Within my Tarot and Spiritual Counselling sessions I often encounter clients who misunderstand the concept of forgiveness.  I regularly hear spiritual teachers and mentors suggest forgiveness is a key ingredient in the emotional aspect of healing – when it’s accepted that the emotional state has an important relationship with our physical well-being as well as having a strong influence on the reality we create for ourselves, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what’s required so that the healing process is as swift and effective as it can possibly be.

How many times have you been advised to ‘forgive yourself’? For many, the idea can seem perplexing and a professional should never offer this kind of advice to a client without proper explanation – the process of forgiveness is just the beginning in the alchemical flow of transformation. It must be properly followed through to completion to avoid the individual slipping back into the old, unhelpful ways of being.

At the deepest level, we need to recognise the damaging patterns of negative emotions related to a sense of guilt or shame, not being ‘good enough’ or failure associated with low self-worth. The behaviours these emotions create and the projections they offer to others can be thought of as a form of punishment we repeatedly inflict upon ourselves asourexternal world mirrors our internal state of being.

Once these deep patterns have been recognised, we can more clearly see the mask of self-punishment we wear – it causes us toconstantly turnon ourselves and results in a lack of security sad sense of disappointment in life. The process of self-forgiveness is very much about removing this mask – both energetically and through clear insight – so that the root causes of our problems can be exposed.

The root causes vary between individuals, but they are almost always negative resonances deeply ingrained in the psyche, energetic blueprint and DNA. They can stem from past lives, ancestral or inherited issues, pre-conceptual patterns related to the ‘soul contract’, pre-birth or birth trauma, childhood problems or dramatic life events. It takes gut and determination to heal these kinds of issues on every level and the results can vary according to our individual receptiveness to change as well as the skill and sensitivity of the practitioners we choose to work with.

Forgiving others is a slightly different story. It’s another common misconception that this kind of forgiveness involves compromising the self to let go of anger towards or disappointment in the other person in order to create a situation whereby it feels acceptable to remain entwined in a relationship with them. These kinds of relationships often involve some kind of co-dependency or dysfunction whereby each party perpetuates the problematic patterns within the other.

On a conscious or subconscious level, an addictive connection or sense of need is developed between the parties that can seem almost impossible to break. The patterns behind the behaviour that trigger the anger or disappointment are then simply repeated and we become stuck in an emotional ‘groundhog day’ whereby the need for forgiveness arises again and again.

This is the story behind bad marriages, unpleasant family dynamics and unhappy working relationships.We can recognise this sorry state of affairs in most of the situations that we feel we simply have to put up with because we believe other factors make it necessary for us to connect with those peoplewhose actions trigger the anger, disappointment or sadness that holds us back.

The first concept to be aware of when dealing with this kind of challenge is to recognise that continuing to place oneself in the problematic relationship is most likely to be a result of the low self-worth that requires the process of self-forgiveness I’ve already discussed.

When the root causes of low self-worth are identified and tackled, the anger or disappointment in the other person is often also exposed as being connected to those very same issues and the individual realises the dependency or co-dependency that’s been trapping them is an illusion they can easily transcend.

Of course, we can work on ourselves, but can never force the other person to make what we perceive to be desperately needed changes. Even if we can persuade them to look at what needs transforming, they have their own inner work to do, and whether they do it is a matter of choice. In many cases, it is necessary to hand back the burdens we have on some level agreed to carry for the other person in the situation and assert our own boundaries when it comes to accepting responsibility.

So what’s the outcome of forgiveness when another person is involved? Sometimes our own process can transform the relationship and both parties can make the shift into a healthier connection. On other occasions, we realise the relationship is no longer needed, since the lessons it had to offer us have been processed and learned; we become empowered with freedom and find the strength to step away. This is very different from running away – since the patterns we create will remain prevalent until dealt with, so it’s never enough to extract ourselves from a relationship or situation without dealing with what’s truly going on beneath the surface.

In my view of existence, since we are the One currently enjoying an experience of separation in the form of human incarnation, the situations around us and people we’re connected with are our own creation. They are simply aspects of ourselves that we have chosen to experience in order to learn the lessons we have contracted to explore. They demand transformation so that we can expand and grow, eventually reaching the point where we realise that we are One again, and we see the dance of life from a totally different perspective.

