Return of the Soul
There other day I was having a conversation with a friend of mine about reincarnation, and I thought it would be an interesting topic to chat about. This topic more often that not, in my experience, sparks conversations surrounding on both if it is possible for a soul to return, and why this would occur. I have read plenty of stories about children who remembered their previous life. How they describe details of lives, places, and people they could not possibly have had prior knowledge of. The story of Dorothy Eady (also known as Om Sety), who, as a young girl, fell down the stairs, and, after seeming dead for a brief time, awoke remembering a separate life as an Egyptian Priestess. At a later visit to the New Kingdom temple exhibit at the British Museum, she was able to more fully remember her previous life, which sparked a life long passion for everything Egyptian. Other notable story is that of Titu Singh Toran, whose remembered past life as a smuggler/store owner seemed more real to him, at 4 years old, then his current life. He was able to accurately identify the city he had lived in, his previous name and occupation, his personality, how and where the died, accurately identify and name his previous wife and children, and even had birth marks on his head that matched the wounds from the murder of the previous man. (This case, however, brings up a question of reincarnation or soul replacement, due to some sketchy birth records). There are plenty more stories like these written about in books, and talked about in various TV specials. From all I have read, and what I know, I do believe in reincarnation. However, in this post I am not going to debate the possibility of its existence. Instead, I want to talk about the different theories of how it happens. There are as few versions that I find interesting (I hope you do as well).
Before reincarnation happens, it is generally thought that the soul goes through a process of remembering its life, processing what happened, seeing the lessons learned, and noting what was not learned/still needs to be learned. Some theories suggest that the decision to return lies with the soul, as does the particulars of the new life to be lived (what lessons to focus on, where and to whom to be born, the types of trials they will face, etc..), while others believe that those details are determined by a higher power, the higher self, the universe, etc.. depending on their beliefs. This is where the different theories come in.
One theory is that the soul is its own entity. It is part of a larger cosmic community, but it is an entity unto itself. Whether it determines its fate in the next life or not, it learns, grows, evolves, and ascends as a singular being that is part of a larger collective.
Another theory is that only a part of our whole self incarnates into a physical being. The larger “whole”, commonly referred to as the higher self, detaches a part of itself to incarnate on the physical plane to learn their necessary lessons, to experience new things, and gain new insights. This is possibly a step towards greater ascension. This theory brings up a question (at least it did to me), about earth bound spirits (ghosts) that do not return to the spirit realm/universe, but remain on earth. It would suggest that this part of the higher self remains fragmented until the spirit passes on (is successfully called back by the Higher Self), or is helped to pass on. In the latter case, would that then be considered moving them on, or soul retrieval instead?
Stemming from this theory of a higher self that fragments is another that suggests that the higher self fragments into every soul that is alive on the physical plane, all at one time. It is experiencing life from every perspective simultaneously. This is either happening all in the here and now (a linear timeline), or in every time (past, present, and future) as well. This theory would seem to suggest that the universe as we know it is not only the creation (on all levels) of one greater being, but IS this being. This theory also begs the question about earth bound spirits and soul retrieval.
Another theory that I was recently made aware of is of the soul being reincarnated in more than one body at a time. Unlike the previous theory, the Higher Self is not experiencing everyone, everywhere, but a few select souls at one time. This could happen in the present time, or perhaps in multiple times simultaneously. This could be another possibility for past life remembrance or soul replacement (where it appears one soul completely takes over a body they were not born into, or they share it with them).
As you can see, there are a few different theories to think about. There are some parallels between them, and they all stand on their own as solid theories. While not all of them will resonate with everyone, and every culture and religion has their own thoughts and beliefs on the possibility of reincarnation, it is interesting (at least I think it is) to think about how it works, what awaits us after this life, and what we hope (or would choose) to happen at that time. Most of these theories also bring up questions about Earth bound spirits, what clearing them/helping them pass on does for us. A question for another post perhaps?
If you do believe in reincarnation, I wonder which of these theories most resonates with you. Had you heard of them before? Did you know there was more than one theory about reincarnation? Did you learn about one that resonates with you or makes more sense to you now? Did I miss one? I would love to know.

