you will not tell yourself you did not try.
Romance novels and studies on “finding your soulmate” have it all- the unbelievable peaks and lows people go through just to meet their soulmates. And their stories have all one thing to say- once they have met their soulmates, it was as if they have known and loved each other before. And they can’t wait to spend their lives with each other forever.
With all these far-fetched concepts about soulmate connection, who then do you think wouldn’t do anything for love? If it’s that heavenly perfect, anyone will surely risk anything just to experience it. How about you? How far would you go for love?
It’s every girl’s dream for sure – to meet her soulmate and experience a soulmate connection. Because if the feeling is euphoric, why not? If meeting your soulmate is all you think of and soulmate connection has captured your creative imagination and loving heart, it becomes hard-wired into your brain. It’s all you’re going to think of and focus on. The best thing about finding your soulmate is that you will love with a pure heart and with the cleanest intention to give your all to that one special person.
Robert Johannsen MA is a psychology and freelance author living in British Columbia. Robert’s articles on Psychology, Relationships and Popular Culture have been published in numerous magazines in Canada, the US and the UK.
by: Paul Jerard
I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate a Yoga Teacher? The following is the “CALM check list.”These factors are basic criteria that your Yoga Instructor should meet before you continue on to a second Yoga class. CALM gets its name from four main factors: Communication, Assist, Listen, and Modification. For the right Yoga teacher, you should be answering with a “yes” to all questions.
Communication: Does your Yoga teacher talk to you, and other students, in a manner of mutual respect? Can you ask a question during class time? Does your teacher show compassion for you and other students? Does your Yoga teacher take the time to lead you through a guided meditation or relaxation? Meditation and relaxation are major aspects of Yoga practice. There are Yoga teachers who just want to get “their workout” done. Beware of Yoga teachers, who are so important, they don’t have time for you. Some students love this air of superiority and, unfortunately, some people love abuse. If you want to learn Yoga, you need an open line of communication with your Yoga teacher.
Assist: Does your teacher care about your form? Will your teacher give you a verbal or physical assist during your Yoga class? Are props encouraged in your Yoga classes? Some students never have major problems with alignment and some do, but if your teacher doesn’t give verbal cues, what does that tell you?
Listen: Does your Yoga teacher take the time to listen to your feedback? Is your teacher “in the moment” with the class? Once in a while, there is a Yoga instructor who runs, “The-it’s-all-about-me-show.”You are not going to learn anything from this type of teaching. Beginners will be put at risk, trying to keep up with a seasoned Yoga teacher who doesn’t explain anything.
Modification: Does your Yoga teacher allow modifications and props? If your teacher discourages props, you are in the wrong place. Some students will need props for life depending upon their range of motion. Just because a teacher can do a posture without props, doesn’t mean every student can.
Summary: Stay away from abusive Yoga teachers, and if you are attracted to abuse, there is always professional help. Some students crave “the stern, but loving parent” types. They will push you harder, but how much pushing do you really need? Respect is a two way street, and you deserve as much respect as your Yoga teacher does. Let common sense be your guide. You should feel good after a Yoga class, and you might even feel muscle soreness days after a vigorous class. Make sure your Yoga teacher meets the above criteria before making a commitment.
by: Reno Charlton
Birthstones have been around since ancient times, and in those days were believed to possess some magical force that could protect the owner or wearer of the stone. These birthstones were traditionally linked to the Zodiac. However, modern birthstones are linked to calendar months, and each month has its own unique birthstone, with its own fabled properties. Many people love to wear jewellery set with their birthstone, as the ancient meanings and associations with these stones still intrigue them. You can get many types of jewellery containing birthstones, such as birthstone rings, a birthstone pendant and birthstone earrings. Giving someone an item of jewellery set with their birthstone is a touching and wonderful gift, and whether you give them a birthstone ring, a birthstone pendant or a birthstone brooch, it is something that they are likely to treasure forever because it has real meaning and significance. Below you will find a listing of each of the birthstones used today.
January
The birthstone for this month is the garnet, which was once thought to be connected with the blood. This stone is supposed to protect the wearer from nightmares and offer guidance through the dark.Garnets are long lasting and durable gems, with a fiery, ravishing beauty. This is type of gem that the wearer will treasure forever, no matter what item of jewellery it is set into. Garnets are traditionally thought of as deep red, but actually come in a wide range of colours, so there is something to suit every taste for this month.
February
The birthstone for this month is the amethyst, and the folklore attached to this gem associates it with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. This birthstone as also been linked to improving the skin and preventing baldness, as well as protection from deceit, so it has a lot to live up to! The amethyst birthstone comes in varying shades of purple, and can be a pale lilac in colour. On the other end of the scale, you can also get deep violet amethysts, which means that you can enjoy a birthstone that is as subtle or as rich as you like. This birthstone is very hardwearing, and its strength and durability will ensure that it lasts for a very long time.
March
This month’s birthstone is aquamarine, which has been linked to the making of new friends as well as affection and love, hope and health. This stone was once also thought to protect those at sea. As the name of this birthstone suggests, it is a green-blue in colour and has a rich, sparkling look. You can get aquamarine birthstones in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can also get this stone in varying shades of green-blue.
April
One of the most popular gems throughout history, diamonds are the birthstone for this month, and these stones are linked to love, eternity and strength. This has contributed towards diamonds being the most popular gems of all time when it comes to romance, such as engagement rings and wedding bands. Diamonds are very strong and hardwearing, making them the perfect birthstone to wear on a daily basis. You can enjoy many different cuts of this stone, and the fiery, glamorous sparkle given off by diamonds is positively captivating.
