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The Message tonight is about being a nice human! For this month we are looking at historic and present day people who brought or bring hope and light to the world. This is the time of year when we bring in the light to our homes our families and our hearts. We are going to meet two brave women who brought change into our lives. They are true heroines. These women are light bringers, people who bring wisdom, hope and faith to our world. Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, c. March,1822 – D March 10, 1913. She was an American abolitionist and humanitarian whose life was defined by her transition from an enslaved woman to a legendary "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, a Civil War hero, and a suffragist. Harriet was born into chattel slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, she was one of nine children of Ben Ross and Harriet "Rit" Green. From age five, she was frequently "hired out" to other masters as a nursemaid and field hand, where she faced regular physical abuse. At approximately 13, she suffered a permanent head injury when an overseer threw a heavy metal weight that struck her skull. This caused lifelong seizures, severe headaches, and narcoleptic ‘sleeping spells’ that she interpreted as divine religious visions. Harriet suffered from lifelong headaches, seizures, and narcoleptic 'sleeping spells' caused by a childhood head injury. These spells could strike at any time, even during dangerous rescue missions. In 1849, fearing she would be sold after her owner’s death, Tubman escaped alone to Philadelphia. Harriet became the ‘Moses of Her People.’ Despite the risks of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, she returned to Maryland at least 13 times over the next decade. She personally led approximately 70 people—including her parents and siblings—to freedom in the North and Canada. She famously stated, "I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger". Harriet Tubman navigated a gauntlet of physical, legal, and environmental obstacles during her 13 known missions on the Underground Railroad between 1850 and 1860. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 the ‘Bloodhound Law’ mandated that escaped slaves be captured and returned even from free Northern states. It forced Tubman to lead her ‘passengers’ further north into Canada to ensure their safety. Professional slave catchers and their dogs patrolled both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. Tubman herself was a wanted fugitive with a bounty on her head. While many sources cite a legendary $40,000 bounty for Harriet Tubman's capture, this figure is considered an exaggeration, likely amplified by abolitionists to highlight her importance. Historians suggest no actual official reward poster existed at that amount, the real bounty was smaller but still significant, with slave owners offering rewards that, by 1856, reportedly totaled $40,000 when combined. Fugitives often traveled 90 miles or more on foot through thorny thickets, marshes, and deep forests. Missions were often conducted in winter or unseasonably cold weather to utilize longer nights, leading to exhaustion and hunger. Harriet often began her journeys on Saturday nights, knowing that runaway notices could not be published in local newspapers until Monday, giving her and her group a crucial 48-hour head start. Having worked with her father as a youth, Harriet had expert knowledge of the local landscape, including rivers, swamps, and forests where groups could hide during the day. She followed rivers that snaked northward and used the North Star as a primary navigation guide. Harriet Tubman used a sophisticated array of tactics drawing on her wilderness expertise, intelligence networks, and strict operational discipline to guide dozens of enslaved people to freedom. Keeping large groups, including infants and the elderly, quiet and hidden was a major challenge. She sometimes used ‘sleeping powder’ or paregoric to quiet crying babies. The groups limited to 15 people. Some escapees occasionally had second thoughts due to fear or fatigue. Harriet famously carried a pistol to both protect the group and encourage any who considered turning back, as a defector could reveal the entire network. She faced the repeated heartbreak of being unable to rescue everyone; for instance, she was unable to save her sister Rachel, who died before a rescue could be finalized. Harriet frequently used disguises to avoid suspicion, posing as a frail, elderly woman, a man, or a middle-class free Black person. She used specific songs, such as "Go Down Moses," altering the tempo to communicate whether it was safe to proceed or if danger was nearby. She also mimicked owl calls as a signal. Tubman relied on a vast, trusted network of "stationmasters" and abolitionists (both Black and white) for safe houses, provisions, and job placement in the North and Canada. During the American Civil War, she served the Union Army as a cook, nurse, and laundress before becoming a scout and spy. In June 1863, she became the first woman in U.S. history to plan and lead an armed military assault. The raid liberated more than 750 enslaved people in South Carolina. After the war, she settled in Auburn, New York, where she purchased land from Senator William H. Seward. She married Civil War veteran Nelson Davis in 1869 and adopted a daughter, Gertie. She became a prominent activist for women’s suffrage, working with leaders like Susan B. Anthony. She also founded the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged and Indigent Negroes on her property in 1908. Tubman died of pneumonia in 1913 at age 91 and was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery. In 2024, she was posthumously promoted to the rank of one-star brigadier general in the Maryland National Guard. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) was a pioneering legal giant, born in Brooklyn, who overcame sexism in law school to become a top graduate, co-founded the ACLU Women's Rights Project, served as a federal judge, and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Clinton, tirelessly fighting for gender equality until her death, leaving a legacy as a cultural icon for justice. Early Life & Education 1933: Born Joan Ruth Bader in Brooklyn, NY. 1950: Graduates from James Madison High School; mother dies. 1954: Graduates from Cornell University, marries Martin Ginsburg, attends Harvard Law. 1956: Enrolls at Harvard Law School, one of 9 women in her class. 1959: Transfers to Columbia Law School, graduates tied for first in her class. Legal Career & Advocacy 1960s: Clerkships, then joins Columbia Law faculty; co-founds ACLU's Women's Rights Project. 1970s: Becomes ACLU's General Counsel, argues landmark gender discrimination cases (like Reed v. Reed), writes briefs. 