Empowerment Through Awareness

Posted on July 29, 2017 by Alisa Battaglia

Anyone who speaks the truth must point out the insanity of our times and challenge the authority that conforms people. If we care, we point out to others to wake them up and bring them to a state that is not deceived. ~Tara Singh

Awareness as a responsibility of consciousness is to empower people with knowledge necessary to live healthier, happier, creative and more joyful lives, free of dis-ease through prevention. Prevention strategies align with Nature in the use of organic foods, herbs, and natural therapies like sunshine and exercise, creative expression, heart centered relationships, nature connection, and cultivation of the spiritual core within us that pervades all of life. Empowerment lies in our daily choices. How well we apply the knowledge we receive and employ inner wisdom of discernment either sustains and leads us toward the path of health or towards one that disrupts natural processes producing dis-eased states. My goal is to educate and help individuals reconnect to their interior lives and the world around them with integrity, focus, and compassion. To help empower the bridge building of connectivity between two worlds, and finally to reflect the highest Light within, into the outer world as a creative expression of who they are. Without this general alignment and capacity to integrate, consciousness remains fragmented and thus, we as a race are easy to manipulate and control by both human predators and intrapsychic forces.

Awareness is central to well and an empowered life. With awareness we recognize how the corporate profit machines work by suppressing health freedom, civil liberties and Soul realities in the endless quest for profits through censorship of information and control, which blocks out all natural and common sense solutions outside of drugs, surgery and manufactured realities. The more we know how to prevent our own dis-ease states through common foods, herbs, sunlight, hydration, exercise, avoidance of cancer causing chemicals that line the market shelves and use those protective strategies against intra-psychic forces, the less control the industry (Big-Pharma, Big-Agri, Big Bio-tech, Big Government, Deep State, et al) has over us and the harder it is to exploit our bodies and Nature to create a revenue stream that enriches those corporations. With awareness, we can withdraw our energy and support of highly unethical, exploitive behaviors, which have caused great harm to human life, animals, delicate ecosystems and usurpation of natural resources across the globe.

Empowered, educated individuals are a threat to the profits of the illness industry, which is the backbone of all the other death-urge industries. Industrial Cartels have devolved into a system of perpetuating illness through: enforced ignorance of industry censored information that isolates real solutions by discrediting real science with junk science and all forms of medicine or modalities it does not control; has proposed industry standards that routinely assault and maim both human and Nature in the name of “science”; disease management via drugs over natural therapies; mass exploitation of the human body and natural resources in harmful profiteering on all levels. They have forgotten what it means to nurture and support the Spirit in Life. So, we each must choose with whom and what we wish to align in order to restore and manage the integrity of life from extinction.

Fully Convinced……

If you’re having trouble taking action, it’s probably because you haven’t fully convinced yourself that it must be done. Once you truly convince yourself, you’ll most certainly make it happen. Perhaps you think it’s something that is important. Yet there’s a big difference between thinking it’s important and knowing, without the least bit of doubt, that it must be done. So if you’re hesitant to take action, look within yourself for the reason why. Have the courage, and make the effort, to answer your own objections. You may discover that you’re not sincerely committed to achieving the results your actions would bring. And if that’s the case, you can choose to either find that commitment or to move on to something else. Your thoughts and actions are incredibly powerful. And to focus them in a particular direction, you must be absolutely convinced. Convincing yourself is indeed a challenge, and that’s as it should be. For when you truly convince yourself to do it, you have the power to make it so. ~ By Ralph Marston

Alisa Battaglia 2013

Seed Thoughts

Posted on June 4, 2017 by Alisa Battaglia

Believe nothing just because a so-called wise person said it. Believe nothing just because a belief is generally held. Believe nothing just because it is said in ancient books. Believe nothing just because it is said to be of divine origin. Believe nothing just because someone else believes it. Believe only what you yourself test and judge to be true. ~Buddha – Hindu Prince Gautama Siddhartha

There are always so many messages to share. The first one relates to the seed message of how we must always envision our deepest dreams and pursue them by living our Truth. Since I can remember, mine has always been to serve planetary need with a conscious male partner at my side… “To unleash our hearts strength together into the world whose dual power effects positive change.” The power of gender polarity at work is momentous. This brings to heart that we must live our own life dreams, not anothers dream for us. Being the change and living by example is a powerful magnet to draw forth into our environment the reflection of who we are and how we live. So, it is vital that we remain conscious of our creations from beginning to end. Authentic living also increases our vibratory levels stirring forth a hundredth monkey effect in the transformation of consciousness within our circle of relationships and larger groups of individuals. It is not jargon that external change always starts from an internal catharsis.

