Do We all Think the Same? Astrology, Shadow Work and Meditation

In my youth I believed everyone basically thought the same way I did. Astrology is one interesting study that helped me to recognize how differently we all think and feel. 

The astrological chart from the time you were born is more than just your "sign" or where the sun was when you were born.  Your natal chart is based on what sign each planet was in the minute you were born. This is a huge area of study, but suffice to say that each sign of the zodiac and each planet are meant to influence a different part of your personality and life. 

Some of you may think this is total hooey and it is not my intention to convince you otherwise.  What looking at natal charts has shown me is the wide range of possible personalities and ways of thinking in this world.  Since my only frame of reference was the way I think about things, I used this as a filter when trying to understand others. In talking to people about their astrological charts I have learned that the majority of people think nothing like me, and that is perfectly alright.

When you look at astrology there are no "Bad" signs or planets.  Each has it's pros and cons.  What is important is that you learn about yourself so you can figure out how to use your strengths and work with your weaknesses.  There are infinite possibilities for how the planets and signs can fall in your natal chart and also infinite was of thinking about experiences in life.  

Try this meditation to explore this idea further.  Read through the meditation and then close your eyes and remember what you can.  You may not remember much but let your own intuition guide you to where you need to go.

Library Meditation

Take a deep breath and find yourself walking towards a castle.  Walk to the door and place your hand on the surface of the door.  What is the texture?  Is it warm or cold?  Can you feel the energy pulsing inside this place?  When you are ready open the door and enter the castle.   

Feel the healing energy all around you.  Look for a door off of the main entryway.  It may be hidden away behind a stairwell or down a small hallway.  

Walk towards this door and prepare to open the door.  When you feel ready, open the door and step inside.  You are in a library with books on every wall.  There are many places to sit in this room and it is large and could hold many people.  There is a cozy fire in the fireplace.  There is a podium in one area of the room with a huge book open on it.  Walk over to the book and you see that they left side of the book has writing on it but the right hand page is empty.  There are many blank pages to the right.  You shut the book and look at the leather cover of the book.  

There is a symbol on the front.  Look closely at this symbol.  How does it make you feel to look at this symbol?  Do you recognize it?  Place your hands on the front cover and feel the energy of this book.  You know this is the book of your life and it is continuing to be written.

With your hands still on the book set the intention that you will turn to a story that has influenced your life and will teach you something but that is not traumatic or overly upsetting.  Turn to a page near the front of your book and begin to read this story from your life.  As you read you see a shadowy figure form next to you.  You know this is the version of you that interpreted this experience into a story.  Soon you feel a small hand in your hand as you read. 

As you read you recognize that although this incident occurred, what you are reading is just a story.  It is an interpretation of what occurred, further clouded by your perspective and the alterations of memory.  The final thing you will read is the moral presented by your interpretation of this incident.  

When you are done reading, turn to the version of yourself that stands next to you.  Take both of their hands and get to eye level with them.   What do they hold inside them as a result of this incident?  How do they feel?  What have they tried to tell you about yourself based on this story?  What are they trying to protect you from?  Thank them for shouldering this burden.  Tell them that you are now able to take this burden from them.  Tell them that you understand why they interpreted the incident the way they did and validate their feelings.  Tell them you now have the ability to change the interpretation and moral of the story if you want.  

If they are not willing to let it go try to convince them that you are strong enough now to handle what they took away from the story.  Give them a hug and tell them that you see them and want them to stay with you and that they don’t need to hide.  Tell them they can stay in this room and will always be a visible part of you.  How do they react to this invitation?  Find them a comfortable place to sit and give them one final hug.  Think about all that you can and will learn in this room.  Know that there is a wealth of information here and it will be a safe place to explore these facets of your story.  Keep in mind that it is a story and you can also step out of it.

When you are ready say goodbye to your new friend, walk out of this room and shut the door.  Leave the castle and start walking back down the path.  Begin to return to your physical body, wiggle your fingers and toes and when you are ready open your eyes.

Have something to eat or drink to return to your physical body.  You can also go outside and connect with the ground or plants.  Now take some time to document what you learned in this meditation.

Thank you so much for reading this post and hopefully taking the time to try the meditation.  My tribe is very important to me so feel free to reach out to me any time.
 

This meditation is part of a larger study called Shadow Work.  To find out more about this and other Shadow Work meditations CLICK HERE.

Congratulate yourself for taking this time to relax and grow.  I hope to Journey with you again soon.

Jessica Cross
www.jessicacrossasmr.com

Where do you Need to Focus on a Retreat? - jessicacrossasmr.com

Sometimes you just need to take a break from life and get some perspective.  When ensconced in our daily routine we have a hard time seeing the root of the issues we are struggling with and how to change them.  When we take a break from the ways we distract ourselves (television, books, radio and other people, etc.) we get a chance to gain a new perspective on everything.  This can be as easy as taking the 2-3 hours of TV most people watch in an evening, and instead sitting down with a journal or meditating.  