Forgiveness is deep inner work. It requires self-responsibility, a sense of empowerment and the recognition of our own choice and Free Will. All these concepts are beautiful things that are an integral part of the healing process of the soul’s journeyand the flow of awakening consciousness as we shift from duality to Oneness. Now’s the time to use forgiveness to explore freedom as we lift the limitations on our personal potential. When we know how, it’s simple to move from sadness into joy.

Rhian Kivits – Crystal Priestess

This article was published in the March 2012 edition of Enlightening Times Magazine.

Please click here to read my latest article in Enlightening Times Magazine.

The article is entitled ‘The Alchemy of Forgiveness’. I was inspired to write this piece after reflection on my own healing process as well as from the benefit of my experience with clients.

Too often practitioners are happy to offer snippets of advice that sound helpful on the surface but lack depth and explanation. We need to be sure we can fully explain our suggestions to those we help and support so that they are empowered with realistic tools to use for their own personal development. Practitioners must support and encourage their clients to take their healing process into their own hands.

The concept of ‘Forgiveness’ is one that is often mentioned but seldom supported with enough depth. Spiritual Alchemy is about inner work that touches the very core of the person. It’s the kind of transformation that we all aspire to achieve, and with the right perspective, the process will be fruitful.

If you need support with your healing issues, please do consider dropping me a line or booking a consultation. I love this work and I will always do my best to work in partnership with you to find a way forward.

Rhian Kivits – Crystal Priestess

The picture accompanying this post is The Lovers from the forthcoming Soulscapes Tarot by the very talented artist Jade Ashcroft. The picture is used in Enlightening Times to accompany my article.

We’re so excited to announce that a new book co-authored by Rhian on Crystal Skulls is being printed as we write!

Crystal Skulls – A Journey of Experiences, Wisdom and The Divine has been co-created by a number of well known figures in the Crystal Skull world, who have shared their own personal stories, perspectives and wisdom on this fascinating area of modern spirituality.

Even better news is that the publisher of the book has agreed to donate the profits to a New Age children’s charity, and we’re waiting to hear which organisation has been chosen as the beneficiary.

The book is due to hit the shelves in April at a cost of 24.95 Euros plus P&P, which equates to about £21 GBP plus P&P. As one of the Co-Authors, however, Rhian is currently taking pre-orders for the book.

Please get in touch if you would like to pre-order a copy, and we’ll let you have details of the payment arrangements.

Rhian Kivits  – Crystal Priestess

The Pagan festival of Imbolc takes place at the beginning of February and symbolically marks the first day of Spring. One of the cross quarters of the Celtic Wheel of the Year, Imbolc is associated with Brigit (Bride/Bridget), maiden Goddess of Healing and sacred fire.

There are many holy wells and sacred sites across the UK dedicated to Brigit, including the unspoilt Brides Mound in Glastonbury, where it is thought a spiritual community existed since pre-Christian times and where St Brigid of Kildare is said to have stayed in 488AD.

Traditionally at Imbolc, new seedlings start to push their way through the soil, and we see the beginning of a new farming cycle. ‘Imbolc’ means ‘in the belly’, which relates to the time when lambing begins. Thus the Goddess Brigit is often depicted milking a ewe and is said to breathe life into the mouth of winter.

We noticed the first signs of Imbolc here in Avalon last week when we visited the Chalice Well to cleanse and bless some crystal skulls in the magical waters there. There was a sense of optimism apparent everywhere in the signs of nature and as we absorbed the fresh, Spring sunshine we were greeted by a friendly Robin who treated us to a few moments of joyful song.

Spending time at the Chalice Well always helps us return to a point of stillness, gratefulness and balance regardless of the challenges we face. Nature teaches us about the certainty of cycles and reminds us that inner security can always be reached as long as we see ourselves as part of the whole.

Today, Pagans see Imbolc as the time for a fresh start. It’s the perfect time for spring cleaning and de-cluttering on a physical and an energetic level. Start thinking about what you’d like to achieve, set new goals and look for seeds of inspiration in the emergence and quickening of nature.

In honour of Brigit, corn dolls and Bride crosses (fire wheels) are made, which are traditionally woven from reeds or straw. Milk is an ideal offering to Bride, Goddess of healing, as you ask for assistance in improving your physical and spiritual health.