This takes us to the next seed thought about uncovering our passion for what we deeply care about—how we are called to serve–our conscious role in the world. Spiritual midwifery comes to mind…my role as a Mediatrix between Heaven and Earth to assist in the miasm of birth into awareness. This weaving of inner connections brings us to a point of remembering our authentic Self. Memory of our true identity offers great power. Thus, we are beckoned to question our relationship to the world dream. To identify our attachments within the world dream, our wanting and our incessant need to clutch—to hold on to things of the past and outmoded ways of living. Both wanting and clutching are resistance to flow to that which is in the NOW. What unexamined assumptions lie hidden in our resistance? Daily reflection in Nature and quiet opens us to the wisdom of the natural world and inner realities.

When we are conscious we are out of the box and we cannot be trapped by the illusion—the world dream. When we are true to ourselves we live in flow that moves us into an expanded vector of consciousness. We find that we ride the wave rather than resist it. Aligning with the correct wave current is the “key” to consciousness streaming. Flow rather than torrent serves us best here, as divine flow is the “key” to awakening consciousness.

Step out of the self and its story. From above as observer there is non-attachment to the outcome and feelings without reactionary responses…just “being.” Beingness invites the flow of intuition. Intuition gives us foresight in that it directs our every move always for our highest and best life. Functioning from the higher faculty of our intuition makes living in the world easier without it consuming us because we are not attached to the ego complex of the physical body —our knowingness is as Soul essence.

In Lighted Companionship,
Rev. Alisa Battaglia

The Sacred Art of Ritual of Smudging

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Alisa Battaglia

A repost of my published article: Source: The Sacred Art of Ritual of Smudging

The Sacred Art of Ritual Smudging

By Alisa Battaglia

Ritual allows us to enter sacred space with awareness to flow. There is often a point of focus at the center of a ritual in present time that helps us to reclaim our spirituality. Performing ritual is simply a tool to reawaken this aspect of our being because in it provides a signal to the body to begin physiological and energetic changes to initiate change by aiming for an altered state of consciousness conducive to self-exploration and reprogramming. The ritual of smudging can be defined as “spiritual house cleaning.” It refers to passing one self or an object through sacred smoke as a means of purification, which is an energetic process.

Shamanic smudging ritual is an age-old tribal tradition used for centuries by the native people of both North and South America, European peasants and Siberian shamans to open the doors of the soul to the spirit world. They burned certain herbs and incense as a way of gaining access to the soul and power of plants for spiritual, ceremonial, and magical use. Certain plants when burned release a high vibrational energy through the fragrance and their smoke is used as an offering to create harmony and peace, purification and healing protection of physical and spiritual bodies, banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space. When the herbs are burned it is thought that the soul of the plant is released to aid its energies for a particular invocation. In theory, the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and acts as a conduit by taking negative energies with it as the smoke clears and releases it into another space where it is regenerated into positive energy.

Sacred Herbs used in Smudging

The plant is the teacher, the true authority on which heals or is best for magic. There are certain plants that are held in high esteem that are agreed upon in most traditions. The smoke from sacred plants and herbs traditionally used to purify are tobacco, sweetgrass, sage, and cedar. However, the types of herbs used with their many local varieties may vary as purposes overlap and change by tradition and personal preferences.

In many traditions, shamanic smudging involves a four directions ceremony or prayer, which anchors protection in a sacred circle or sends specific kinds of smoke or prayers into the four directions. Different tribes, Covens and Shamans have different smudging prayers that program the smoke to do a specific action. In general, smudging is used to purify and cleanse spiritually, call for balance and harmony, to aide in divination, invoke spirits, healing powers and to carry prayers further into the Universe.

Traditional smudge sticks are tied in a bundle for easier handling. Some herbs are used loose or braided like Sweetgrass. The bundles are usually handmade and prepared using traditional methods from the finest-quality sacred herbs which are 100% pure and grown without chemical synthetics or petroleum distillates, which is important since the smoke is inhaled by default. Smudge sticks are used for ceremonial purposes, offerings, or simply to recreate the ancient aromas for their aromatherapeutic properties.