If you have ever read or watched a fantasy, sci-fi, or superhero story you are probably familiar with the term “kinesis”. It is the root of the words for popular super abilities like telekinesis and pyrokinesis. The word Kinesis is a Greek term meaning “motion”, “movement”, or “agitation” of something in response to some kind of stimulus. These abilities, and others like them, are all about the manipulation of tangible (ex. metal or water) and intangible (ex. thoughts or light) things.
There are two terms that are used to describe this kind of manipulation. Though similar, they are separate. The first is psychokinesis, which describes applying mental control over physical objects in general. The second is telekinesis, which specifically covers mentally manipulating objects from a distance.
There are probably as many names for these kinds of manipulation as there are things that can be manipulated. Each one using a different but specific prefix added to the root “kinesis”. Some lesser known ones are Aero (air), Geo/Terra (earth/rock), Hydro (water), Photo (light), Electro (electricity), and Ferro (metal).
Generally when we think of these things, we categorize them in the realm of “superpower”, fantasy, and certainly not a typical human ability. We don’t often take them very seriously. However, what if I told you that light workers, healers, witches, and even everyday people use kinetic abilities all the time? We don’t really think of them as a special ability per se, and they are never termed as anything fantastical when we read about them. In fact, most books, teachers, and tutorials present them as natural human abilities, if only we learn how to tap into them. They are not wrong; allow me to explain.
We have all likely noticed how time seems to go faster when we are having fun, and slower when we are not. While actual time manipulation seems a fantasy, as we are not able to just stop time or travel forward or back at will, we are able to change our perception of time and its passing by changing our feelings and attitudes towards it, and the situation. This is a form of Chronokinesis. If you practice lucid dreaming, where you know you are dreaming and can control what happens within the dream, that is a form of Oneirokinesis.
If you are a practicing witch, medium, empath, or energy healer you have probably learned how to  shield yourself for protection. This would be considered Force-Field Telekinesis, which is the act of creating a barrier with telekinetic energy. Casting a circle could also be classified under this.
Healers can use a few different kinetic abilities in their practice. When we are healing ourselves, or facilitating the healing of someone else using energy (like Reiki or other hands-on healing techniques) there is the possibility that the cells or the molecules that make up our very bodies are being manipulated in some way (regenerated, reprogrammed, or otherwise stimulated) in order to attain the desired results. These would be forms of Biokinesis (cells) or Molekinesis (molecules). These terms can also be used when we talk about energetically helping plants to grow, healing pets, and even manifesting certain things. When someone’s aura is being worked with energetically (usually to facilitate healing), this could be considered Spatial Telekinesis, which is the manipulation of the space around objects.
As you can see, there are many different kinds of kinetic abilities, and not all of them fall square in the realm of fantasy and fiction. There are plenty of practitioners that utilize these very helpful skills nearly every day. Are you one of them? Do you know someone who does? Had you heard these terms before? I would love to know. 

*Note: Scents can be harmful as well as helpful. Please, be aware and considerate of your own allergies/sensitivities and those of the people around you/that will also occupy your space. Nothing written here is in lieu of/can replace professional medical advice. Always perform a patch (dilute oils first) or sniff test before using an oil/herb/etc.. Always research an herb/oil or ask a qualified professional before ingesting/using. Not all herbs are safe to ingest, use, burn. Please be safe and responsible.
 
Good or bad, scent can trigger the earliest and deepest memories. How we perceive or react to particular smells can be cultural, but is also influenced by our own emotions and experiences. Scent travels through different parts of our brains to create unique sensory experiences and memories. The olfactory cortex distinguishes one odor from another, the thalamus connects odor messages to higher thought functions, and the neocortex analyzes those odor messages and helps to relate them to other senses and higher brain functions that stimulate conscious thought.
 
