DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the various articles in this ezine are not necessarily the views of Spirit Circle, but rather the views of the individual authors.

*******************************************************

Cycles of Life
by Charles

It is that time of year again, the shifting of the seasons. For the majority of our members who live in the northern hemisphere, Nature will be slowing down, moving into its annual rest period. The leaves of many plants will be turning colors in preparation to falling off of the plants as those plants become dormant for the cold months ahead. Other plants will be dying, their life spans completed. Animals (including man) will be storing away food for the coming months while other animals fatten themselves up for their long winter sleep. For some, a time of contemplation, for others a time of hardship. Daylight hours will be getting shorter, hours of darkness will be getting longer.

But we also have many members in the southern hemisphere. For them, where things had been dull and gray, Nature will be coming alive again as green starts to become more prevalent. Birds and animals will be bringing new young into the world while those animals that lived through the winter will be searching for food that will be coming into greater and greater abundance. This will be a busy time for most, but still, a much easier time of the year for living. Here the hours of daylight will be getting longer while the hours of darkness will be getting shorter.

All right, this is all pretty much normal, what is the big deal? Well, the big deal is that this represents A cycle of life, but only one of many cycles. This cycle, unlike most, is pretty clearly marked and we can have fairly accurate expectations concerning the changes. But what of some of the other cycles?

One cycle that most people could think of if they recognized it as a cycle would be birth, growth to maturity followed by a slow decline and eventual death of the physical body. Get past that cycle and many would be at a loss to discover any more cycles in life. But what about the cycle where we are faced with a problem in our life and eventually overcome it. Then we may have a rest period before the next problem comes along. This too is a cycle, and is one used for learning. Or how about the person who comes into our lives for a time and then leaves to soon be replaced by someone new in our lives. This is another cycle used for learning.

So think about it, Life itself is one big cycle filled with a great many smaller cycles, and all of them have meaning and importance in our lives. Some of them you have no control over, but with some of them, what you do with them or gain from them is entirely up to you.

©2002 Charles Grooms

*******************************************************

ROCKS OF THE MONTH: BIRTH STONES OF OCTOBER.
By Mark

In as much as there doesn't seem to be a "standardization" of Birth stones, I thought I might present a few choices (from various sources) and their "traditional" uses/attributes for your reading enjoyment and edification. I make no claims as to their effectiveness; just reporting what others believed and used them for.

October in General:

AQUAMARINE: reduces psychic blockages, dispels fears and smoothes relationships. Protects bearer against harm/danger during travel on water. Good for the treatment of disorders of the Throat, Jaw and Stomach. PEARL: attracts good fortune and luck, wards off house firs, shark attacks, demons, and prevents infertility. Smoothes out the rough spots on the road of Life and grants the power to over come them.

JASPER: Protections against Black Magic and Witchcraft (the bad witch stuff) promote logical thinking and dispels illogical whims. Relives pain during childbirth and protects both Mother and Child from illness as result of birth. Assists in recognition of one's connectedness with all things and helps bring into alignment one's "place" in the scheme of things.

OPAL: protection during psychic / astral travel and work between worlds. Multicolored hue makes it ideal for ALL types of "color energy" workings within self and projecting it to others. Purifies blood, disperses infections and stimulates circulatory system. AND if used in conjunction with Bay leaves can grant user invisibility.

PINK TOURMALINE: used to draw Love and Friendship and promote sympathy and compassion for others. Stimulates balance between brain halves thus aiding in the manifestation of ideas and desires. Can also, supposedly, protect user against attacks by carnivorous, wild beasties.

ZIRCON: promotes/attracts success in personal endeavors and protects user from person injury and loss. Use to treat sciatic nerve disorders, vertigo, and detection of poison in drink or food.

Zodiacal Stones:

LIBRA (Oct. 1- Oct. 23)

PERIDOT: protects against Evil Magic, calms nervous disorders, relieves depression and promotes restful sleep. Used to dispel illusions and nightmares and good for healing insect (including bedbugs no doubt) bites. Can be used to bring in needed $$$.

SAPPHIRE: Enhances 3rd eye psychic awareness work, promotes/symbolizes fidelity and trust in social/personal interactions. Used in treatment of Fevers, Eye disorders and Nose bleeds. A "Justice" attractant in Legal/Litigation matters, which is fine if you're in the Right.