Tobacco (ah-say-ma) No other plant is endowed with such qualities, which is why pure tobacco is used in American Indian rituals. Tobacco from cigarettes is not used for ritual use because it is adulterated, as it is filled with pesticides and chemicals that cause cancer.

SAGE can be used for general purposes. The word sage or salvia comes from the Latin word salvare, which means “To Heal.” Sage has long been used in “smudging” ceremonies to promote purification, protection, longevity, and immortality. Studies have shown that the smoke of burning sage literally changes the ionization polarity of the air. Its element is air.

~Desert Sage is one of the most sacred herbs among Native Americans used to purify the mind, body, and spirit before prayer, meditation, ritual or ceremony and to purify sacred items such as pipes, magical tools, tarot decks and eagle feathers. This sage is great to cleanse an area, the house and for aura cleansings. The scent of desert sage is somewhat sharp, light and refreshing.

~White Broadleaf Sage is excellent for meditation, divination, smudging, cleansing and purification. Broad leaf sage is considered the king of all sages. It is prized over all the sages for its strong aromatic properties.

Cedar was offered to the fire to smudge the lodge and people. Its smoke is wafted to ward away sickness.

Sweetgrass is excellent for cleansing sacred space that helps us to center ourselves and is traditionally believed to invite good spirits. Sweetgrass is a rare grass which is found growing wild in very few places. It has a sweet and light fragrance that does not last for long.

Herbs can be burned singly or in combination with each other. A second herb is used to bring in whatever influence is needed.

Pine Resin & Sage (either desert sage or white broadleaf sage) is a good combination that covers all four magical elements of air, fire, water and earth. This combination is appropriate for general use, cleansing, ceremony and ritual.

Cedar & Sage provides the perfect balance for cleansing and enlivening an atmosphere.

Common Herbs used in Smudging

Here are some general uses for the different herbs often used for smudging.

Copal Gold Resin, holy incense used by the peoples of Mesoamerica. It is traditionally used as incense in divinatory and cleansing ceremonies. The resin contains aromatic chemicals called terpenes, which make it volatile and flammable. It was used by Mayan shamans prior to ingesting mushrooms. Its elemental is primarily fire and water, but can also be used for four-element general purposes. When burned, the scent is sweet, resinous, slightly woody, mildly earthy and spicy.

Myrrh Resin was used by the ancient Egyptians in rituals of healing and passing. It is one of the ingredients they used to embalm bodies. The resin is gathered from the almost leafless Middle Eastern shrub called the Commiphora Molmol. It is useful for spirituality, meditation, happiness, release, transformation, strength, confidence and stability. Its elemental is primarily earth, but can also be used for four-element general purposes. The scent is a piney and very earthy that produces a lot of smoke when burned.

Frankincense Resin is used extensively in meditation and healing and is my very favorite. It is used in numerous religious traditions such as the Catholic Church. Its scent is believed to confer divine blessing. Its elemental is primarily fire, but can also be used for four-element general purposes. Frankincense comes from the resin of an African tree and produces a rich, dense smoke when burned.

Pinon Resin was used by Native American cultures for its spiritual and healing properties that are cleansing, strengthening and warming. It is used to refresh the senses and revive a tired soul. Its elemental is primarily fire, but can also be used for four-element general purposes. The fragrance is pleasant and meditative and when burned it produces a thick stream of smoke.

Juniper was used in ancient times for ritual purification of temples. Its smoke is believed to aid clairvoyance and stimulate contact with other worlds. It is also stimulative and therefore effective in reviving a tired body, mind or spirit. Its elemental is primarily fire, but can also be used for four-element general purposes. The scent is sharp and piney and was burned during the Plague to resist disease.

Lavender is useful for attracting peace, happiness and restful sleep. It reduces depression, grief and sorrow and aids in meditation, manifestation and divination. It is traditionally associated with fairies and elves. The element is primarily air. The scent is a refreshing and light aromatic.

Yerba Santa Leaves are used for meditation and divination. It is thought to enhance psychic abilities, magical protection, healing and spiritual strength.

Hibiscus Flowers are often used in divination and psychic communication. The flowers are excellent for rejuvenating the senses and restoring life force. The elementals are water and fire. The scent is invigorating and sharp and lasts for a long time after burning.