This Imbolc feels particularly powerful, as we welcome a Full Moon on 7^th February, also known as the Chaste Moon. Its name relates to the notion that we approach the fresh start marked by Imbolc with a pure, clear Soul. It’s an ideal time for releasing that which no longer serves us, so Banishing Rituals, Purification Ceremonies and Karmic Clearance will all make for powerful magical work under the Full Moon.

If you’re drawn to crystals, Selenite, Smoky Quartz and Howlite will support your healing and magic beautifully. Herkimer Diamond will offer you the boost of clarity you seek if you are struggling for guidance about how to move forward. Full motivation will return with the Full Moon, when it’s time to work with crystals that empower your Free Will centre, such as Pyrite, Sunstone and Carnelian.

Interestingly, the Goddess Brigit is also associated with the fire of the Sun, which increases from Spring towards Summer. This seems pertinent right now because we can also capitalise upon the energies that still remain around us from last week’s gigantic Solar Flare as an opportunity for healing and release. Many people have noticed that this Solar Flare seemed to trigger a particularly marked emotional response, with issues of insecurity, self-doubt and uncertainty about the future coming to the forefront.

This very much reminds me of the energy of The Tower card of the Tarot, which speaks to me of the requirement to make a firm choice to rebuild the structures around one’s life in order to make a fresh start. It’s also about being forced to face the realities of life when we can no longer sit isolated within the barriers and protections we have built around ourselves.

How apt this Tarot card seems for us all today, as we are called to tear down and rebuild the structures of our dysfunctional world as we move from duality into Oneness. We feel this irresistible ‘call’ to Unity in the very fabric of our cells, emanating from our own inner core, the core of the Earth and the Heart centre of Source~Consciousness that beckons us home.

In this respect the Solar Flares are a double-edged sword, because while their powerful Light-codes catalyse much needed change, we become more aware of the fears we release as part of the transformation process and we are challenged to find ways to stay in a space of joy and Love while we make the necessary shifts.

My advice for this moment is to open the Heart to feel the Loving resonance of the future we now co-create, see it is already manifest when we transcend the illusion of time, and use this connection to transform any fear vibration overshadowing the process of change on a personal, planetary and Cosmic level.

Whenever there is a sudden event or shock that unsettles us to our very foundations physically, emotionally or energetically there is always a time of calm and silence that enables the dust to settle before we take whatever action is necessary to move forward. So the next few days are for stillness and reflection, while we ask the Higher Self for guidance on what it is that we need to acknowledge and release to enable the path ahead to be cleared.

Our challenge in 2012 is very much about staying in harmony with the cycles and shifts relating to the Earth’s process as we ourselves are an integral part of these changes. Listen through the Heart, hear the ‘call’ to Oneness and feel the magnetism of Source~Consciousness to ride the wave and stay right on track. Remember this beautiful planet is our home – so release resistance and synchronise with the natural flow as together we journey back to where we belong.

Rhian Kivits – Crystal Priestess

Imagine a beautiful world where everything operates in perfect balance. In the Era of Golden Atlantis this ideal did once exist and I believe that we have the potential to experience it all again as we move through the star-gate of 2012 towards a multi-dimensional reality based on complete harmony. According to Dr. Leonard Horowitz in his book, Healing Codes for the Biological Apocalypse, musical tones could be the key.

Many centuries ago, the ancient tones used by monks to create Gregorian Chants were based on Divine frequencies. They were supposedly “lost” by the Catholic Church along with many other frequencies that were said to have particular energetic significance and bring about spiritual unity. This contributed to humanity’s disconnection from the Divine and could be linked to the discordant state of the world today. Some blame the controlling ethos of the church for the “loss” of the tones, seeing them as symbolic of our right to freedom and access to our own spiritual truths. The tones, known as the Solfeggio Frequencies, were rediscovered through the research of Dr Joseph Puleo. It is suggested that by just listening to them regularly you will awaken, activate and heal your energy anatomy.

Modern music is based on a limited tonal system. Researchers have claimed that this is one of the reasons why so many people have negative thoughts, suppressed emotions and fear-based behavioural patterns. You only have to listen to the pop music charts to understand what’s going on. The music simply doesn’t have a positive resonance, and it triggers deep rooted dysfunction within those who listen to it. It’s no surprise that music is one of the tools used by the shadow forces who’d like to control this planet to manipulate young people. You only have to read some of the articles on the Vigilant Citizen website to understand a little more about this.