SARDONYX: Helps reverse Lover's Spats, Domestic Strife and unsteady interpersonal relationships by promoting balance in communications and actions. Transmutes Depression/Despondency to Joy/Peace with in user, and reduces hesitation be fostering and promoting courage to carry on.

OPAL: See Above.

LAPIS LAZULI: In ancient Sumner was considered the "Soul House of Deity" (i.e.,- physical abode on Earth). Strengthens awareness of cosmic awareness/connections and enhances divination trips into Other Planes. Good soother for ALL aches and pains in both physical and astral bodies. Promotes Health on all levels; mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Aides in harmonizing/balancing Ying-Yang energies within.

PERIDOT: See Above.

SAPPHIRE: Ditto

CORAL: "Life Essence of the Sea Mother". Ultimate mineral "Water" energy symbol. Protects against Dark Magic, accidents, theft, poison, possession by demons/unfriendly spirits and cure for Sterility. Promotes Reason, Prudence, Courage, Wisdom and Deep Thinking, and Nightmares. Also protects user from Shark Attacks and Incubus/Succubus (drat!).

CHRYSOPRASE: Bolsters the emotional well being of user by bringing Joy and Peace while banishing Greed, Envy, Laziness, Lust and Stress (sorry, nothing about Calories). General Ward against Negativity. Strengthens eyesight, relieves joint pain, and stanches flowing blood. Also can be used to balance cash flow.

Stones of SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Oct. 31)

ADVENTURINE: "Gamblers Stone". Brings Luck and Success in ventures involving money. Calms Nervous disorders, helps with Eye problems, promote general healing and boosts creativity.

TOPAZ: "A Specific" against Envy, Double Dealing, Person Injury, Sudden Death, Negative Magic, and, if set in Gold and bound to left arm, Insanity. Wards against house fires and night visitations. Also can regulate digestive system for weight loss work.

GARNET: enhances Body strength, endurance and vigor. Energy booster and general "Light" shield against all forms of attack by the forces of Darkness. Regulates skin, blood and heart health. And if you give a Garnet to someone leaving, it will insure a safe return into your life.

RUBY; 'Harvest Stone" drawing success in endeavors; especially those involved with vegetation. Ward against attacks by enemies (your "friends".well, you're on your own), Lightening strikes, Plague, Famine, Pestilence, Chills and Fear. Enhances Will Power and Confidence.

AQUAMARINE; See Above.

BERYL; for attracting Love, Friendship, Rain, finding Lost items and "just the right words" in debates and the "correct" information" divination wise. Ward against the Evil Eye, Seasickness, and Storms over water. Relieves liver aliments, swollen glands, and diseases of the eye.

CITRINE; Ward against Nightmares and irrational Fears. Transmutes "negative energy" into inert "waste" and dispels it. Stabilizes emotions and can help align Aural body with physical bodies needs. Promotes Optimism and regulates bowels.

KUNZITE; Induces relaxation both physical and mental by enabling one to see the "lighter side" of situation and thus reduces stress. Peace inducers for both self and area around stone producing loving thoughts, verbiage, and attitudes. Used in treating disorders of the Lungs, Heart muscles and Circulation.

RHODONITE; Casts off Confusion, Doubt, Disorientation and Incoherency by shielding psychic centers from over stimulation and information. Relationship balancer both within and without. Has been used in treatments for Emphysema, Arthritis, Inflammations of the Joints and Viral Throat Infections.

SPINEL; Energy booster for periods of excess exertion (heard of those.) and renewing determination to continue with endeavor(s). Other specifics uses according to Color.

©2002 Mark

*******************************************************

The Magick of Cooking
by Nexyjo

I rarely cast spells. So when people ask me if I "do" a lot of magick, I usually say "no". Most people think of spells, when they think of magick. Yet, in essence, I do engage in magick every single day, in almost everything I do. Several years of studying and learning to implement those studies in daily life have helped me to live a more fulfilling and magickal life.

I never much enjoyed cooking when I was younger. It just seemed like a big hassle, and cleaning up was always a chore. That is, until I started using magick in my cooking. Now I look forward to brewing up my next meal, empowering it with love, protection, healing, or any other attribute that seems needed by me or my loved ones.

