Eye of the Centaur

It had been a while since I'd read a book that truly had me clawing for more of the same; a very long time since I had read a book that I was totally emersed in and washed over with thoughts, insights and desire. Then I read Eye of the Centaur by Barbara Hand Clow.

Barbara, astrologer, author and channeler has given us so much from her own experiences and works in the way of seeking enlightenment that I dare not try to review her as an author, I fear I wouldn't be giving her enough credit but what I can say is that after finishing Eye of the Centaur, book one of the trilogy (The Mind Chronicles), with hindsight this was a fundamental piece of reading for my spiritual growth.

This book tells very story-like regressional experiences. You would even be forgiven for forgetting that you are reading about one of her many past lives and thinking that you are in the midst of a gripping fairytale or historical novel. But you cannot deny that your perceptions of your own psyche, your own imprints and layers of your conciousness shift when reading of oracles at Delphi and ancient Egyptian initiation rituals. Our own experiences are there too, just calling out to be remembered.

This text however, isn't a glory journal of what great names Barbara can say she lived amongst or what authority she had in exciting times, nor should past life readings ever been seen this way. It is an intergration of her past life memories and her purpose now, an awakening to the reasons she knows of them now in this lifetime and a reflection on how it connects her to her higher self.

I have always wanted a regression and have done some dabbling in past life readings, all the while learning to trust my psyche to bring forward the memories; remembering never to rationalise away anything my mind gives me to the simple explanation of imagination. Imagination is a powerful thing but soul memory is far greater. After reading this book, the excitement is still vibrating within, I cannot wait for a full regressional session with a therapist...I truly wish to know myself and understand my eternal now, a guide to help me shape this lifetime for its higher purpose.

Anyone who wishes to expand their esoteric and spiritual reading must add this to the list...in fact, I shall post up 20 books that I think are not only fantastic reads, but important texts for spiritual growth.

Herbalism

I am approaching the end of my distance learning course in Herbalism and I am halfway to being qualified to practice...it's something about a bunch of fragrant leaves and flowers that stirs enthusiasm in me about the goodness our Mother Earth has grown for us.

Chamomile for an upset stomach, Lavender for insomnia, Coriander for colic, Peppermint for nausea and Rosemary for headaches...if only we thought of the natural remedies we have laying around the house first for such ailments before reaching for painkillers and necking down a chemical solution.

Planting herbs in the garden is not only an excellent way of grounding yourself and connecting with nature, its cost effective and soul enriching; such staisfaction comes from plucking a bit of Basil for your dinner that night, or keeping a pot of it in the kitchen to attract deserved success into your home. If you don't have a garden, then indoor herb garden kits are available.

For me, it started with drinking Chamomile at night to help me get a good nights' sleep before waking up to be at work by 7:30 in the morning...I found it worked and with a tea spoon of honey, it was pleasant to drink and a nice change from tea. Then I moved onto Nettle for energy and Fennel for digestion, the interest grew from there and I learned about topical remedies, poultices and herbal pillows; even the use of them in skincare made absolute sense and I was able to advise friends and family about herbal teas and ointments...each came back with great feedback on the remedy.

So here I am about to take my Certificate level exam and next I shall be onto Practitioner Diploma...along with Physiology & Anatomy and Colour Therapy...oh I want to do them all! The more I learn, the more I can spread the love and light I reckon!

BSY Group do fantastic esoteric, spiritual and complimentary therapy courses so do take a look; you won't know which to do first!