1980: Appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Supreme Court & Later Years 1993: Appointed by President Bill Clinton as the second woman on the Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg's 27-year tenure on the Supreme Court was defined by her rigorous commitment to gender equality and civil rights. Her most significant opinions include landmark majority rulings that reshaped constitutional law and forceful dissents that often spurred legislative action. Ruth Bader Ginsburg's greatest legacy is widely considered to be her transformative role as the ‘architect of the legal fight for women's rights,’ fundamentally shifting the United States' legal framework to recognize gender equality as a constitutional right. Long before joining the Supreme Court, Ginsburg revolutionized the law by systematically dismantling state and federal statutes that discriminated on the basis of sex. The "Incremental Strategy": As director of the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, she purposefully chose cases that demonstrated how gender discrimination harmed both women and men, forcing the all-male Supreme Court of the 1970s to recognize that sex-based classifications were often unconstitutional. Constitutional Theory: She is regarded as perhaps the greatest constitutional theorist on gender equality, proving that the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment must apply to sex-based discrimination. On the bench, she expanded her vision of "Equal Citizenship" to protect other vulnerable groups. Disability Rights: She authored the majority opinion in Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), which secured the right for people with mental disabilities to live in their communities rather than being unnecessarily institutionalized. Dissent as a Tool for Change: Her "fiery" dissents, such as in Ledbetter v. Goodyear, served as a roadmap for future legislation like the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. ‘Notorious RBG’ Ginsburg became a rare judicial pop-culture icon, inspiring younger generations to pursue social justice. Her signature "dissent collars" and her "Notorious RBG" persona symbolized a steadfast commitment to principles even when in the minority. Ruth Bader Ginsburg used her collars (or jabots) as a "visual lexicon" to communicate her judicial positions and personal values. By wearing them, she and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor purposefully "feminized" the traditionally male judicial robe. The Famous "Dissent Collar" Appearance: A dark, armor-like neckpiece featuring spiky, metallic, finger-like projections. Origin: A limited-edition glass stone necklace from Banana Republic, gifted to her in a swag bag when she was named a Glamour "Woman of the Year" in 2012. Meaning: Ginsburg called it "fitting for dissent" because it was "black and grim". She famously wore it on the bench when delivering a dissenting opinion and, notably, the day after the 2016 presidential election. Majority Opinion Collar: A gold and yellow sunburst-style collar with delicate beaded drops, gifted to her by her law clerks. She wore it specifically on days she announced a majority opinion for the Court. The South African Collar (Favorite): A delicate, white beaded woven collar from Cape Town. This was her favorite piece; she wore it for her official Supreme Court portrait and for major events like President Obama's State of the Union addresses. The Pegasus Collar: A spiky, feathered metal bib necklace from Stella & Dot. She wore it for the 2018 official Supreme Court photograph, signaling her return to duty after a fall that fractured her ribs. The "Family" Collar: A four-layered jacquard collar by M.M.LaFleur, with the inner neckline embroidered with her husband Marty’s quote: "It's not sacrifice, it's family". Each layer represented a member of her immediate family. The Stiffelio Collar: A bold black-and-white replica of a collar worn by Plácido Domingo in the opera Stiffelio, purchased from the Metropolitan Opera gift shop. In 2025, many of these iconic pieces continue to be celebrated in exhibits like "RBG Collars: Photographs by Elinor Carucci" at the Jewish Museum in New York. “A fellow at the Georgetown University Law Center bought this “Pride collar” for the Justice from a bead weaver in Ecuador. Ginsburg first wore it on the bench in 2016, prompting several journalists to ask if she was wearing it to send a political message. Ginsburg was a champion of LGBTQ rights during her career.’ Time Magazine - https://time.com/5914834/ruth-bader-ginsburg-collars/  Continuing Honors: Her legacy remains active through numerous 2025 initiatives, including the NYSBA Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship and the ACS Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholar Award.
She demonstrated that one could combine a high-powered career with a supportive family life, famously noting that the most important career decision a person makes is the partner they choose. Her lifelong friendship with her ideological opposite, Justice Antonin Scalia, remains a model for maintaining civil discourse despite profound disagreements. During this holiday season, be present, be the hero! Remember keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace
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For this month we are looking at historic and present day people who brought or bring hope and light to the world. This is the time of year when we bring in the light to our homes our families and our hearts. Tonight we are talking about Abraham Lincoln & the 14th Dalai Lama. Two great men who have influenced all of our lives. They are Lightbringers. Abraham Lincoln We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.- Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, who led the nation through the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. His life and career are marked by key events from his birth in a log cabin to his assassination in 1865 Abolishing slavery was important for Abraham Lincoln for moral, political, military, and long-term economic reasons. He fundamentally believed slavery was a "monstrous injustice" that undermined America's founding principles of liberty and equality. Lincoln's personal wish was that "all men every where could be free". He believed it was an offense against God to "wring their bread from the sweat of other men's faces". He felt that the existence of slavery made the U.S. appear hypocritical to the world, compromising the nation's example as a free institution. Lincoln emphasized that all people had a natural right to enjoy the fruits of their own labor, a right denied by slavery. ‘As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to extent of the difference, is no democracy. 8/1/1858 The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States, except as a punishment for a crime after a person's conviction, forever banning forced labor and giving Congress power to enforce it. It officially ended chattel slavery for millions of enslaved people, fundamentally altering American society after the Civil War. It made slavery and forced labor illegal across the entire country. It kept the exception for prison labor, allowing convicts to be compelled to work. It included a section giving Congress the authority to pass laws to enforce the ban, paving the way for civil rights legislation. It was the first of the three Reconstruction Amendments (along with the 14th and 15th) that aimed to redefine American society after the Civil War. The 13th Amendment said "No more slavery, period," except for work done by convicted criminals, and told Congress to make sure no one made it a rule again. Timeline February 12, 1809: Abraham Lincoln is born in Kentucky. 1816-1830: His family moves to Indiana, where his mother dies and his father remarries, and later to Illinois. 