I consider myself an urban witch, or a more specifically, a suburban witch, having spent most of my life in the suburbs of New York City. For many of those years, I've lived in apartments, and made due with small patches of nature, usually in public parks, or window boxes. That hasn't stopped me from taking advantage of the herbs and spices that Mother Earth has to offer, and gleaning of little of her magick to empower my food.

Putting together a spaghetti dinner is common at my home. Spaghetti is inexpensive, and offers a quick solution for a filling meal at the end of a busy day. And even though the sauce I use starts its life in a jar, I take pride in it, as that's a perfect example of how I might add a little magick to a typical meal. I'll often pick up a few bottles of the branded sauce that happens to be on sale that week, but by the time it reaches my table, it's been empowered with a variety of magickal attributes, mainly from the few herbs and spices I keep on hand.

I love onions and garlic, and have found both to offer protection and health to my cooking. In the case of spaghetti sauce, I'll usually slice and then sauté them in the sauce pot before adding the bottle of sauce, usually in non-fat cooking spray. (As I've grown older, I find that fighting those calories is also an important step.) While they're cooking, I empower them in the same way I'd charge a crystal or dress a candle, by sending to them health, protection, banishment, or any other magickal attribute that onions are garlic are so good at. Focusing my concentration on these properties enhances them in my food, just like with the candle or crystal.

I cook with a lot of mushrooms too. They offer a wealth of positive attributes, and I love the way they taste, both raw and cooked. Mushrooms have traditionally been associated with magick, in part because of the peyote mushroom's hallucinogenic properties. Theologically speaking, Shou-xing, a Chinese stellar deity, was represented by a mushroom. His name means "Star of longevity", which would probably account for the mushroom's attribute of wellness and vitality. Depending on the type of mushroom, they can also offer spiritual potency, aid in recovery from colds (mushroom and chicken soup?), a healthy immune system, and lowering blood pressure. Certainly, I add mushrooms in my spaghetti sauce, dicing them up and stirring them in. They also help to make the sauce thicker. They make a great addition to salads too, raw, sliced or diced.

It seems that many herbs that are popular for cooking can be used for health and protection. Love is another popular magickal correspondence for cooking herbs. Adding fresh dill to my veggie stew or omelets helps fill my life with love. And a dash of cinnamon in the evening coffee can enhance that with passion. And if I have any suspicions of infidelity, a little nutmeg can help ensure faithfulness. A bowl of mixed nuts has been known to help with fertility, though at my age, they are better served for aiding in creativity. Fertility can take on many different forms of creation.

A quick scan through Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs equips anyone with a wealth of knowledge in the use of herbs in cooking. Just be sure to read the warnings - some herbs can be poisonous or unhealthy, especially if they're used incorrectly. I've also found that one should always pay attention to the local customs and family traditions to glean a bit of herbal magick. My mom would always whip up the best chicken soup when any of the kids were sick, and I believe it helped. All of her cooking seemed therapeutic as well as delicious, and when we would ask how she managed to make it taste so good, she'd always tell us that she cooked every meal with love. The best ingredient of all.

©2002 Nexyjo

*******************************************************

May 2000 First Edition
by Janet Cyford

The Mediumship development "Circle" is the bedrock of Spirit communication and Spiritualism. Creating a safe environment where all sitters can open their awareness is essential. If well run, they will also learn to close the extended consciousness when the group ends. In my experience, only Spirit can train a Medium to be a clear conduit for communication. But the weekly group session provides the means by which a closer contact can be formed with Spirit Guides who teach and train us. Even if the gift is a natural one of clear seeing or clear hearing the corresponding sensitivity needs managing with self discipline. Neglecting this leaves the individual as an ever open door inviting all and sundry to enter.

Regular attendance in a weekly "Circle" also provides an opportunity for Spiritual Unfoldment, which is an essential component to our work with Spirit. During the past 15 years many have gravitated to my groups seeking a better understanding of the "Self", rather than wanting to be Mediums in the accepted sense of the word. Recognizing this to be the first important step in our development I have welcomed the presence of these students and enjoyed their contribution to the groups. Each has forged a strong link with Spirit, and this has brought a realization of Spirit's close, intimate, presence in our lives.

