Hello to everyone and another month has gone by!  Mother Nature has been doing some amazing things over the last few weeks, in the USA they have been going through an Arctic Vortex which sounds like it belongs in a Science Fiction movie and very exciting when in reality it must have been extremely frustrating and so deadly.  It’s hard to imagine that parts of America were actually colder than the Arctic!

Here in Australia we have been going through some incredibly hot temperatures, please remember your animals at this time and even native animals / birds and make sure that there is plenty of water for them to drink and for your own pets, shade.  And with the soaring temperatures comes the bushfires, again everyone, stay safe.

This months newsletter is jammed packed with information.  A welcome to Dean French a Feng Shui expert who shares his knowledge of the Year of the Horse and hopefully each month some great Feng Shui tips for around the home, office and your life in general.

I am also pleased to welcome Nathan Ho – Nathan is a very dear soul and is an Angel Therapist and Clairvoyant Healer – he will be bringing us a message each month from an angel.

Now, my very big news that I am so VERY EXCITED to announce is that I am going to be holding a WEEKEND SPIRITUAL RETREAT the first one is to be held on Friday, 28^th March through to the Sunday, 30^th March at beautiful Fingal Bay in the Port Stephens area.  The second will be held on Friday, 5^th September through to the Sunday, 7^th September the cost is $440 per person and includes:

•             accommodation for 2 nights;

•             6 healthy meals as well as snacks and morning and afternoon tea (OK chocolate isn’t healthy but I’m sure it’s one of the recommended daily foods!!!!)

•             A ½ hour one on one personal reading with me, which will be recorded and emailed to you.

•             A mix of my workshops – Learning Psychometry, How to use a pendulum, Listening to your inner voice/guides and recognising messages, creating a vision board – setting goals, meeting your spirit guide. (These will take place on the Saturday)

•             Three guided meditations

•             Discussion groups – bring topics you would like to discuss, throughout the weekend.

•             You will have free time to just chill out and relax or go for a walk along the beach.

If you are interested in coming along and meeting like-minded people:-

Please email me Katrina@katrina-jane.com to make sure that there is a vacancy.  More information can be found on my website www.katrina-jane.com – under Workshops.

There is a lot happening at this time of year – on 31^st January it is the Chinese New Year where we will be going into the Year of the Horse.  A few things to remember on this important date according to Chinese culture:-

• Your behaviour on New Year’s Day sets the tone for the following year.  So think carefully about what you do!
• If you cut your hair on New year’s Day, you may cut off good fortune
• Wear red on New Year’s Day – it scares away evil spirits
• If you have a big clean up just before New Year’s Day you’ll rid your house of bad fortune and make room for New Year good luck!

A big welcome to Dean French who is a Master of Feng Shui – he has provided us with the following very informative information on the Year of the Horse.

The Lucky Year of the Horse – by Dean French

Welcome to the New Year, the year of the Yang Wood Horse (Jia-Wu). This is the halfway point in the cycle of 60 years and could turn out to be very karmic. It looks like there will be no in-betweens, either you will be up, or you will be down. I want to share some Feng Shui and Astrological advice here so that your year will mainly be up!

One good aspect is that the Lunar New Year (the first new moon for 2014) falls before the Solar New Year. In general this is considered a lucky omen for the 12 months ahead.

There are 2 main rituals to be carried out before the Lunar New Year – the first is to ‘bribe’ the Kitchen God (Zao Jun), the second is to welcome the Wealth God Cai Shen for the year.

The Kitchen God is a bit like Santa, he knows who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. His job is to report this to Heaven so the appropriate karma can be meted out. If you’re not sure whether you will be rewarded or punished, then on the 23rd of January 2014 prepare sweets, cakes and fruit to serve to the Kitchen God while you are having dinner. Set up a small altar on or near the stove before you eat. Place the food items and burn sticks of sweet smelling incense around the altar. Once you have finished dinner, come back to the kitchen and thank the Kitchen God for his positive reports and a lucky year ahead. He will return on the 4th of February, so most Chinese will set up the altar again to welcome him.

The 25th of January is to be a day of cleaning and removing the rubbish built up from the previous year. Sweep out the old and start anew with fresh Qi and a fresh outlook.

The Wealth God arrives on the 5th of February. It is traditional to welcome him with a feast prepared the night before (but don’t insult him by re-using the Kitchen God’s welcome back meal!). Set up a small altar in the Southwest or if you have a compass, then in Northeast 3 (52.5°-67.5°) of your house and write down your financial goals and wishes for the coming year. Light 9 different types of incense sticks at the same time at 9am, if one goes out replace it until 11am. Leave the wishes and offerings there all day then at 6pm sincerely offer your wishes and goals to the Wealth God and burn them on a plate or in a metal tin.

Feng Shui wise – The Year God Tai Sui is in the South in 2014, so avoid any earthworks, renovations or disturbances here for the year. The San Sha (Three Thieves) are in the North. Keep this area locked up tight to avoid robbery.

In the Flying Stars (Xuan Kong Fei Xing) the annual 8 lucky star is in the South with the Year God. Since movement will disturb Tai Sui we don’t want to use a water feature for the 8, so instead add 8 pieces of citrine, or a large crystal, a beautiful piece of pottery or ceramic to support the Earth energy. The 5 disaster star is in the Northwest, use metal objects or 6 I-Ching coins to reduce its influence.

These are just a few tips to get your 2014 started on an up note, I wish everyone a great year and hope that your wishes and dreams come true. Gong Xi Fa Cai! (or if you prefer Cantonese – Gong Hee Fat Choy!).

If you have any questions regarding my Feng Shui services you can contact me on 0413 976 293.

Pagan Festival – Lughnasadh

In the Southern Hemisphere it is also time to celebrate Lughnasadh! (pronounced Loo-nah-sah)or  it may be called Lammas – it is celebrated on either the 1st or 2nd February and this year it is on the 2nd February.

What is it I hear you ask!  It is a harvest festival, a time to reflect and celebrate on what you have harvested in your own life over the past year, a time to reflect on what you have and be thankful for it.

At this time of year we are reminded that even though we are surrounded by bounty, the wheel of seasons is slowly turning and we are going into the winter months.

It is also a time to show appreciation for all that you have received, whether actual or emotional, as in you give thanks for new confidence and to celebrate life.

This is the time of year to de-clutter your homes and minds, give things to charity, start meditating, volunteer – I think you know what I’m talking about!

If you have an altar, you may wish to do a little ritual of cleansing your home with a smudge stick and then lighting a candle and reflecting on and writing down things that you regret.  As you write these things down, farewell them as it is time to let them go.

In a safe environment burn your list and as you watch the smoke go up to the sky say goodbye to those things and be ready to move forward.

And then focus on the next phase of the year!

A message from: – Chiron by Nathan Ho

This month, to celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year and the energy of the Wood Horse, we bring you a message from the centaur, Chiron;

“Greetings and blessings on the turn of the lunar cycles Dear Ones! It marks a time of gathering what you’ve got, accepting what you’ve got, working with what is avaialble to you, and making the very best of the situations and opportunities that come to you. Regardless of how things appear by appearance, sometimes, even the most deceiving or unexpected of appearances can generate results that surpass your expectations. This is a year to gallop ahead, whilst at the same time, healing your old views, thoughts, beliefs, and expectations about how things should appear or come to you. As there is a healer within each and every one of you, that means that you all have the potential to overcome your challenges and obstacles in the past and present. Let go of what gave you your discomfort and know that as this is a new cycle, you are free and welcome to start fresh. You are all ever so beautiful and always have been. Whatever form you may take on or whatever way in which you choose to express yourself, this is an indicator that through life, there are many paths to take, many roads to walk, and however you approach these is entirely up to you as it is your personal journey. Do not be bewildered or discouraged by those who expect you to conform to their ideals and expectations, for being a healer in every walk of life is about you being authentic. Holding back your feelings, thoughts, and emotions, is what keeps you stuck, generates imbalances in your energy, and gives you more to worry about. Be true to yourself and be true in accepting what life has to offer you. A healer’s journey may seem full of obstacles at first, however, once you get going, once momentum builds, these things are lifted from you, and your light can shine, the fire can burn brighter and brighter. Being empowered and being able to take courageous steps in life, comes from being able to work through your own things and live and lead by example in being the best that you can, accepting what life has to offer.”

Nathan is dear friend of Katrina and is an Angel Therapist and Clairvoyant Healer. He combines his talents with his experience as a Primary School teacher to enlighten and inspire children and adults of all ages. Nathan conducts Clairvoyant Healing sessions and teaches workshops on intuitive development to Children and Adults. Nathan is passionate about working with people from all different walks of life to empower them to find the best in themselves and to reach for the stars.

http://www.nathanstar.com

Astrology – by Michelle Oberdorf

Spotlight on: Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) –

From Monday January 20 until February 18, 2014 we move into the time of year where the Sun will occupy the sign of Aquarius. Aquarius is one of the signs (along with Gemini and Libra) which is associated with the Air element of the intellect, learning, abstract reasoning, communication, idealism, and, being objective, rational, logical and broadminded. Some keywords for Aquarius include: independence, inventiveness, humanitarianism, being unconventional, friendly, altruistic, idealistic, progressive and possibly impersonal, detached and even eccentric. Aquarians may be quite society-oriented, preferring group egalitarianism over hierarchical relationships.

Aquarius is ruled by the planet Uranus. Some keywords associated with Uranus include: rebellion, freedom, originality, genius, science, electricity, astrology, being futuristic, and bohemian. Strong Uranian types, or people with Uranus strong in their chart would likely display some of these tendencies (eg in Aquarius, in the sign it rules, known as being “in Dignity”), Sun in Aquarius, many planets in Aquarius or Uranus in the 11th house, the house on the zodiac wheel Aquarius naturally represents if we start from the Autumn/Spring Vernal Equinox point of 0 degrees Aries. This is known as “Accidental Dignity”). In the body, it rules the nervous system, circulation, and the ankles. It also governs sudden and unexpected change. As the first transpersonal planet (ie beyond Saturn, the traditional boundary of the known Universe), it is considered a breaker of traditions and barriers.

Currently, the “Great Awakener”, Uranus, is making its way through the self-oriented sign of Aries by transit for the first time in 84 years. It has done so since March 2011 and will remain there until March 2019. It is currently sitting at 09 degrees 01 minutes. Anyone with their Sun at this degree – having their birthday on 30 March or 5 days either side, or who have important angles (eg Ascendant, Midheaven) on or near this degree may feel restless, possibly to the point of an exciting “shake up” in their lives, which may be self-imposed (or otherwise). You may undergo a personal revolution, step into your own original, unique self, and move towards the freedom from repression to a more authentic, individual expression. The winds have arrived, and they whisper “change.”

Next month’s Spotlight is on Pisces.

If you would like to have a personal astrology chart done or just for more information please contact Michelle on: 0404 464 740 or michelle.oberdorf@gmail.com.

Eye of the Tiger the protective stone –  by Trudie

Greetings to all and a belated Happy New Year! This year is settling down after a hectic Dec/January when my partner and I moved house, embarking on a new life in the glorious Blue Mountains. As we know, 2014 is a Seven Year. All things, including numbers, have particular vibrational frequencies within the Universe which gives numbers their spiritual power. The number 7 asks us to search for our greatest potential. This is a year where our ability to dream and receive guidance through the dream state becomes greatly heightened. We will each be asked to walk a path of truth and personal integrity ,to strive for higher goals other than financial success and wealth.   A year when the alliance is again established between the unseen and the seen,  as more awaken to the remembrance of the seeds of wisdom we each carry inside. As I turned to Spirit for guidance regarding a crystal for the current times, I was immediately told, “Tigers Eye”!

Tigers eye is a very protective stone. It has a powerful, dynamic energy with a watchful quality to it. After all, there is a reason this stone is called Tigers Eye!

Unlike other protective stones, Tigers eye can also help balance and clear emotions, thus contributing to a calm mind and peaceful disposition.

Specific colours of your Tigers eye stone – from golden yellow to deep reds – will also express, in different degrees, a strengthening and grounding energy. Tigers eye also has a mystical, opalescent quality to it, and the combination of solid black colour stripes with shimmering gold, browns and reds make for a very special stone indeed.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT TIGERS EYE?

It is both a grounding and uplifting crystal and can encourage feelings of self-worth and confidence in our own abilities. It can promote a positive attitude, assist us in accomplishing our goals and help us to recognise our own talents and abilities.

Tiger’s Eye is said to enhance our own personal power, release blocked creativity, and to bring  success, it can be used to help balance the Solar Plexus Chakra striking a balance between being self-assured and poised rather than self-absorbed or egotistical. It also prevents others from draining our energy from this important centre.

WHERE DOES TIGERS EYE COME FROM?  Most Tigers eye on the market comes from Australia, India, and South Africa.

Trudie Moore is a shamanic healer specialising in Soul Retrieval, and crystals are among the many tools she uses in her work. For more information visit: www.soulsurgery.net.au or join in the conversation on Facebook at: facebook.com/TrudieAnnspiritualhealing

It’s Never too late to …… laugh at yourself

As Dame Edna Everidge once said, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’ve missed the best joke in the world.  Life is far too short to take it too seriously, it’s always easier to laugh at others but much more difficult to laugh at ourselves, but give it a go, when you make a stupid mistake laugh at it, lighten the mood, you’ll feel better about yourself and others will think better of you.

Feng Shui – Basics

I bring to my newsletters some little bits and pieces of Feng Shui, which is pronounced Foong Schway, you can always go to my website to read my previous newsletters.

Each month we have been touching on the Celestial Cures, which are just ways to adjust the qi life energy flowing through your home and garden.

This month it’s the Fifth Celestial Cure – which is Colour.  In Feng Shui all white rooms are to be avoided as they drain energy and signify mourning – white is perfectly Ok if you splash bright colour around the room as in throw cushions, pictures on the wall in colours like cherry or red.  Cream invites much better energy than white.

For the outside of a home pastel colours radiate the best Feng Shui and surround you with harmonious energy.

Courses/Workshops and Retreats

Developing your Intuition and Clairvoyance one day workshop – Saturday, 1st March 2014 this workshop has a limit of 6 people and needs to be paid for prior to attendance to confirm your spot – all information on the workshop is on my website www.katrina-jane.com

** NEW** Weekend Spiritual Retreat – Friday, 28^th March – Sunday, 30^th March 2014 at Fingal Bay

And also Friday, 5^th September – Sunday, 7^th September 2014 at Fingal Bay – details in this newsletter and also on my webpage.

If you would like me to bring my workshop to your area – please email me at Katrina@katrina-jane.com

PSYCHIC PARTIES – I also do party groups where everyone has as 15 minute reading – this is lots of fun for baby showers, birthdays, hens nights etc and it is $25 per reading.  These readings aren’t burnt to disc because there are usually too many people and it just takes up too much time, but I am able to take notes or the person having the reading can take them if they wish.

GROUP OF FRIENDS – If you don’t want to go the whole hog with a psychic party but there are four or so friends that would like half hour readings, I will visit you in your home – as long as it’s within a certain radius of Newcastle!  As long as I have a private spot to sit and water to drink, I’m happy!!!  More details are on my website.

If there is anything that you would like to see in my newsletters, please let me know!  OR if you have something that you would like to contribute, I am happy to hear from you.  I want them to be interesting for you all to read.

Blessed be.

Love and Light Katrina