1832: Lincoln serves as a volunteer in the Black Hawk War. 1834-1837: He is elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and receives his law license, establishing a practice. November 4, 1842: Lincoln marries Mary Todd. August 3, 1846: He is elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. May 22, 1849: Lincoln is granted a patent for a device to lift boats over shoals. October 16, 1854: Lincoln speaks against the expansion of slavery in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. June 16, 1858: He delivers his "House Divided" speech while accepting the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat. August 21–October 15, 1858: Lincoln participates in debates with Stephen A. Douglas, which increase his national recognition. February 27, 1860: Lincoln delivers his Cooper Union Address in New York City. May 18, 1860: Abraham Lincoln is nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. November 6, 1860: Lincoln is elected President of the United States December 20, 1860: South Carolina and other states secede from the Union. March 4, 1861: Lincoln is inaugurated and appeals for the preservation of the Union. April 12, 1861: Confederate troops attack Fort Sumter, starting the Civil War. February 20, 1862: Lincoln's son Willie dies. September 22, 1862: Following the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln issues the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. January 1, 1863: The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect, declaring slaves in Confederate territory free. July 1–3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg results in a Union victory. November 19, 1863: Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address. November 8, 1864: Lincoln is reelected president. January 31, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, passes the House. March 4, 1865: Lincoln delivers his Second Inaugural Address. April 9, 1865: Confederate General Lee surrenders, effectively ending the Civil War. April 14, 1865: While at Ford's Theatre, President Lincoln is shot by John Wilkes Booth. April 15, 1865: Lincoln dies from his injuries. Dalai Lama The Dalai Lama, historically held the dual role of spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The position evolved from being solely a spiritual lineage into a powerful temporal authority that unified the Tibetan state for centuries. As a spiritual leader the role of Dalai Lama is as monk of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Each Dalai Lama is believed by Tibetan Buddhists to be the reincarnation of Avolokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who chooses to be continually reborn to help humanity achieve enlightenment and end suffering. Avalokiteshvara is the revered Bodhisattva of Great Compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. This enlightened being has taken a vow to postpone their own final nirvana until they have helped all sentient beings on Earth achieve liberation from suffering. Avalokiteshvara Embodiment of Compassion: Avalokiteshvara personifies the boundless and selfless compassion (mahākarunā) of all Buddhas. The name translates from Sanskrit to "the lord who looks down with compassion". Connection to the Dalai Lama: In Tibetan Buddhism (where he is known as Chenrezig), the Dalai Lama is believed to be an earthly incarnation (tulku) of Avalokiteshvara, a belief that underscores the Dalai Lama's role as a compassionate leader. Many Forms and Names: To better help diverse beings, Avalokiteshvara appears in a vast number of manifestations across different cultures. Guanyin (Kuan Yin) in China, where the figure is commonly depicted as female. Kannon in Japan. Lokeshvara in Cambodia and Thailand. Iconography: Avalokiteshvara is often depicted with multiple heads and a thousand arms, each with an eye on the palm. This artistic representation symbolizes the Bodhisattva's ability to see and reach out to help countless beings in need. Mantra: The powerful mantra associated with Avalokiteshvara is "Om Mani Padme Hum," which is widely recited in Tibetan and other Mahayana traditions to invoke his assistance and cultivate compassion. The 5th Dalai Lama, 17 century was the first to consolidate effective temporal and spiritual power over all of Tibet, establishing the Petal Palace as a the seat of government in Llasa. This form of government. where the Dalai Lama or regent was the head of state, continued until mid 20th century. The 14th Dalai lama, Tenzin Gyatso has has a profound impact on the historical role. Tenzin had to flee to India during a Chinese uprising in 1959. He established the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan Government in Exile in Dharamsala. From exile, he became a globally recognized figure, advocating for non violent resistance. human rights and the preservation of Tibetan culture. the 14 Dalai Lama in 1989 was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for his consistent advocacy of peaceful solutions based on tolerance and mutual respect. The reasons for this Award - Commitment to Nonviolence is the primary reason was the Dalai Lama’s consistent advocacy of peaceful solutions, even in the face of extreme aggression and human rights violations by the Chinese government in Tibet. Dalai Lamas Middle Way Approach which proposed genuine autonomy for Tibet within China, allowing the preservation of its culture and religion through dialogue and mutual respect rather than seeking independence through violence. The sommitti for the Nobel Peace prize emphasized that his Buddhist peace philosphy was based on a ‘reverence for all living things and the idea of universal responsibility that embraces both man and nature.” The Dalai lama was the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems, a central part of his five point peace plane to turn Tibet into a demilitarized, ecological stable buffer zone. The award had significant international implications. The prize brought global attention to the plight of the Tibetan people and the ongoing Chinese occupation and human rights abuses, particularly following the martial law in Lhasa and the Tiananman Square crackdown in Beijing earlier that year. The award was widely viewed as a symbolic condemnation of China’s oppressive tactics. In contrast, the Chinese government denounced the decision as interference in its internal affairs. It served as a powerful validation of the Dalai Lama’s unwavering commitment to non violent resistance, a message that inspired democratic movements worldwide. The 14th Dalai Lama initiated democratic reforms for the Tibetan community in exile. In 2011, he formally devolved his political authority to a democratically elected leader, ending the 368- year tradition of Dalai Lamas serving as both the spiritual and temporal head of Tibet. He now serves solely as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people and a global moral authority. Link for Dalai Lama's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech - https://www.dalailama.com/messages/acceptance-speeches/nobel-peace-prize/nobel-peace-prize These two great men are Light Bringers, they bring light into our world and are such great examples for us to think about and learn from. Can you think of anyone you have heard of or know that bring light into your world? What can you do to to bring light into your life? Have a beautiful week! Stay warm & safe! Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace I decided to talk about people who are Light bringers this month for a Spiritual Show. People who represent hope and care for themselves and their communities. I feel it is really important for us to focus on the Light and bringing light to our homes and communities. We are starting with Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy. Saint Lucia Day - Festival of Lights & Renewal Saint Lucia was a young. wealthy Christian Martyr, from Syracuse, Sicily, executed around 304 AD for her faith during Roman persecution of Christians. Lucia consecrated her life to Christ, promising to remain a virgin, which angered her mother who promised her in marriage to a wealthy non- Christian (Pagan) She secretly gave away her dowry to the poor, angering her fiancé. The spurred suitor denounced her as a Christian to the Roman Governor. She was ordered to sacrifice to emperor’s image, she refused. Lucia was condemned to a brothel but miraculously could not be moved, even with a team of oxen. When the governor found out he ordered her burned alive. The flames had no effect on her. She was finally killed by a sword piercing her neck. There is an alternate story of Lucia wearing a wreath with candles lit in it while bring food to the poor during the night. That was against what her family thought she should be doing after refusing to marry a non Christian and giving her dowry to the poor. Lucia’s name derives from the latin word Lux or Lucia - meaning light. This connection to light, along with her feast day coinciding with the winter solstice on the old Julian calendar, has made her a symbol of light during the darkest time of the year. This is particularly significant in Scandinavian countries, where her day is celebrated with processions, involving girls wearing a wreath of candles on their heads. A prominent legend, though in the earliest accounts, states that her eyes were gouged out during her torture, or that she removed them herself to deter a persistent suitor. It is said her eyes were miraculously restored before her burial. For this reason, she is regarded as the patron saint of the blind and those with eye problems. Feast day - 12/13 Lucia is the patron saint of the blind, eye diseases, throat infections, writers and the city of Syracuse, Italy Lucia is often depicted holding a dish or plate with a pair of eyes on it and sometimes a lamp or palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom. Lucia’s Legacy is one of only eight women (excluding the Mother Mary) commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass in the Catholic Church. Saint Lucia’s day is widely celebrated as a festival of light, particularly in Scandinavian countries and certain regions of Italy, where it marks the beginning of the Holiday season. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. The festival is a cherished Advent celebration. The eldest daughter in a family traditionally dresses in a white gown with a red sash and a wreath of candles on her head, serving saffron buns to her family. There are also processions in schools, and public squares, featuring choirs singing traditional songs. In Italy bonfires and torchlight processions are held in honor of the saint, especially in Syracuse, Sicily, where Lucia was born and martyred around 304 C.E. Her remains are housed in the Church of San Geremia in Venice. Because of Saint Lucia we have these traditions around the world during December - There are competitions where artisans (youth and adults) create elaborate lanterns from various materials like paper and natural items. These lanterns often depict themes from local culture. Candle celebrations inside and outside during the evening of Dec. 13th. with a maiden and her friends dressed in white carrying candles and sweets to give away. The females carrying candles in the dark, let us know the there is always light in all of our darkness. The ‘lighting of the Christmas Tree’ in towns and cities. Fireworks displays
Let's light candles for Saint Lucia on December 13th for giving us a way to celebrate her and the holiday season!
Have a beautiful week! Stay safe! Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace A couple of weeks ago we learned about how gratitude can change the chemistry in your brain & open your heart. Now we will be celebrating Thanksgiving, a day created to give thanks for the first harvest in 1621 between the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people. Thanksgiving is a special family day. It is a day we remember our blessings, it is a day of gratitude and love shared. Every Thanksgiving I have experienced has taught me to be grateful everyday. To count my blessings, appreciate my life and those who I consider my family. What and who are you grateful for? Vicki Harding Anissa Olley Melinda Carver Molly Jones Litehope Are my soul sisters. Women who I respect and love. Are they blood related to me? No, we are connected through time and space. Our souls travel through time and space, there is always a group of souls that you will travel with to learn grow and love. These people can be your relatives, friends, lovers, and enemies. As I said we all travel together and it is marvelous. If you see and treat everyone as your soul mate, you are treating the people around you with love. You see all of them as special people in your life and this concept will ease you and take the burden of searching away from you. You will feel more at ease and have the ability to accept love as it comes to you. I have had many experiences with meeting soulmates, I have truly been blessed in this life with these connections. I have stayed in contact with many of these soulmates. I love all of them including the ones I have left behind. They have taught me well and I am blessed from the connection and wisdom. ‘Can my children be my soulmates?’ Absolutely! Your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family. We travel with our soul groups throughout our lifetimes. If you take a look now and connect with those you know and love, you will feel that deep connection. You may even remember some of the lifetimes spent with these souls. Celebrate the connections by being present with these souls who have incarnated with you. To be connected to you and you with them. There may be soulmates who come into your life that you want to run away from. Before running, stop consider why you feel this way. Perhaps there needs to be a healing and forgiveness through this connection. You may find this person becomes your best friend. ‘As you move through your days on Planet Earth, there will be all kinds of interactions. Consider the events before coming to conclusions. Don’t miss a moment – all moments are momentous and deserve your presence.’ Archeia Grace – Divine Compliment of Archangel Uriel. Who are you grateful for? The holidays are hard enough, celebrating with people you pretend to be someone they love. Stop pretending, be yourself, be you. Your people will value and cherish you for who you are, really. Remember you always have a choice, as to who you spend your time with beyond the holiday season. You choose your family, wether they be your blood family or your soul family. Be grateful everyday for your love ones, past present and future, remember you are never truly alone. Here are the gratitudes I use every day: I am so very grateful my heart is open and I am aligned with the energy of LOVE! I am so very grateful I am healthy, happy, whole, guided, guarded and protected. I am so very grateful, prosperity and abundance comes to me freely, easily, effortlessly from expected and unexpected sources. Remember when you say, think, write your gratitudes, mean it. It will change your life. Have a beautiful week! Stay safe, keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace The last time Pluto was in Aquarius (from approximately 1778 to 1798) coincided with a period of major political, social, and technological revolutions that dismantled old power structures and introduced new ideals of liberty and democracy.