Historically, anthropologists speculate, people started burning gums and resins as incense. Eventually people started adding fragrant plants to animal fats and vegetable oils, and between 7000 and 4000 BC olive and sesame oils became popular for this. These plant infused oil concoctions were used for many purposes; both personal and religious. Not only were they used to heal wounds, and protect hair and skin, they were also used to perfume the skin, for massage, and to anoint the body (for ritual and other religious/sacred practices). Frankincense was used a lot in churches to not only cleanse/purify spaces and souls, but the monks also knew of its effectiveness at combating depression. Even then they realized how different scents could affect someone’s mood and emotions.
 
Different scents can affect the body and brain in different ways. Scents like Clary Sage and grapefruit stimulate the thalamus, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang can activate the pituitary gland for endorphin production, and Marjoram can trigger the secretion of serotonin from the  naphe nucleus.  Studies have also shown that Rosemary can increase cognitive performance involving memory and recall speed, Peppermint can help ease headaches, Chamomile reduces stress, and Eucalyptus can help support respiratory health. All these benefits can be had without ingesting or applying oils/herbs directly to the skin.
 
There are many different ways available to utilize aromatherapy for personal and sacred use. Oil diffusers are a common and readily available way to utilize scents. You can purchase ones that use oils diluted in water, or one that has the little reeds that are put into the concentrated oil to disperse the scent into the air. Other popular methods are scented candles, incense, wax burners, and simmer pots. You can use concentrated oils, diluted oils, or fresh or dried plants/flowers/herbs/resins, to create whatever scents you want/need. You can create shower or bath bundles. Even your morning cup of tea/coffee can have healing or ritual applications if you stop and take the time to do it mindfully and with intent.
 
When we use scents to heal, we call this aromatherapy. While this is a healing art all on its own, it is often used in conjunction with other healing modalities like massage, reflexology, Reiki, crystal healing, and is even used sometimes in therapy/counselling, hospice care, and in some clinical settings. You can also use scents to compliment other practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breath work. When used with ritual practices, it can set the tone for your ritual, compliment your spell work as a corresponding component, put you into a ritual/meditative/trance mindset (especially if you use the same scent to prepare yourself each time), and, of course, many fragrant herbs/oils are used to cleanse and purify spaces. Oils infused with herbs/oils/resins can also be used to anoint the body (please use caution when doing this and always do a patch test for sensitivities/allergies), dress candles, or consecrate/activate objects, tools, statues, etc..
 
When using herbs/oils for healing purposes, especially when ingesting or directly applying, it is important to use actual herbs or essential oils (the real deal), which is generally not an issue, since most are readily available, and many herbs/oils have more than one property, and there are generally plenty of substitution options as well. The health benefits are in the plant itself. However, if you are looking only to diffuse the scent, sometimes a fragrant oil is a viable option. Especially if you are looking to trigger particular memories, looking for the right scent for meditation or other mind-body work, or a scent that makes you feel a certain way. That said, always be aware of your allergies/sensitivities and those of the people who will occupy that space as well. Please use scents responsibly.
 
If you would like to learn more about aromatherapy for health there are many books on the market. One I would recommend is Aromatherapy A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green. Many books are also available that provide the metaphysical applications and uses for herbs/oils/resins. The most comprehensive I have found is Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kynes, but plenty of books reference them. If you are looking for practice specific references (if your practice is specifically pagan, Wiccan, Heathen, etc..) there are plenty of available options.
 
As you can see, scents can play an important part in everything from your daily life to your sacred rituals. How do you utilize scent in your practice? Are they an important part of your health or ritual practices? Would you use them more after reading this? I would love to know.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I have talked in previous posts about sound healing. Sound healing tools like singing bowls and tuning forks have gained in popularity lately, partly due to more research being done on their healing properties becoming more readily accessible to the public. There are many books on this topic, from basics like Sound Healing for Beginners by Joshua Goldman and Alec W. Sims (filled with plenty of research backed information), to Tuning the Human Biofuels by Eileen Day McKusick. These are just two good examples, there are so many more.
 