Music based on the Solfeggio Frequencies, however, broadens the creativity, eases problem solving and promotes health and wellbeing. People who have worked with the Solfeggio Frequencies have started to report feeling clearer and more vibrant, having higher energy levels, an increased psychic ability, more sensitive, active energy centres and the ability to start to see auras.

Soma Energetics is one of the many websites that sells a variety of CDs and tuning forks based on the Solfeggio Frequencies. However, if you want to try using the tones without a financial commitment they now available for free download from the Solfeggio Tones website.

The Solfeggio Tones website also contains interesting information also about the frequency of 432Hz. The site explains that this frequency “vibrates on the principals of the golden mean PHI and unifies the properties of light, time, space, matter, gravity and magnetism with biology, the DNA code and consciousness.”

The site goes on to say “432hz Natural Tuning has profound effects on consciousness and also on the cellular level of our bodies. By retuning musical instruments and using concert pitch at 432 hertz instead of 440 hertz, your atoms and DNA start to resonate in harmony with the PHI spiral of nature.”

Here at Temple of the Golden Heart, Rens and I have been immersing ourselves in sacred sound for some time. I feel it’s an integral part of the special ‘recipe’ for multi-dimensional activation that also includes the use of crystals (in particular the crystal skulls) and sacred geometry. We’ve tuned our Monochord healing chair to F ~ F Sharp at 432Hz, which is the Cosmic frequency of the Heart. Those who have tried this amazing healing device have experienced a sense of deep connection, cellular activation and Oneness. We’ve invested in some wonderful instruments to share sacred sound with our clients in this year’s workshops and events.

We’re learning more about Cymatics, the science of sound and vibration, and we recommend www.cymatics.org for inspiring images that clearly demonstrate the beauty of harmony. This website takes full credit for the gorgeous mandala-like picture that accompanies this article.

The Solfeggio Frequencies are:

UT – 396 Hz – Liberating Guilt and Fear
RE – 417 Hz – Undoing Situations and Facilitating Change
MI – 528 Hz – Transformation and Miracles (DNA Repair)
FA – 639 Hz – Connecting/Relationships
SOL – 741 Hz – Awakening Intuition
LA – 852 Hz – Returning to Spiritual Order

 Rhian Kivits – Crystal Priestess

Claire Whiles of Weymouth’s Light and Energy Centre has kindly shared her experience of a Past Life Regression session with Rhian that took place before Christmas. It was a truly amazing session…you can read what she says below:

My experience of Past Life Regression – a tale of reconnection! by Claire Whiles

I have always been interested in past lives since a small child when I watched a TV programme where a lady was hypnotised and recalled  details of a past life in Ireland.

 There appeared to be no way she could have had knowledge of the life and people she described.  When the information she gave was researched it was discovered that a lot of the details were facts and even the cottage she described was found ruined in a wood.

 Rhian is a wonderful teacher, healer and psychic so as I felt completely relaxed and in safe hands I decided to take a look at what my previous incarnations held.

 My session with Rhian involved me lying on the couch, all very warm and relaxing whilst Rhian led me gently under hypnosis.

 Rhian asked me questions about what I could see.

 I saw very clearly my feet. Mens feet! Very hairy legs and strappy “sandals”. I held a shield with a red ruby in the centre and said I was a warrior and y name was Bada.

 I was asked if I knew what year it was and all I could say was “10”  and also at this time I could not say where I was.

 Rhian asked me to go to where I lived.   I saw quite a horrific scene! (Although under hypnosis I felt sad and upset at what follows it was part of the healing process and important – so please read on!)

 I saw a village with round huts and straw roofs but all around were people that had been slaughtered. 

 I went to my family – I had a wife and two children who had been killed.   I distinctly recall saying “It was Stephens men”   

 Rhian led me to each of my family in turn, asking if I knew them in this life.    I recognised my wife as my partner Robin in this life – and he was called Lilleana in this incarnation.  My daughter was called Susan and is my son James and my baby son was called Bo and is my son Harry.

 Rhian then led me through connecting with their souls and healing what was needed to be healed.

 I then knew where I was and it was Avignon.

 She asked me what happened next – and I described I took my own life by hanging from a tree but I was happy and could look down at my body whilst I was held in a beautiful and safe white light.