May
This month’s birthstone is the beautiful emerald, once linked to health and the curing of ailments, as well as being associated with the ability to see in to the future, giving them an almost bewitching, magical reputation. These fiery green gems are amazing to look at, and can be found in a variety of shapes and cuts. The beauty and richness of this stone makes it the perfect gem for birthstone jewellery, and is something that the wearer can show off and take pride in for a long time.
June
The elegant pearl is the birthstone for the month of June, and this gem has been linked with chastity and modesty, making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are also linked to successful and happy marriages. These round, stunning birthstones come in a variety of colours, and a range of sizes. Pearls can look spectacular yet modest in all manner of jewellery from birthstone rings, to earrings and necklaces, making them a perfect gift.
July
The birthstone for this month is the ravishing ruby, a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony. This birthstone has been mined since ancient times, and boasts a spectacular beauty. Deep red in colour, rubies are stunning birthstones that will liven up and enhance any piece of jewellery. These gems have a unique, vivid and fiery appearance that would delight anyone.
August
The birthstone for the month of August is peridot, which was commonly linked with protection against evil and night terrors, as well as a gem that enhanced the properties of healing drugs. Lime green in colour, this birthstone is a by-product of volcanic action, and comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This birthstone gives off its own unique energy, and is strong and durable.
September
Sumptuous sapphire is the birthstone associated with September, and this gem has been linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight. It was thought that the stronger the sparkle of the gem, the more faithful and honest the wearer. These birthstones look stunning in all types of jewellery, especially in white gold and platinum metal. However, sapphires can come in other colours as well as blue. These are strong and durable gems that will last for years to come, and can be passed down to future generations.
October
The birthstone of October is the opal, a stone that has been linked to purity, hope and innocence. This gem has also been linked to healing forces, friendship and emotion, so it has experienced its fair share of folklore over the years. This type of birthstone comes in white or black, and both variations have remnants of other colours within them. Opals have a unique look and beauty, making them a very interesting birthstone with a strangely exquisite appearance.
November
The birthstone for this month is topaz, once linked with sanity, healing, and life, as well as being connected to strength by the ancient Greeks. This stone has even been linked to an ability to make the wearer invisible in dangerous situations. This birthstone comes in a range of colours, all of which will enhance any jewel with a fiery sparkle. Colours include golden, blue, pale green, pink and red, as well as some other rare colours. A stunning gem, topaz boasts both beauty and strength.
December
The given birthstone for December is turquoise, and this precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by. Turquoise can range in colour from mid-blue to a green-blue or light green colour, and this birthstone is unusual and beautiful, making it a very distinctive and unusual addition to any jewellery collection.
Summary
Giving a birthstone to someone special as a gift means giving so much more than just a piece of jewellery. The ancient meanings associated with each of these birthstones make them extra-special, giving them a quality that is impossible to achieve with any other gem. Whether you decide to give a birthstone ring, necklace earrings or any other piece of jewellery, you will always find stunning pieces where the precious metal and the birthstone complement one another perfectly. Birthstone jewellery makes a unique, beautiful, and affordable gift with real sentiment behind it.
I’ve been thinking about doing this blog for a while now but I felt it would bring up a lot of issues about suddenly losing my Mother and my Grandfather last year. Then I realized it would help me to talk it out with those who have gone through similar experiences and who have also sensed, like I have, that their loved ones are trying to communicate with us from beyond. I know that I am not alone, so I would love to have everyone share and discuss their stories as I will with you. -Namaste, Gabrielle.
Posted July 26th, 2010
I wanted to share an interesting story with everyone; since my mother passed I have felt her presence in more ways than one. I have also noticed that my “psychic sense” has grown stronger and stronger, no doubt this is her energy passed onto me. But sensing something is one thing, it’s subjective and can only be expressed in feelings, but there have been events, which have been strong enough to penetrate into the material world, which I cannot logically explain. Before my mother found out her Cancer had come back, before we knew anything was wrong, I was house hunting and, as always she was so happy to tag along and be my rock through my first experiences. There was one house in particular which she loved and knowing my love for modern she knew I loved it too. At the time the house seemed very much out of reach for me. A month later we found out she had a reoccurrence and I was soon finding my self back on an airplane to be with her, that’s all I could think of. Things progressed fast and before I could digest anything, she was gone. Devastated and lost, my life had changed and nothing seemed important anymore. As the months passed I found my self, exhausted, numb and in survival mode. I had a lot of responsibilities and she had told me “You of all people can not lose it, you have to keep it together for everyone.” Talk about pressure. And I did, I don’t know how but I did. As the months passed I found myself longing for my own retreat and having that I knew was my only saving grace. I thought about the house she had gone to see with me and I kept feeling my self drawn back and wondering, maybe I should give this a shot. I took a drive over to see the house and there it was still for sale and drastically reduced in price. Now all I can say from here was that in the process of buying this house, we had come across every imaginable roadblock to a mortgage but magically every problem we came across got solved with persistence. I remember at one point my mortgage lender saying, “Your mother must be helping.” Long story short, we got the house. Now I know what you’re going to say, this all seems like it could happen to anyone and there nothing otherworldly here, but I have not finished my story. When my husband and I went to the house for inspection, we were both taking pictures, after we left he said to me, “You know I smelled your moms perfume upstairs.” (This is often how we know she is around.) But the strange part is when I got home and uploaded the photos, I noticed a glowing orb in one of the images, not thinking anything of it, I kept looking at more photos. And then I came a across another photo with the same glowing orb. My husband had taken this second photo. To make it even more uncanny, the two photos were of the same exact spots in house but from two different angles. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, when my mom came to see the house with me she was in this spot in the house and I remember it like yesterday, she was in this spot looking at blue prints of the house only six months before. This is a digital camera; there is no negative to blame, no explanation, IT WAS HER! She wanted to be there and would not have it any other way.- Gabrielle