If it is that easy why don't we do this?  Because it is Hard!  We are tired and stressed and the last thing we want to do is try to problem solve.  That is why most of us think the only way to Retreat is to go on vacation.  It is often only after we have taken a few days to relax that we are able to look at what needs to change.  This is not the only way though.  

One of the reasons I love Question Centered Guided Meditation is that it allows you to relax and feel refreshed first before starting to problem solve.  I always look forward to these types of meditations even if I know I have a difficult problem to examine.  I feel relaxed and rejuvenated as I consider what changes need to me made.  Try this simple meditation below and make sure to have a journal nearby to write down what you learn.  Continuing to examine what you learn through journaling is a good way to extend your Retreat time while you are still relaxed.  

If you have additional time or want to delve deeper into the issue, move on to the next blog post with more meditation prompts.  Add these mini retreats in regularly to help you relieve stress and grow.  Read the following meditation and then close your eye and remember what you can.  Let your meditation unfold the way you need it to and don't worry if it differs from this prompt.

A Personal Journey

Take a deep breath, get comfortable and close your eyes.   You see a stone door in front of you.  Is it ornate or plain?  The door will not be easy to move but you have prepared well for this transition. 

One of your guides is here waiting for you.  If this is a new guide you may ask their name.  Before moving forward, is there anything you are ready to leave behind before crossing over this threshold?  Thoughts, beliefs, and burdens may appear as spheres of light that you can hand over to your guide or place down on the ground outside of the doorway.

Now reach for the door.  It will be difficult to open but you have the strength to move forward.  Use all of your might to open the door wide open.  Walk through the doorway and head down a cobble stone path through a darkened garden.  The moon is lighting your way, but much is in darkness; there is much to learn here and many mysteries.  

Explore this garden, although all is not clear, you are not afraid.  What is there to learn in this place? 

When you have explored as much as you would like, find a comfortable place to sit down.  You will not go back to the doorway where you began, as you have moved on from that place.  

As you sit, you being to hear the sounds around your physical body.  Wiggle your fingers and toes, and when you feel ready, open your eyes.

Now write down what you learned in a journal or drawing.  If you are done with your retreat, eat or drink something to return to your body.  

I hope to Journey with you again soon.

Learn to Make Room for Abundance in your life, Get over 5 hours of Video Guidance: HERE

Take care,

Jessica Cross
www.jessicacrossasmr.com

Meet your Needs to Relax - www.jessicacrossasmr.com

When we are stressed we often lack the energy to figure out how to really refuel our body and mind.  At these times I try to use meditation to bypass my thinking mind, which is too stressed to focus.  My conscious mind is thinking, "Tired, Stressed, Need Cookies."  It is often this exhaustion that causes us to flop in front of the TV rather than find something that would really nourish us.  

Meditation help us to access our unconscious and ask what we really need.  My unconscious mind is able to direct me to a more fulfilling stress reduction method, like a cup of tea, quiet, and staring into space with a journal in my lap.  

It is vitally important to learn what you need.  We often expect the ones we love to be able to read our minds and take care of us, but often we don't even know what we need or want.  Now is the time to look at what your body and mind need to be able to care for yourself.  

Use this meditation to figure out how to care for yourself right now. Read through the meditation and then close your eyes and visualize what you remember. If your meditation veers off from the one below, that is the path you were meant to take.  
  
Room of Requirement Meditation

Take a few deep breaths.  Find yourself in front of a familiar house.  Walk up to the door and with a relaxed breath open the door.  You are so happy to return to this place.  It is exactly where you need to be.  Look around the entry way.  While looking around you see a painting that you have missed in the past.  Stand in front of the painting and really look closely at it.  How does it make you feel?  What are the colors in the painting?  Is it a landscape or are there people and/or animals? Is it realistic or abstract?  Why do you think this painting is here?  Does it remind you of something or teach you something new?  It is ok if you have more questions than answers, you can visit this painting often until the meaning becomes clear.  

Next to this painting you notice a small door that seems a bit hidden in the shadows.  You might not have noticed it if you had not been drawn to the painting.  You have high hopes for this room as it seems to have been waiting for you.  As you grab the knob for the door you feel a bit of a jolt.  You immediately think of exactly what you need right now.  Is it a feeling, an item, or an experience?  

Surprised by this feeling you slowly open the door.  On the other side is exactly the room you need this evening.  What are you standing on?  What is on the walls?  What is the furniture?  Is there a bed or sitting area that seems to be made just for you?  Go rest there.  If there is a table next to this sitting area look closely to any items on that table.  These items may be the things that you need to have, rather than the room itself.  

Take a deep breath and revel in the fact that this room can become anything you need it to be at that moment.  It will show you what you need in your life even if you don’t know.  Enjoy the feelings that this room creates for you.  If there are items on the table feel free to take them with you as a reminder of what you currently need.  When you feel ready you can leave this room knowing that you can return here at any time. 

 Leave this room and take one final look at the painting.  Feel gratitude that it led you to this room.   On second glance has the meaning of the painting become any clearer?  Look once more around the entry way.  Has anything changed?  