 This story could be deemed as a tragic tale in some ways but I see it a story of rebirth and reconnection.  The meeting and joining again with  souls that we have been with before.  It made me realise too that I had been working too hard and not spending time with my family as I should so this needed to be addressed.

 That evening I spent time researching on the internet my recollections.

There was a bishop Stephen of Avignon in the fourth century who attacked the Jews in this area of France.

Susan and Bo are Hebrew names and Lilleana and Bada are Jewish names.

 Need I say more!!!!

 If anyone reading this knows any more details of this Bishop Stephen of Avignon or what happened during these times I would really love to know more, thank you.

You can contact Claire at The Light and Energy Centre on 01305 839394 or click here to see Claire’s website. Claire is a Nutritional Therapist as well as being Director of the centre. Rhian is often a guest at the centre offering private sessions and you’ll find details of future sessions and workshops on the website.

Rhian Kivits

Orbs are mysterious, spherical forms of energy and light that conventional science can’t fully explain. The most common form of orb is the small white sphere often captured on digital cameras, although they have been spotted in many colours and a variety of sizes.

Orbs are the most common form of paranormal phenomena captured on video or camera by psychics and paranormal investigators. Quite often they appear without warning on ‘normal’ photographs and we’re not sure why they’re there. Be aware that not all photographs of orbs are genuine, however, as particles of dust and moisture can appear as orbs in your pictures. So perhaps the most exciting orbs are the ones that we can see with the naked eye if we are perceptive enough and release our limitations.

There are a number of theories that attempt to explain the strange phenomenon of orbs. Some say that they are a basic form of ghost or spirit – the portion of us that leaves the body after death. Another suggestion is that orbs are the manifestation of elementals or nature spirits. Shamanism and other ancient, nature based belief systems have always revered the consciousness of flowers, plants and the land itself.

Finally, the idea that orbs represent consciousness from other realms or dimensions is perhaps the most plausible. This suggests that the spherical, light form is how other-worldly or multidimensional consciousness can project itself into our third dimensional existence. This makes sense to me because I believe the nature of consciousness itself to be spherical and consider the form of the sphere (and circle) to be sacred. Some say that orbs collect information, while others claim that they deliver wisdom and healing to our realm. They suggest that the origin of this consciousness is angelic, faery or even extra terrestrial and that if we open to the possibility, we can even communicate with them.

After years of developing my own perception and psychic skills through meditation, working with energy and connecting with crystal skulls, I’ve found that I can usually detect orbs with the naked eye and this is then validated if I decide to take a photograph. Often I’ll be working with the crystal skulls, perhaps having placed them as elements of a 3D mandala and I’ll have lit some small candles, begun burning some incense or herbs and I’ll be sitting quietly in a relaxed state when the orbs appear. I might notice a sudden flash around the crystals or crystal skulls, or perceive something moving across the room very quickly from the corner of my eye. It’s not unusual for me to also feel a subtle change in atmosphere and there will be a sense I’m not alone.

When this happens, I’ll pick up the camera or reach for my mobile phone and take a few snaps. More often than not, I’m rewarded with the appearance of an orb or two, and when the images are enlarged there can be some amazing results; rainbow colours, geometric shapes, faces or even the outline of an entire being can manifest in these strange floating spheres.

In my view, orbs manifest when the energetics are favourable. It makes sense, therefore, when they appear in the vicinity of the healing altar, around the crystals or close to the crystal skulls. It also makes sense when they seem to be hovering near trees, flowers or plants, because they are resonating in harmony with the spiritual energies of nature. I sometimes get the feeling that orbs need to resonate with another ‘Being’ in order to appear, and that the life force energy of other ‘Beings’ is a key factor in how and why they manifest. However, I also believe that orbs can appear in their scores in places where the Earth energies are favourable or gateways to other dimensions exist.

My own photographs of the temples of Egypt are full of orbs, which is no surprise considering these sites have been places of connection with the Divine since ancient times. Ancient architects selected locations for these temples where the Earth energy is incredibly active and aligned them with the sacred geometry of the Cosmos, so even today in these places the veils between the dimensions are incredibly thin and the very walls of these temples are flowing with life force energy and spiritual light.