I want to preface this blog post by saying that it is NEVER ok to place a vibrating tuning fork, singing bowls, tingsha, or any other vibration tool next to your ear. Even when you cannot hear it, it can still cause damage to your ear and possibly cause hearing damage and/or loss. I have seen several videos lately with people talking about/showcasing tuning forks where they do this. I cannot stress enough how dangerous this is.
 
I would also like to point out the difference between weighted and non-weighted tuning forks. The weighted tuning forks have knobs at the end of the forks. These ones are pressed against the relevant body parts (on chakras or acupressure points, meridians, above organs, etc..) to facilitate healing. The non-weighted forks are used within the body’s aura/energetic field. They can also be placed above or near the relevant chakra, Meridian, etc..
 
Each tuning fork/singing bowl/etc.. has it’s own frequency, and therefore, its own healing properties. There are many to choose from for varying purposes. One can purchase individual vibrational instruments, or complete sets, such as Chakra sets or the Solfeggio set. While many of the available frequencies focus on healing particular physical or energetic issues, there are some that are used for more general tasks like aligning oneself with certain states or cleansing/clearing.
 
One such frequency is the Ohm frequency 136.1Hz. This one is considered Earth’s orbital frequency and aligns one with the natural cosmic vibration, creating a universal connection. This one resonates at the vibration that occurs when ohm is chanted during meditation. There are actually three Ohm frequencies., this first one being the mid-ohm. The other two are the low-ohm (68.05Hz) associated with deep grounding, emotional release, and facilitates the opening of energetic pathways. The third one is high-ohm (272.2Hz), that is associated with aligning one with their highest potential, bringing in clarity and purpose, facilitating a connection with one’s highest self, and clearing karmic imprints, blockages, and energetic debris (to name a few things).
 
Energetic clearing is another use for these frequency tools. Whether that is clearing a physical space, a person, or an object there are a few options. 417Hz is generally used to clear negative energies, either past or present, and undo negative situations. 741Hz is often used to remove both emotional or physical toxins. 963Hz is associated with purifying a physical space or body, the spiritual body, and to attract positive energy. If you are looking to specifically cleanse a crystal, there is a 4096Hz crystal tuner made for the job. It is also used to enhance the energetic properties of said crystals. While this is its main job, it is also associated with rebalancing chakras and creating a connection between Earth and higher spiritual realms, which is why it is also referred to as the Earth Angel Frequency.
 
While there are many more frequency tools/tuners available for purchase, there are just too many to talk about in one blog post. You can find them in many metaphysical shops as well as online. The frequency Hz is usually stamped into the Y junction on a tuning fork. Singing bowls may be labeled according to either Hz or corresponding Chakra (quite popular), but are not usually stamped as such. Tingshas are not usually standardized to one frequency, though some modern ones may be attuned to certain frequencies like 528Hz. Whatever the type of healing you are searching for, there is a frequency and a tool for that.
 
Have you ever used a singing bowl or a tuning fork? Have you participated in a sound bath or had a healing done that incorporated one? (I do highly recommend experiencing this at least once, the results can be quite amazing).
Would you? I would love to know.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We all dream. Even when we don’t remember them, we do. There are many theories as to why we dream. These theories range from dreams having no meaning or purpose at all, to working through our day or issues, to premonitions/messages. It is my opinion that dreams are both our subconscious working through things and one way it sends us messages. Our subconscious uses people, places, situations, and symbols that we are familiar with to accomplish this. That is why dreams, and their meanings, are so personal. While you can purchase books about, or look up online, basic dream interpretations, they may not be entirely accurate for you. Our own feelings and beliefs about the world around us and the things in it can be very different for every culture, and individual. An example of this would be a dream that takes place on the ocean. For some people this may be a place of calm and peacefulness, while for others the ocean may cause feelings of anxiety or fear. Your feelings/beliefs about something in general, as well as how they made you feel in the dream are important to its interpretation. I talked briefly about dream interpretations in a previous post called Dare to Dream. That said, the focus of this post will be on types of dreams, specifically realistic vs lucid dreams, with a bit about premonitions near the end.
 