You can now leave, smiling as you shut the door to a place that is becoming so comfortable.  Walk down the path with a smile still on your lips as you begin to return to your physical body and open your eyes.

Now return to your physical body with gentle movement and eating or drinking.  Write down any notes you want to remember from this Journey.

If you enjoy this and want more check you my Free Soul Path Ebook HERE.  It says "Name Your Price" but I promise Free is fine, it is just the most professional way for me to send you the book.

Take very good care of yourself this week,

Jessica Cross
www.jessicacrossasmr.com

What are Your Intentions for this Full Moon? - Let Me Help you Decide!

Tomorrow is the Full Moon.  When using the Moon Cycles for Goal Setting, this is the time to solidify your desires and then release them.  The second half of the month you can gently work towards your goals but also take time to rest.   It is good to reflect on what you are currently grateful for in you life and start thinking of your goals for next month.  This is the time to focus on what your priorities are and then limit your energy to those areas.  After the Full Moon it is also important to spend plenty of time recharging your batteries.

Use this meditation to help you energize and finalize your goals.  Read through the meditation and then close you eyes and remember what you can.  It is not necessary that your meditation looks just like this one.  Let your own intuition guide your meditation.

Aztec Meditation

Take a deep breath and close your eyes.  You are walking through a jungle.  It is a bit difficult to walk down the path.  The air is hot and humid.  This is a lot of noise in the air from animals.  The air is beginning to cool a bit as the sun is going down.  
 

Soon you reach a small oasis and there is a pool with a waterfall.  Walk towards an area in the grass near the pool.  Sit and join one of your guides in this clearing.  If this is a new guide you may ask for their name.  You hear the sound of the waterfall, it is small and makes a pleasant noise.  You recognize this is a sacred place used for healings and ritual for many years.  You have been granted special permission to use this place. 

At the top of the waterfall you see a staff with a large crystal at the top.  You notice that the sun, which is setting, will pass directly behind the staff at the top of the waterfall. 

As the sun dips a bit lower the crystal catches it’s light and sends the light down to your feet where you are sitting.  This light has a magenta glow and this is your connection to the earth, and the energy that comes from the ground; the ancient understanding that is deep within the earth.  You feel this energy like a spring entering your feet and send this light and energy through your whole body.  You feel connected to the earth and powerful. 

The sun continues to set and send this light to your hips.  It turns a red color.  It is as if a flower at this area opens all of its petals and releases its energy.  You feel the energy still coming from the earth and filling your body.  You feel secure and safe.

The light then moves higher to right below your belly button and turns an orange color.  The flower here also opens and releases your creativity and your strength to move down this path you have found.  

The light now moves up to the base of your ribs and turns a yellow color.  The flower opens and releases power and your ability to effect the world.  Feel in control and strong.

The light moves to your heart and turns a green color.  This flower opens and fills you with love for yourself and others.  You care deeply for those around you.

The light rises to your throat and turns a blue color.  The flower opens and fills your body with the ability to speak your truth.  You feel capable of setting boundaries with others and yourself.

The light now touches your forehead and turns a dark blue.  The flower opens and you are able to see not only what is in front of you but what you need to know that is not visible.  Your intuition will help guide you down your path.

The sun continues to set and the light reaches the top of your head and turns a violet color.  This flower opens and you feel this connection to the energy all around you running from your feet all through your body and connecting again through the top of your head.  Your body is balanced and whole.  

As the sun leaves your body it surrounds you in an egg of pink light  This brings you love and healing, and feels like a hug from the energies surrounding you.

You see the moon full in the sky.  It shines a silvery light down on your head and fills your body with peace and calm.  Before the sun dips below the horizon you feel the direct light from the sun filling you with excitement and passion.  You feel your heart quicken as the sun reminds you of the new opportunities all around you.  The light of the sun is guiding your forward to great things.

The clearing now becomes dark and you feel the universe all around you.  This dark connects you further to the energies that come from far away.  You feel as if you become transparent and you lose the clear edges of your body.  You meld into the energy all around you.  You look up and see the stars, and the stars send down their energy and fill you with limitless possibilities.  You are filled with glimpses of other opportunities available to you in life.  You feel peace and awakening.  You know that these energies are helping to guide you at all times.

I want you to feel the source energy that has surrounded you and filled you and send it back down into the earth.  You are pouring energy through you into the earth. 

Look into the pool of water lit by the moon in front of you.  What version of you do you see in the pool.  Does this vision offer you any guidance.  Ask your guide any questions you may have about this experience.  Thank your guide.

Take another deep breath and stand to walk out of the clearing.  Start to hear the sounds around your physical body.  Wiggle your fingers and toes, and when you feel ready, open your eyes.

Now connect to the world with gentle movement.  Eating and drinking also helps to ground your physical body.  You should also note down your vision and see how that influences your goals.

The Full Soul Path E-Book is Free and can help you gain perspective on where you need to go.  Click here!  I would really appreciate honest review of this book on Amazon.  Have a wonderful Full Moon.



Take care,

Jessica Cross
www.jessicacrossasmr.com