Revolutions and Political Upheaval American Revolution (climax and conclusion): The United States secured its independence from Great Britain, with the war ending in 1783. The U.S. Constitution was written in 1787 and the Bill of Rights in 1789, establishing a new democratic republic based on ideals of "We the People". French Revolution (beginning): This major upheaval began in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille, leading to the overthrow of the French monarchy, the abolition of the feudal system, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man. Haitian Revolution: Enslaved Africans in the French colony of Saint-Domingue began a revolt in 1791 that led to the establishment of the world's first Black republic and the first successful slave-led revolution in history. Irish Rebellion of 1798: Inspired by the French Revolution, Irish nationalists launched an unsuccessful uprising against British rule. The period saw the formal loss of the American colonies by Great Britain and the fall of the French monarchy. The Third Partition of Poland also occurred in 1795, effectively erasing Poland as an independent state. Scientific and Technological Advancements Industrial Revolution: This era marked the acceleration of the Industrial Revolution, with significant innovations such as the application of steam power in transport and the textile industry, the invention of the cotton gin, and the use of cast iron in architecture. Scientific Discoveries: Major scientific breakthroughs included the discovery of the planet Uranus by William Herschel in 1781, the first successful smallpox vaccine developed by Edward Jenner in 1796, and Antoine Lavoisier's foundational work in modern chemistry (including the first systematic chemical nomenclature). Metric System: The metric system of measurement was developed and formalized as a global default system. Early Aviation: The first successful hot-air balloon flights took place in the early 1780s. Intellectual and Cultural Shifts The Enlightenment: The philosophical movement advocating for reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry reached its peak, heavily influencing the revolutionary ideals of the time. Abolition Movements: Debates about human rights and the inherent rights of people led to the rise of abolition movements against slavery in Europe and the American colonies. Overall, the Pluto in Aquarius transit of the late 18th century was characterized by a powerful, transformative energy that challenged established hierarchies and laid the groundwork for modern democratic and humanitarian ideals. Pluto was in Aquarius during several other historical periods, typically for about 20 years at a time due to its elliptical orbit. These transits consistently correlate with periods of profound systemic change, the rise of new social ideologies, and significant technological or scientific advancements. Here are other notable periods of Pluto in Aquarius and the events that occurred: 1532 – 1553 AD This era coincided with the Protestant Reformation and the beginning of the Scientific Revolution, challenging the dominant religious and intellectual authorities of the time. Reformation and Religious Shifts: King Henry VIII of England broke from the Roman Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England and leading to widespread religious and political upheaval. This period saw the rise of new religious orders (like the Jesuits) and the establishment of Sikhism, showing a reorganization of people around new belief systems. Scientific Revolution Beginnings: Nicolaus Copernicus published On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres in 1543, formally introducing the heliocentric model of the solar system, which radically challenged the accepted geocentric view of the world. Colonialism and Human Rights Debates: The Spanish conquest of the Americas was in full swing, leading to the collapse of the Inca Empire and sparking the first European debates about the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. Present Time In 2025, Pluto moves back and forth between Aquarius and Capricorn, but the dominant theme is Pluto direct in Aquarius on October 13, 2025, which signifies turning inward reflections into outward action. This period encourages taking tangible steps to break old patterns related to power, control, and social structures, especially in areas like community, technology, and personal freedom. It marks a transition from the introspective "shadow work" of the retrograde period (May–October 2025) to a time of implementing real-world changes. This year has been a wild year, more and more people are standing up for themselves, deciding what kind of lifestyle they truly want, how they believe and looking at their own authenticity, there is more accountability and imagination. We are seeing more people out there standing up for what they believe in and talking about it. Let’s talk about energy traps - I was worried about the ‘keeping up with the jones’ mentality getting out of control with the massive amounts of influencers pushing perfect lifestyles. Being a perfect none you is exhausting right? It’s a lie, It’s a trap on so many levels, because you are lying to yourself. Do not trap yourself into a perfection that is not you. Find the perfection within you instead. How do you do that? You get to know yourself and be truthful with yourself. Figure out what you like/love about yourself and your environment. If you have to create change within yourself do it. Don’t worry about what others think and how they move. Ultimately it’s your life, your vision and your space. The more you love it the more loving you will be. There have been lot’s of public demonstrations about politics, care for the elderly, children, battered people, hungry people, homeless people, better schooling, teachers standing up for more pay, the list goes on. I am glad, there needs to be changes in governments around the world. No more of this scratching backs and making deals. There is a lack of care, all of us are feeling it and going out and supporting the groups you align with is so awesome! Do it! It is up to the individuals in the groups to help create change, do not depend on others to do it for you. The upheaval will continue to happen as we are ready for change in our lives and our country and other countries around the world. So let your voice be heard about, use your talents to create better environments for yourself and your people. If you are a complainer and non doer. SHUT UP. No one wants to hear the complaints with out action. Don’t fall into the trap of the victim. It is a waste of time and space. Yes, there are true victims of awful circumstances. I know this because I work with victims. You are not who I am talking about. The victims I am talking about are the energy vampires. They will create drama after drama for attention. Do not fall into their trap. Remember all adults can make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If they can do that they can create a better life for themselves. Sometimes we have to step away from the ‘energy vampires or drama queen and kings’ so they can figure out the way they are acting and reacting is not positive. Don’t worry if they continue, someone else will also walk away too. Stop taking things personally. It’s a trap. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. So are you. Please do not believe everything you hear or read through the news & social media. Do your research so you know the facts and you can make your decisions without anxiety. How do we evolve? Use your intuition and your empathy to guide you Use your intelligence, be resourceful, set boundaries Help hold space for people going through hard times on any level. Be kind, thoughtful, understanding and compassionate Remember to wrap your people in a pink energy blanket. Remember you Reiki II people you can do distance healing. Use the intuitive tools in your tool bag to assist those you love. That’s how you gain confidence with your intuitive and healing abilities. Let's Evolve! Have a beautiful week, stay safe! Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace Gratitude
Tonight we are going to talk about how Gratitude can change your life. Feeling grateful for your life presently helps you feel lighter and closer to those you live, your spirit guides, angels and the Creator. We are going to talk about how Gratitude changes the chemistry in your brain. We have talked about rewiring your brain to help you with manifesting or creating your best life. Part of manifesting a great life is being grateful. Being grateful opens your heart and mind, it assists you with being present. This is why I always advise gratitude and presence to help you with your life changes. Feeling gratitude is that beautiful feeling of being in love and lovable. Let’s talk chemistry, so you understand why gratitude is awesome! When you feel gratitude, your brain releases "feel-good" neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals improve your mood and reduces stress hormones, cortisol. Gratitude enhances feelings of happiness, contentment and motivation. Gratitude helps with getting a good nights sleep, which helps with clarity in our thoughts and hearts. Oxytocin the ‘bonding hormone’ is released when gratitude is expressed toward others, strengthening social connections and trust. This is why I always suggest for couples to sit together holding hands. When you do this, you are bonding on all levels. Showing affection, is wonderful and it helps others feel appreciated and loved. Cortisol is bad! Cortisol is released while we are stressed. Too much cortisol can create health issues. Gratitude "rewires" the brain by strengthening the neural pathways associated with positive thinking and happiness. This creates a positive feedback loop, making it easier to notice and appreciate good things over time. This is why I always advise to think about what you are grateful for when breaking thought patterns or habits no longer serving you. Feeling grateful activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body rest and digest. This response can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a calmer state. Consistent gratitude practice can lead to changes in how you think, learn, and perceive the world, making you more resilient to stress and negative experiences. Long-Term Effects and "Rewiring" Regularly practicing gratitude leads to lasting changes in the brain through neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adapt and change): The pathways associated with positive emotions and thoughts become stronger and more efficient, making it easier to naturally focus on the positive aspects of life over time. Consistent gratitude practices may increase the density of gray matter in areas like the prefrontal cortex, enhancing emotional regulation, decision-making, and self-worth. The brain becomes better at coping with adversity and bouncing back from challenges by down regulating threat responses and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms. Feeling and expressing gratitude trains your brain to seek out and focus on the positive, fostering a more optimistic and resilient mindset. Here are the gratitudes I use every day: I am so very grateful my heart is open and I am aligned with the energy of LOVE! I am so very grateful I am healthy, happy, whole, guided, guarded and protected. I am so very grateful, prosperity and abundance comes to me freely, easily, effortlessly from expected and unexpected sources After I say these gratitudes while drinking my coffee in the morning, I am ready for a great day. I also say them when I feel down. Saying my gratitudes helps uplift my mood. When saying your gratitudes, say them from your heart, mean them, they have to resonate as truth for you to see the effects of rewiring your brain to match your heart. Have a Beautiful week! Stay safe! Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace Samhain is a festival marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a sacred time to honor ancestors and the cycle of life and death. It is considered a time when the veil between the physical and spirit worlds are thin, allowing connections to our ancestors. The spiritual themes include honoring ancestors, acknowledging death and new beginnings, warding off mischievous spirits, and performing rituals for protection and reflection. We share stories, visit cemeteries, clearing the gravesites, and leave offerings to our ancestors during this time of year. It is a time to remember our roots. honor and connect to our ancestors. Throughout history up to the present time we honor our ancestors, by leaving flowers or objects on their graves. Communities celebrate by having parties, parades, trick or treating. In the past after the harvest was pulled in, communities celebrated with a feast. During the feast stories would be told about the past with actors dressed up as the communities ancestors. This where our present day dressing in costumes comes from for Halloween. After the performance was done, there would be treats, drinking and dancing to celebrate the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new cycle. The Veils are thin during this time of year. Ancient Celts believed that during Samhain, the barrier between heaven and earth of the living and the dead is at its thinnest, making it easier to communicate with ancestoral spirits. End of one cycle, the Celtic New Year, beginning of another. This transition is viewed as a time for letting go of old beliefs and making way for new beginnings. Protection from spirits - While honoring the dead, people also took precaution to protect themselves from any mischievous or harmful spirits that might cross over. How did they do this? By pouring lines of salt along the windowsills and doorways. Hanging a broom over the entrance of the door. Hanging the Hamsa Hand or the evil eye (Nazar). Eye of Horus, Pentagram, Triquetra over the windows and doorways.