As mentioned above, some dreams are said to be about our subconscious working things out or sending our conscious mind messages. While our regular nightly dreams can fall into this category, so too can realistic or lucid dreams.
 
Regardless of the reason for the dream, some feel so real we feel that we are really there, and that things are really happening. Even when something seemingly unreal or bizarre is happening, we can just accept that it’s real anyway. Realistic dreams are immersive, in the dream you are a passive participant (not in control), and when you wake up it can feel like it actually happened, which can be rather disorienting for a few minutes. When studies have been done, little activity was detected in the prefrontal cortex of the brain (which is associated with logic and self-reflection). I often have this kind of dream, and have since I was a child. Sometimes they do become lucid.
 
During lucid dreams, however, more activity (than in realistic dreams) has been recorded in the prefrontal cortex. During a lucid dream the dreamer not only becomes aware that they are dreaming, but can then begin to control aspects of their dream and its narrative. It can still feel very real, like a realistic dream, but you are no longer just a passive participant. Lucid dreaming, while a fascinating field of study (I find), is difficult to actually study. Sometimes, once the dreamer becomes lucid, they will exit the dream rather quickly. Sometimes, frequent and practiced lucid dreamers in normal life, find difficulty becoming lucid in dreams once they are being studied. That said, some studies that have been conducted show that actions taken within lucid dreams have some waking world results. For example, performing exercise while lucid dreaming does raise heart rate, and actions practiced while dreaming lucidly have increased skill levels with that action while participants were awake. It has even been used, with limited success thus far, in therapies for things like PTSD. However, results are fairly split between whether lucid dreaming provides real improvement in a person’s mental health, or can be detrimental. They do believe, however, that studying lucid dreaming, when compared to regular/realistic dreaming, can improve our understanding of human consciousness. Which is fascinating in and of itself.
 
If you would like to learn more about lucid dreaming and how to do it there are plenty of instructional videos online. Llewellyn has even published an entire book called Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Lucid Dreaming by Clare R Johnson (which was an interesting read). You can begin your dream journey with journaling your dreams immediately upon waking. If you wait too long you can forget important details. Journaling also allows you to keep track of the types and themes of dreams/their messages so you can see patterns, and, if you journal about your day/life, what was happening before and after you had the dreams. This would be a good way to help determine if your dreams have a premonitory aspect as well.
 
A little side note on premonitions. This is not a skill that I personally have, however, I have known people that have premonitory dreams. This can seem, as any gift can, like a blessing or a curse, depending on the content. I have been told that often, especially when unpracticed, these dreams can be mere fragments, or jumbled pieces, and can make no sense to the dreamer until whatever it was happened. I understand how this could be really frustrating, and even scary. I would recommend, if you have such dreams (or think you do), you should try to find others who are more practiced with this skill to help guide you on how to develop it. I do believe that we have the skills we do for a reason, and to not develop or understand them can make them even more frightening or unruly. Our gifts (and our guides) can be persistent that way. Books are fantastic, but there is nothing quite like real world experience. Trust your instincts.
 
 
So, have you ever had a realistic or a lucid dream? Is this common practice for you? Do you remember your dreams? Do you want to? I would love to know your experiences.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Importance of Numbers
 
Many people believe that numbers have meaning beyond their usual numerical values. Cultures around the globe have created entire belief systems around the significance of specific dates/times, assigned numerical values to words and letters, and even to character/personality traits for millennia. Different cultures consider different numbers to be lucky or unlucky, and can have very different meanings for numbers depending on their beliefs. Here in the west there are some basic generally agreed upon concepts we attribute to the numbers one through nine.
 