When orbs appear, I always acknowledge and welcome their presence. Even if they don’t seem to have a particular message to convey or a defined reason for showing up, I like to consider their presence as validation that there is so much more in existence than first meets the eye and I value them as ambassadors for the world of energy.

Whatever the explanation for orbs, experiencing them real-time is much more powerful than viewing them in photos. If you’d like to try to see orbs, find a safe, quiet place, meditate or raise your vibration, project the strong intention of lifting your limitations and seeing some energy spheres. You could enhance the energy with some crystals, a crystal skull or alternatively go out in nature and work with a tree or plant that you feel a connection with. When you are ready, use all your senses to perceive what is around you. Keep your digital camera handy but remember the most important record keeping facility we possess is within our own minds, so concentrate on embracing the experience rather than capturing the proof.

Rhian Kivits – Crystal Priestess

Since ancient times there have always been celebrations around the Winter Solstice. For today’s Pagans, the festival of Yule starts in December, with celebrations heightening at the longest night and the shortest day, which falls around 21^st December (22/12/2011). This is when we are closest to both the Spirit worlds and the Ancestors.

Here in Glastonbury our first taste of Yuletide came with the town’s annual Frost Fayre on 13th December. The High Street was closed and pretty market stalls lined the pavements selling all kinds of festive and hand-made treats including leather items, crystal jewellery, hats, wooden sculptures and essential oils. Father Christmas made his appearance in a wooden cart pulled by a beautiful Cob and visitors to the town could partake of mulled cider while listening to the array of musical performers who gave of their best despite some intermittent rain!

At 6pm a circle of local people gathered at the Market Cross to join with the Druid community and celebrate the season with songs and the talented musings of some of our local Bards. The event coincided with the most incredible Super Moon, which contributed to the magical atmosphere as we sent our collective wishes for love and peace right across the planet. Everyone in attendance joined hearts and hands, reminding each other just how special it is to experience life here in Avalon.

The roots of Christmas itself lie in Paganism, as of course it was the Romans who decided to impose the supposed date of 25 December as the birth of Christ upon their empires to absorb the Saxon, Celtic and Mithraic traditions that were already taking place at this time of year. Midwinter’s day was considered to be the re-birth of the Sun with the word ‘Yule’ being a derivative of the Anglo Saxon word ‘Yula’, meaning ‘wheel’ of the year. The festival began the night before the Solstice itself and ran into January, coinciding with what Christians now term ‘the twelfth night’.

One festive tradition that is still popular today is the burning of the Yule Log. Traditionally a log from a sacred tree, often an ash or oak, would be burned for twelve hours. The ashes of the Yule Log were thought to bring good luck and offer protection to the home.

The symbolism of the winter evergreen tree also has its roots in ancient tradition. Hardy evergreens that last throughout the cold winter represent the continuation of life through this dark time. It was in Germany that a tree or branch was brought into the home and decorated with offerings, thanking Spirit for fertility, prosperity and luck.

Traditional Yule feasts consisted of roast boar, lamb and goose together with apples and sweet meats. Toasts and oaths to the Ancestors and to ‘good health’ were drunk with Wassail, a rich ale based drink fortified with fruits and spices.

At this time of year it’s easy to see how the outer world mirrors our inner selves and vice versa, since the darker time of transformation hailed by Samhain at the start of November now reaches its peak and we once again welcome the return of the light of the Sun. We’re encouraged to complete our own personal processes and seek our way forward in harmony and synchronisation with the eternal spiral of life.

Yule has always been a time for merriment, celebration and unity within families and community groups. So take some time out from the commercialism of today’s Christmas and enjoy the precious moment of Solstice, and as the longest night approaches, acknowledge the miraculous cycle of Nature and the gifts She brings.

Yuletide blessings from us here in Avalon!

Enlightening Times has published an article by Rhian on Crystal Skulls in their December 2011 edition. Click here to check it out…

The Crystal Priestess website has changed – it’s now called Temple of the Golden Heart! The site will combine the work of Rhian (The Crystal Priestess) & Rens, because as life partners we have an integrated Soul mission. Watch this site over the next few months for the latest developments & changes to our services, we’ll post news & updates as frequently as we can to keep you up to speed with our work.

Thanks to clients, friends & family for all their support & our gratitude goes to those who have encouraged & held the space for us during 2011 ~ a year of deep transformation.