As the majority of my students come from the "care" fields, the common denominator that binds them as a group is their desire "to serve". Doctors, nurses, psychologist, therapist, lawyers, social workers and several artists have joined and continue to attend one of three, weekly groups run by me. You may wonder how a strongly forged personal link with Spirit has helped their professions. For they do not desire to bring Soul survival evidence to their clients or patients such as a Spiritualist Medium would do. Nevertheless, a new dimension of understanding enhances their work and inspiration from Spirit is always apparent. Where we are . . . so Spirit can also be. Meaning, there are numerous ways in which to cooperate with and do the work of the Great Spirit.

Considering the spiritual law of "like attracting like" my mother firmly believed that behind every doctor practicing his craft on earth, stood many like-minded Spirit doctors, intent on sharing ideas and knowledge. We also learned in our home "Circle" behind every man enjoying a pint of beer at the local pub, stood many more like-minded Souls in the afterlife enjoying the experience. So there is another side to the coin to consider!

Through their development all group members have found a source of strength in the Spiritual Self within, which has supported their chosen career of caring for others. In the Aids epidemic a patient's fear of death was addressed by those who knew of the Souls continuous existence in the afterlife. One highlighted moment was with a Cancer Doctor, an Oncologist who had a private reading with me. As the session drew to a close he asked "What shall I tell my patients when they are about to die?" "Simply tell them not to be afraid" I replied, "they are going home to a wonderful reunion with friends and relatives who have gone ahead of them."

******

Have you noticed how some people on the fringe of this understanding are so superstitious? Seduced by tales of haunting, exorcisms and extraterrestrial visitations, suggests they be discouraged from psychic development until they willingly reach for a higher understanding. Very often it implies an unbalanced mind that likes to be frightened. On inquiry a love of sci-fi movies and horror stories is often discovered.

The belief that a Medium calls up the dead is a misconception promoted by Hollywood and the media. Struggling along a dark tunnel towards the light, at the moment of death, is another. Assuming that a Medium gets their information by reading the mind of their sitter, is ignorance at it's worse. Assuming we would want to, is even more insulting. Listening to an American radio broadcast today I bristled at a caller's request of the Medium being interviewed. The caller said he held a copy of the yellow pages that he would open randomly. The Medium was expected to grab a copy of the telephone book, which he assumed must be close by. By reading his mind she would open her volume to the same page as his. He had devised this to test her abilities.

What can be done to bring Spirit Communication and Spiritual Unfoldment out of the dark ages and into the light of everyone's understanding? Maybe we should use different words to express our work. For instance instead of calling a session a Private Reading, which suggests we are reading something, we should call the session a Private Spirit Communication. This will dispel the misconception that we are reading the client, as many believe. Should we drop the word Psychic and all its present day connotations? Calling ourselves a Channeler, just won't do.

Having found personal proof of a loved one's survival beyond death, we can educate others in the simplicity of our search for evidence. Those who are vehicles for the Great Spirit's work should be educated with a detailed understanding of the mechanics of Spirit communication. If we do not know how it works we should ask our Spirit coworkers to show us. Then we can teach others. It is really the only way to bring about a more respectful attitude to this wonderful truth.

©2000 Janet Cyford

*******************************************************

WHY GOD...?
By Linda M. Marrero, Spiritual Medium
Copyright 2002, all rights reserved
Oh, it felt so good to walk around the peaceful lake and inhale the early morning air. Observing the scenery helps my mind to wander from the task, while at the same time I am enjoying the beauty of nature. As I begin my walk I become aware of the glistening water and the resulting mirror image of sky and clouds. The water fowl are sitting by or swimming in the lake. As I round the bend I see the stone memorial to the fallen police officer that this small park is dedicated to. The first line on the stone is, "Why God...when he served others with pride, honor and dignity?" This implied to me that the mourners were questioning why such a wonderful man had been killed and taken from this earth? Why did God choose him to be a victim of crime, the crime that he so valiantly fought against during his lifetime? Or even still, why didn't God intervene and save his life?