One: Newness, Movement, Creation
Two: Cooperation, Balance, Partnerships
Three: Communication, Curiosity, Abstract Ideas
Four: Stability, Efficiency, “tried and true” methodology
Five: Adventure, Plan Making, Experimentation
Six: Unconditional Love, Nurturing, Empathy
Seven: Wisdom, Awareness Seeking, Researching
Eight: Drive for Success, Balance, Good Business Sense
Nine: Completion (in a cyclical sense), Transition, Transformation
 
These numbers create a cycle of birth/creation, progress through periods of learning, growth, and development, and then “death”, which is where that cycle ends (lessons learned, things accomplished, or not), and a new one begins.
 
Using numerology (the use of numbers to determine divine/mystical relationships between numbers and events/characteristics), one attempts to learn about themselves and their life’s purpose/journey. This is done by adding the numbers in one’s birth date together (Life Path Number), or using the predetermined chart that assigns each letter of the alphabet a number (1 through 9) to calculate numbers such as a Destiny Number (using all the letters), or a Soul Urge Number (using only the vowels), just to name a few. Once you have these numbers you can look up online (there are many sites dedicated to this topic) or read about what each number means, the personality traits they display, and the impact they have on one’s life.  
 
Some significance is often place significance these numbers when they up show in repetitions. These repeating numbers, sometimes called angel numbers, are often thought of as messages from the universe, our guides, or angels. There are separate, yet similar meanings for repeating numbers depending on whom you see the messages coming from (the universe/one’s higher self vs directly from angels). You can easily find these meanings through Google. Here is a basic list:
 
000: (often found in Angel Numbers): The beginning steps into the unknown of your own spiritual journey
111: New beginnings (in tune with spiritual side)
222: Trust the process/surrender to the flow
333: Time for making essential changes
444: Release doubts and move forward with faith
555: Manifestation of major life changes
666: A need to get into better alignment with oneself/one’s purpose
777: Increased self awareness. A breakthrough is coming
888: Materialization of abundance
999: An end to something. A need to release control/accept reality
 
Other important repeating numbers are:
1010:A move toward a higher purpose
1111: What you think you become. We are all one
1212: Removal of obstacles. Luck in love
 
On a side note, there is a numerology system called the Chaldean Numerology System that excludes the number 9 from name calculations. This is because it is considered sacred; representing the name of God, as well as completion. This different chart significantly changes the number associated with your name from the other (more commonly used) system.
 
Numbers are considered in other divination systems as well. Tarot uses numbers in to show progression through the Major Arcana, and each of the numbered Minor Arcana cards is a numbered card as well. These range from 1 to 10, and each one has a basic numerological meaning regardless of suit, as well as showing the progression through “story” of or the flow through that suit. Using the numbers of the Major Arcana (adding to create a single digit when necessary) can also provide some deeper meaning to the cards. Numerological correspondences can also be applied to other divination practices (but are not limited to) using cards like oracle decks or playing cards, or other systems such as dice, astrology, tea leaf reading, and scrying.
 
On a (hopefully) positive note. I would like to point out that, generally speaking, 2025 was a 9 year (Note: This not a personal year number, where you add your Life Path Number to the year number). This makes it a year of endings. This could mean positive or negative things for people individually. If this past year has seemed particularly tough, just know that the coming year, 2026, is a 1 year. A year of new beginnings. I sincerely hope this new year brings the start of some very positive and fantastic things for everyone.
 
As you can see, numbers have played an important part in many different kinds of divination practices. Have you ever used numerology specifically? If you read cards or use other divination techniques, do you consider numbers to provide messages beyond times or dates? Do you consider any numbers more or less lucky for you? I would love to know.