Let me know how you celebrate this time of year! I love to hear about how different people celebrate holidays.
This is a great time to practice your intuitive abilities! Remember to flex your intuitive muscles! Have a beautiful week, stay safe, keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace Let's clarify what a spirit guide is. A spirit guide can be your ancestors, ascended masters, a spirit who you may of known in another life, or a spirit who can guide you through a part of your life. An angel is a celestial being who can also guide you through your life. Fae folk, Fairies, Elemental beings, nature spirits. A haunting with an unhappy elemental spirit involved can be awful. They will wreak havoc in your home. Unhappy elementals are nature spirits that have no access to their element. For example, I had a client who was experiencing nightmares, and feeling anxious or anger in her basement. No one wanted to stay or go down into the basement. The basement was set up with an office, two b bedrooms and a bathroom. When I connected with this elemental, I felt loneliness and anger. As I focused on the spirit, I found out it was a water elemental in an office without a source for water. I advised the client to buy an indoor waterfall and set it in the hall outside her office. I also let the Elemental know she could leave, there was a great big lake close to the house. After the client set up an inside waterfall in the hall, the energy started to lighten up. The client being a very creative person, created a beautiful space for the Elemental. The basement has great energy now, the client enjoys being in her office and no one has nightmares when visiting. Residual Hauntings is an energetic recording of an event that happened or happened over and over. For example, a haunted ballroom. You may experience hearing music, seeing or hearing people dancing, smell alcoholic drinks, food and more. This is how a residual haunting happens, through and action happening repeatedly. Another example of a residual haunting is a battlefield. On a battle field you might see/hear parts of the battle, you might smell gunpowder. This residual haunting is cause by high emotional responses and violent actions. An intelligent haunting is a spirit you can have interactions with.  Watch the video for handy tips on what to do during a haunting. Remember to step into your disco ball to protect you when you go on a paranormal investigation or ghost walk. Check out Haunted A Psychic's Story for additional information on what to do about a haunting or to avoid a haunting.  Have an amazing week! Stay safe, be present. Keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE!
Auriel Grace This is the time of the thinning of the veils. It is a time to practice your intuitive abilities, to gain confidence. It is easier at this time of year to gain messages from spirit guides, angels, ancestors.
This is also a great time to learn about paranormal investigations. If you have the opportunity to go out with a paranormal team do it! Do not do any paranormal investigation on your own. Go with a group. You never know what can happen and you want to have another person with you. Protection Stones Smokey Quartz Smokey Quartz is quartz that has turned brown after exposure to natural underground radiation. Because of this Smokey Quartz recognizes other types of electromagnetic stress and neutralizes it. Smokey Quartz is found in long, well defined points or clusters. Some are very large. I saw a Smokey Quartz border as big as a Volkswagen beetle near the Las Vegas Strip about thirty years ago. The color can be light brown to very dark brown. Smokey Quartz can be heated for color. Smokey Quartz is found in Brazil, Switzerland, Africa and USA Smokey Quartz is easily obtained Moh’s 7 Smokey Quartz is grounding, centering and bring you into the present moment, reducing anxiety. Neutralizes negativity in the energy field Protects the home from negativity Place pieces next to electrical equipment, computers, T.V.’s etc to neutralize energy. Wear or carry to assist with presence and keep your energy field clear of negativity. This stone is great especially for those who do paranormal investigations. Black Obsidian Obsidian is created when lava meets water, forming beautiful shapes and sizes. Obsidian has been used to create arrow heads, knives, axes. Black obsidians color is from iron and magnesium. Obsidian is silicate dioxide volcanic glass in an amorphous state - no inner geometric structure. Obsidian can be black, dark brown, and dark green Obsidian is found in Britain, Italy, Mexico, USA Easily obtained Moh’s 5-5.5 Obsidian is a powerful psychic protection stone. It is a great grounding stone. Cuts through deception, bringing clarity and focus. Placing it at the bottom of your feet will help to strengthen your energy field. Place it in the home to absorb excess electromagnetic energy. Wear or carry as a stone of protection. Tourmaline - Black Tourmalines are piezoelectric, meaning heating or squeezing a crystal will create a different electrical charge as each end of the stone, one positive and one negative. This means it can convert mechanical energy into electric energy. The piezoelectric property of black tourmaline encourages balance of the whole body’s energetic framework. Tourmaline is part of the trigonal system, forming prismatic crystals with terminations (pointed ends with facets) and vertical striations. Color - Black Tourmaline can be found Brazil, Nepal, Pakistan, USA Easily obtained Moh’s 7-7.5 Tourmaline enhances psychic protection of the body and energy system. Shields against negativity Assists with creating a clear channel form the root chakra (grounding) to the crown chakra (Creator) Place a piece of hematite and black tourmaline between the feet to anchor and ground a person’s energy Wear or carry to help you stay grounded and focused on the present moment and to counter electromagnetic stress Selenite Selenite is the colorless and transparent form of gypsum. The word selenite comes from the Greek name for the moon