These questions are valid and even understandable, if you believe that God is in total control of your life from the moment that you are born, until your eventual death. I believe in a God that is loving. A Creator who does not punish or chastise, but encourages personal and spiritual growth. A God that wants us all to show unconditional love for others AND ourselves, while maintaining our FREE WILL. My belief is that we make a general "plan" of what our life is to be like. We look for challenges to assist us in that growth so that our spirits can ascend in this life and the next. We plan for experiences to assist our growth, as well as others. In this context, I believe that we choose when we will incarnate, to whom we will incarnate, what general lessons/challenges we will experience, and when we will leave this earthplane. If you look at life this way there is no one to blame. Our choices lead us to our individual paths in life. What an empowering thought! We are not victims of something or someone else! WE JUST ARE!

Of course, there is sadness and a sense of loss when someone we know and love leaves this earth. We miss their physical presence. It makes it even harder for us, who remain here without them, to lose them tragically through a violent act or an accident. There is tremendous guilt when a parent loses a child because as a parent we are supposed to protect them. We get very used to the idea of living here, in a physical body, loving and sharing with others, that we almost feel as if we own our loved ones. We forget that our "real" home is an ethereal home. The place where we originated from and will return to is what I call (and many others do as well) "the other side". We pass back into our spirit bodies, but we can retain a connection to the physical world as well. Love is the bond that allows us to sense or "feel" our loved ones. You have to open up your mind and your heart to believe that such things are possible, and you will see that our loved ones are never truly away from us.

Bio

Linda Marrero is a Spiritual Medium and Certified Hypnotist with a practice in Edison, NJ. She also teaches Psychic Development classes.

732-985-7995
P.O. Box 10152
New Brunswick, NJ 8906
www.Spiritwords.net

*******************************************************

Advertisements:

Spirit Circle is pleased to announce we can now furnish web hosting to our members who would like to create a website and have not been able to decide where to place their site. Spirit Circle is undertaking this new endeavor, to help become self sufficient to meet it's operating costs.

We feel our rates are very competitive with what is on the market. These are ad free sites and you may purchase web space starting at 5MB and go as large as needed. You can have your own domain name or you may go under the name www.spiritrus.com/yoursite.com )

We are open to all members and the general public. We hope if you are considering a website, that you will think of Spirit Circle to help you meet your internet needs. If you need help in creating a site, we can refer you to Websites by Joyce to help make your dream become a reality.
For information on how to obtain hosting please contact Charles at chgrooms@bellsouth.net or Joyce at joymlcat@hotmail.com

*******************************************************

Websites By Joyce: I will design and build a website to your specifications. My rates are lower than industry standards and I offer a Special Discount off Website Designs to all members of Spirit Circle. Maintenance contracts are available for those with existing websites, feel free to contact me on those rates. Contact me at joymlcat@hotmail.com or you may visit my Website at: www.CelestialHaven.com ******************************************************* To those interested in earning a little extra Christmas money or just spending money check out Rabbit Connection and please use this URL http://www.rabbitconnection.com/?326452 ******************************************************* Readings by Joyce

Do you have problems in your life that you are not sure how to handle?
Do you have questions about the past, present or future?
Are you seeking answers?
I will give you amazingly accurate and caring Spirit Guided readings using Tarot
I use the Robin Wood cards for Tarot and Phoenix cards for past life readings.

For the month of October I will be offering a special rate for readings either by email or in chatroom, or instant messengers

Readings are priced as follows:
For October ONLY Readings $ 30.00
Payment is made using paypal. Please contact for more details and information!
Contact me at joymlcat@hotmail.com or you may visit my Website at: www.CelestialHaven.com

*******************************************************

Celestial Elements

Scents for Health and Well-being
We specialize in the custom blending of scentual products using essential oils, herbs, and gems for mind, body and spirit. Let your sense guide you to the natural therapy of Aroma therapy. It is the most pleasing way to health and well-being. We would like to share with you our newest branch of wellness products that are safer for you, your family, and most importantly are Earth Friendly.

These products for Health and Well-being are made from the oil of Melaleuca alternifolia- just one of the many essential-essential oils offered to us by Mother Nature. Please contact us for more information to ensure a healthy home and family from the many toxins that you may be using everyday!

Naomi Christianson (707) 427-1536
celestialelemnts@aol.com
www.celestialelements.com http://www.celestialelements.com

*******************************************************

If you would like to place an ad in this ezine, contact us at admin@spirit-circle.org for information