Rose Flowers and Petals is used for meditation, divination, increasing psychic abilities and communication, contacting powers and beings in other dimensions. Traditionally the rose is associated with attracting love, conferring peace, stimulating sexual appetites and enhancing beauty. The element is primarily water. The scent is heavy, warm and aromatic with a hint of sharpness that lasts a long time after burning.

How to Smudge

Smudging is very simple. The pointed end of the herbal smudge bundle is lit while held over a heat-proof bowl filled with a bed of sand or gravel or an abalone shell. It can take a while to get the stick really smoking, but once the bundle is ignited and smoldering, gently wand the bundle or waft the smoke around the room, object or body. If the herb is loose blow the smoke or use a feather to circulate the fragrant smoke around the room or person while invoking forces or saying a prayer for a special need. When the ritual is complete, inhale a little smoke to purify your insides. Do not asphyxiate yourself. People often feel more relaxed, lighter and brighter after smudging. By allowing the purification and cleansing properties of herbs to clear personal items, the body, or environment, the space is created for new awareness and for a new direction to take place.

~To smudge the body, stand with the legs hips distance apart and arms out at shoulder height which makes it easy to weave the wand through. Hold the smudge stick 8-10 inches from the perimeter the body. Traditionally, the heart area is first to be smudged since the heart is the corridor into the spiritual planes. Begin by fanning the swirls of smoke around the body’s aura starting at the heart and then down the front of the body to the feet. Smudge the bottom of the feet and work upward towards the back and over the head and face back to the heart. Follow the perimeter of the body and make sure both the front and back of the body is smudged. Direct the smoke and give special attention to areas of stress and imbalance in relation to the individual spirit-body. Make your invocation or prayer as you do so.

~ For the living environment start at the door and slowly walk in a clockwise direction around the perimeter of the room paying particular attention to sharp corners such as door frames, the corners and top of walls where negative energy gets stuck and any window frames.
? We can also smudge any medicine or magikal tool that will be in use such as pipe, jewelry, ceremonial outfit, etc.

~ Smudging for meditation often produces a deeper and longer-lasting state of relaxation and contemplation. For best results use a charcoal burner or inflammable receptacle or an incense stick. Light the herbs and enjoy the scent as you meditate.

When to Smudge

Smudging ourselves daily can be very helpful in keeping balance and in maintaining a peaceful state of being, especially before meditation. Specific times to smudge are when we have been around people who are ill, depressed, fearful, angry or who are generally emotionally unbalanced. Also, when we feel blue or depressed, have been under much stress or after an argument, in which case the environment should also be cleared as well as the auric field of the person.
In a group, circle, ceremony, or lodge it is a good practice to smudge each person. Traditionally we do this by starting from the East and holding the smudge stick or receptacle lit while each person bathe themselves in the smoke and follow the process described above. However, smudging has been adapted to the need through intuition. Smudging can also be used to charge energy into a room to bring positive influence. When the ritual is complete inhale a little smoke to purify your insides. Gently blow out the flame or stab it into sand, but make sure the smudge stick is out, as it has a tendency to ignite. Never leave the bundle unattended.

Legend

“Tobacco was a gift of the Four Manido (Spirits of the Four Directions). It was the father of Nanabush who gave the tobacco (ah-say-ma) and shared the custom of smoking with his son after their epic battle in war, as a symbol of peace. Nanabush in turn passed on the custom to the Anishnabe as a ceremony. Thereafter, the Anishnabe smoked the Pipe of Peace before great councils, after war, and before other ceremonies. The Anishnabe adopted the custom and made it part of their daily lives to compose their minds and spirits. It is said that it will chase away feelings that are bad or negative and bring on thoughts that are good or positive.
In the medicine wheel, which we convey as the wheel of life, there are Four Directions. When we are born, life begins in the East. The teenage years are in the South. Then mid-life is in the West. When we reach the North, we are grandmas and grandpas and nearly ready to go to the Spirit World as we have done our many deeds on Mother Earth. The journey does not end in the North because we go to the Spirit World and then the cycle continues.

We gain knowledge with our tobacco (ah-say-ma) and we grow spiritually. Our hearts feel and our spiritual eyes have to see what our Creator wants us to learn. We feel the knowledge in our soul, and we know it comes from our Creator. When we pray, we get answers, then we are nurtured and we grow spiritually.” From the book of legends and stories, Ojibwa Heritage By Basil Johnson.