Goddess Selene. Selenite forms in crystalline blades with striations. Some selenite will contain air or water bubbles. Selenite is translucent or transparent crystals in a monoclinic system, forming flat faces tabular bladed or blocked formation. Selenite is clear with a pearl like sheen Selenite can be found Italy, Mexico, USA, common around the world, easily obtained. Moh’s 2 Selenite is a conductor of energy. Brings chakras back to a high frequency and aligning them to perfection. Place Selenite in the home or in a meditation space to keep the energy at high frequency. Quartz Crystal Quartz crystal has a hexagonal sytem, creating defined six sided crystals with flat surfaces and defined faceted termination points. Quartz Crystal can be found Brazil, Madagascar, USA, easily obtained Moh’s 7 Quartz crystal is a cleansing tool, clearing impurities and psychic debris from the energy field that permeates the human body. Programmable Place in your home to cleanse the energy and enhance peace and clarity. Salt - purifier, used in creating boundaries to keep energy and people off your property. Salt absorbs negativity, neutralizing the energy in your home or office. Once a month refresh the salt in your home. I use kosher salt. If I am clearing a haunting, I circle the house with a salt to contain the energy in the home. It is easier to clear unwanted energy or spirits out of the building/home. Holy Water - cleansing. Use holy water to clear out negativity. You will feel a shift in energy instantly. Remember when picking gems or minerals, make sure you like or resonate with them. The best place to find gems and minerals is the Gem & Mineral shows. That way you have an opportunity of talking to geologists, miners, gemologists, mineralogists. Gem and Mineral Clubs are great places to learn about gemstones and crystals. My resource book for this show is - Crystals , By Jennie Harding The Selenite card comes from a deck by Kendra Lockhart Have a great week! Stay safe and keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace  The name Turquoise comes from the 13th century French expression pierre torques, meaning Turkish Stone. Turquoise was introduced to Europe via Turkish traders on the silk road, leading to its association with Turkey and ultimately, its name. The oldest known mines are in the Middle East since 6000BC. The muslim countries, Persia or modern day Iran. turquoise was used as jewelry, inlayed in furniture, wooden bowls, mosaic floors and walls. The use of Turquoise spread from the Middle East to India, where it is used in the Taj Mahal walls. In Central America, the Aztecs used it to create sacred objects, masks and ceremonial knives. The Anasazi of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, traded turquoise as well as create art. The Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache tribes used turquoise in jewelry and sacred objects. In China, turquoise is carved as statues & jewelry USA: Southwestern United States Matrix: The web-like patterns found within the turquoise, vary significantly in color and thickness from mine to mine, distinguishing different types of turquoise. Color: Blue is the most prized color, American turquoise also comes in various shades, including green, and can feature yellow, red, or brown matrix. Stabilization: Much of the raw turquoise mined today is "stabilized" by infusing it with epoxy resin to enhance its durability and color, a common practice at the Kingman mine. Rarity - easily obtained, high grade turquoise - talk to a specialist. Warning - Turquoise is often faked - dyed howlite, plastic, matrix painted on low quality turquoise. Dyed howlite is smooth. It does not have the rough, waxy texture of turquoise Use acetone and a Qtip - With a Qtip dipped in acetone, gently rub it along the matrix of the turquoise to see if you can erase it. Look for repeating patterns in the turquoise you are buying. Turquoise pieces do not loo alike. Repeating patterns means it is plastic. Moh’s 5-6  To find more locations for the Turquoise mines, Google Southwestern Turquoise mines USA.
Arizona: Kingman Mine is a major producer of bright blue nuggets with black matrix Bisbee Mine was historically famous for its vibrant 'Bisbee Blue'. Nevada: Number Eight, Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, and the Royston district, which produces a variety of colors and patterns. Colorado: The Manassa mine is a significant producer of unique, often translucent, turquoise. New Mexico: The Cerrillos mines, one of the oldest sources of turquoise, are located in New Mexico. Folk Lore Navajo, Dine - Navajo legend says that the female goddess Estsanatlehl, the symbol of creation, protection, and abundance, appeared to people as a drop of turquoise. Other legends say that this goddess lives in turquoise house and wears turquoise jewelry. The Navajo used ground turquoise and coral to make sacred sand mandalas to summon rain. With its blue and brown colors the stone symbolized the earth and sky coming together and the joining of female and male energies. Apache - highly prized turquoise, for its talisman properties. They carved amulets, beads, pendants and fetishes. Medicine men were required to possess turquoise for their work. It is believed if you can find the end of a rainbow after a storm, searching the damp earth would yield a turquoise. Turquoise was used in shield, weapons and bridles for warriors going into battle. The virtue is thought to instill tranquility and promote wisdom. Other legends believed turquoise helps the user communicate and manifest wholeness and truth. Virtues Protection stone - use the stone to pray for protection enables communication from the highest source of love supports the thymus chakra over the breastbone In healing layouts place over the heart, throat, or thymus area to ease breathing and open the flow of emotional expression Wear over the upper chest as personal and psychic protection What do you think of Turquoise? Have an amazing week! Stay safe and keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace |
