Since diving headfirst into my twelfth manuscript (working title: Reiki Rituals: Healing & Transformation through Embodied Practice), I've uncovered a lot of interesting practices, influences, and stories related to the roots of the system of Reiki. Some of the...
Over the course of the next week we will be experiencing some powerful astronomical events. Sunday is the new moon (and a solar eclipse that won't be visible for most of the planet), and Monday is the autumnal equinox. This combination holds the potential for deep...
The new year holds the promise of rebirth; it offers us a chance to refresh our heart and soul, to reinvent our stories, and to restart things that may have fallen by the wayside. It's a chance to plant seeds for the coming months and point ourselves toward the future...
Storm season is in full effect in Florida. As the effects of a hurricane-turned-tropical-storm scour the landscape, I can't help but reflect on the symbolism embodied in storms. One of my mentors in the world of crystal healing regarded storms as a synthesis of all...
Since the release date for Crystals for Psychic Self-Defense is nearing, I thought it would be fun to share a short excerpt about one of the most versatile protection stones I know: labradorite. Labradorite is a member...
Are you ready for the upcoming eclipse?Each time an eclipse heads our way, I'm always asked about putting crystals out to charge under these cosmic events. There are usually two differing perspectives cited: (1) eclipses offer powerful healing energy, so...
Here is a seemingly simply--but profound--healing meditation from my third book, Crystal Healing for the Heart: Gemstone Therapy for Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being. It's called the ruby breath, and it invokes the archetypal forces of ruby (strength,...
In honor of Valentine's Day, I wanted to share some of my favorite stones for cultivating a more loving and compassionate world, starting with the subject of the next masterclass.Ruby occurs when traces of chromium transform the mineral corundum into brilliant shades...
One of my favorite hands-on healing techniques shared in traditional Reiki is called nentatsu hō. The name translates as "method for reaching beyond thought/desire/habit," and is a helpful tool for generating new and healthy habits. It uses the power of Reiki to...
Fluorescent minerals have long fascinated me, ever since witnessing the dazzling display of them at the Gillespie Museum at Stetson University. I immediately set out to learn how they produce their otherworldly light and began to slowly add fluorescent crystals to my...
From time to time we all need a little help with our boundaries. You might experience a drain in pesonal energy from spending time at work or running errands. Or it might be that you have a hard time saying "no" when you have too much on your plate. It could even be...
Once every year and a half, Venus displays a curious phenomenon where it appears to move backwards across the sky. Although retrograde motion is an optical illusion, its effects have been noted by astrologers, mystics, and others since ancient eras. Currently, we are...
Summer always feels like the perfect season to explore art, expression, and creativity. Whether you're on break from school (or entertaining young ones who are), or just looking for an opportunity to bring more joy into your life, finding a way to unlock your creative...
It's no secret that I have an affinity for the rocks and minerals of Great Britain. My best friend Ashley Leavy and I planned an entire retreat around our mutual love for the unique geology and sacred landscapes of the British Isles. Last month I wrote a little about...
Perennially popular, amethyst once cost more than gold and diamonds, and it remained valuable until large deposits were uncovered in South America. Amethyst is classified as a semiprecious gemstone, and it is the best known birthstone for the month of February. This...
Arguably the most iconic part of most New Year's celebrations, fireworks have lit the night sky for centuries. A mixture of flammable fuel and other mineral substances elicits loud bangs and bright colors once ignited. What kinds of minerals are found in fireworks,...
In the bustle of the modern world, our focus is often drawn toward utility and practicality. Even spiritual practice tends to focus on tangible outcomes. As we enter holiday season, I invite you to slow down to cultivate wonder in your spiritual (and secular)...
As we settle further into fall, my heart has been connecting to the flowers that continue to bloom here in central Florida. Although the roadsides are dotted with goldenrod, arrowhead, and all kinds of aster, there is one plant that feels all the more emblematic of...
Since this month kicks off a flurry of Reiki-related events, I wanted to explore the deeper meaning of the character rei in Reiki. There's a lot packed into a handful of lines, and it points toward some of the deeper meanings of the system of Reiki. ...
Perhaps one of the very first uses of sacred stones and talismanic gems was to provide safety and protection under the auspices of the mineral kingdom. By flipping through the pages of a book of gemstone lore--ancient or modern--you’ll find many a stone with...