Your Personal "Colour Ray"

This is another personality quiz-type writing which has circulated online for decades.  Enjoy!

What colour are you?  This is an interesting subject of which many people are unaware.   It is suggested that we are all made up of different vibrations, which align directly with the colours of the rainbow.  These are known as The Rays.  Although we are a jumble of all these colours, there is one predominant Ray that is said to relate to each individual.  Scroll down and see which one most clearly describes you.

NOTE: THE RAYS should never be thought of as being destructive in themselves, for they come from the Light of Pure Goodness.  However, in the density of the Physical Plane, this may become distorted sufficiently to effect destructive behaviour in less evolved souls.  Extremes of any Ray can have negative results.

The Red Ray of Will and Power.  People born under the Red Ray show excellent qualities of leadership.  They have extraordinary energy, and great strength, power, courage, and enthusiasm, with a persistent driving force as their keynote.  National rulers, high ranking officers, and those seeking authority and power for the advancement of humanity, are often born under this Ray.  They are also found amongst the greatest athletes and and defenders of the land.  There is often a strong "elemental attunement" to nature, and an innate understanding of the secret hidden forces of the animal and plant kingdoms, as well as the human mind.  People of the Red Ray of those who take initiative in business or other areas of oranisation and control.  There is nearly always an exceptional interest, if not participation in politics, although the motive generally would be in no way manipulative, but extremely direct, idealistic and forthright in approach.  However, with the pressures of the present day political arena, it can have its destructive influence, leading to a tendency towards aggression, and sometimes even war in the urgency to retain authority.

The Orange Ray of Knowledge and Science.  Those of the Orange Ray are born with a questioning logical mind. They are critical and clear thinking, ever seeking to find the reasoning behind the many illusive facets of life.  They are great moralists, with a strong sense of duty to their fellow man; looking deeply into the ethics of every situation, and are extremely individualistic in thought and action, for they live by high principles.  There is a strong belief in themselves, and their ability through education, to control their destiny.  Being so independent, they will likely insist on doing things "their way", unless it is proven to be unrealistic.  The Orange Ray is the ray of the scientific mind, and people of its vibration are both creative and objective in attitude, analysing events of importance with great accuracy and attention to detail.  It is not surprising that many of those in research are born under this Ray, for they believe that knowledge and experience is the key to wisdom.

The Yellow Ray of Art and Harmony through conflict.  The Yellow Ray is the ray that seeks to overcome confusion, and restore harmony from out of diversity.  It is the colour of the artist, who takes the profusion of the many accents of colour, and creates beauty in its greatest expression and form.  As Gandhi, through silent contemplation, sought to bring order out of confusion, so the people of this Ray search to uncover true peace from out of conflict.  They are often the catalysts of society, sparking into life a potentially dangerous situation yet, in doing so, forcing others to look into themselves and, through the pressure of diversity without, find unity within.  People of the Yellow Ray are refined, ascetic, far seeking and creative. They are those who dominate and mould the different cultures of the lands, and have been recognised as profound teachers through example.  They have a great impact and influence on humanity for they have the secret of the art of true living, and call attention to the need to strive for achievement.  What they give, they expect to receive and, once set on their goal, they seek to progress and grow, no matter what opposition may beset them, for they are contented and hopeful in the knowledge that an outer confrontation is only a struggle by which we inwardly evolve.

The Green Ray of Active Intelligence.  Those born into the impulse of the Green Ray are both mentally alert and clear in intellect. They have exceptional ability for planning and the formation of structure, hence they are often found in industry where construction and economy are necessary. Economics and Finance are likely their forte.  These people are dependable, reliable, with a tendency to live by certain rules of procedure, but there is a certain unity of purpose found within themselves and their loved ones.They are family people, working with both physical and mental agility to preserve the traditional foundations of the home.  Those of the Green Ray are capable of both clear active thought and constructive intelligence, and they are often the material that lawyers are made of, for they are well able to pursue an abstract principle to its final conclusion.  They believe strongly in the power of love, when directed under the control of constructive aims.  Many times these people have a persistent sense of destiny, believing that they have been chosen for a specific task to complete in life, and will often tolerate extremes of hardship in order to attain that end.  However, it is rare to find these people in conditions of financial difficulty, for their innate intelligence is attuned to avoiding such problems by careful planning, and active application.

The Blue Ray of Devotion and Idealism.  The Blue Ray is the ray associated with the Crusader.  People of high idealism, who fight ardently for a cause, and show great intensity of purpose towards their beliefs.  These people are often devoted to the aid of the "under-dog", for they are driven by the spirit of service to mankind, and an urgency for a Utopian Society.  In many cases, they are predominately religious but, even if otherwise, they often carry their "truth" high in the air, like a placard, for all to see; spreading the "word" with enthusiasm and happiness.  Many religious leaders and idealists. seeking Justice for the People, find prominence under this Ray, for their ardent devotion to a cause will likely sustain long after others weaken.  However, it is only the unevolved souls who can become bigoted in their direction for, mostly, these "messengers" urgently need to share their beliefs with those of others.  Yet in some ways, there is a certain fanaticism within the nature, leading these people to a single-minded and dedicated attitude, which upholds them and others in times of crisis.

The Indigo Ray of Love and Wisdom.  This is the Indigo Ray of endurance and love, and, those who are part of this stream of force are the seekers of lasting peace and truth.  Their motivation is magnetic and persisitent, portraying a unity of purpose throughout their nature, which often brings others to find solace in their company.  Those of the Indigo Ray are the sustainers and observers of life – receptive, adaptable, gentle "confessors" of humanity – and are known, by their example, as the healers and philosophers, who walk the path of wisdom.  Within all things, they search for understanding and the unity of common ground, and are well able to sacrifice their own needs for the welfare of others.  The keynote to the destiny of these people is love and charity in relationships and therein lies their true power, for they can become a fortress of strength for those of less endurance than themselves.  Their need to express their love is balanced in harmony with another’s need to receive.

The Violet Ray of Ceremonial Order and Ritual.  The Violet Ray is associated with the consolidation and control of energy which links the Higher with the Lower, or Spirit and Matter.  Those born under its vibration seek order and perfection in their lives, and are greatly disturbed by harsh aggressive behaviour, or anything that disrupts the smooth and well ordered running of their every day circumstances.  Their habits are constructive and well organised in ritual, even when involved in the most mundane of tasks.  These people are the architects of life; intuitive and perceptive of others, yet innately aware of their own inner direction.  Although sometimes rather traditional in their love of ceremony and order, there is a certain inner restlessness to the character, which seeks to concentrate their aspiring energy towards a definite object or goal.  There is normally a strong belief in the dominance of unseen forces, and many practising magicians of quality are born under this Ray, who attune themselves admirably to the fluctuations of Nature and her seasons.

Choosing Your Personal Power Gemstone

Since time immemorial, humankind has enjoyed the power of gemstones.  They have been used as amulets, talismans, and magical objects to enrich their lives in all manner of ways: for love, health, luck, and power of all types.  The modern person can still believe and benefit from the power of gems.  They can be worn to compliment your wardrobe or to enhance your personal style, but they can also be enjoyed for the same spiritual reasons that our ancestors once utilized them.

Every gemstone, like every person, is special and unique.  There may be two stones which are cut exactly the same way, and even from the same location, but nevertheless there will be subtle differences between each and every piece.  You don't need to choose the same stone as the one that your best friend or lover's stone; however, if you do, just know that even though they may be similar-looking, the energy of each is different.  If you have specific issues and problems that you wish to counteract, try seeking a stone that will help to filter out negative energies or direct them to another source.  Doing a bit of research is easy and will help you to choose just what you need.

Some people use birthstones as their lucky stone, which can be a wonderful idea!

JANUARY:   Garnet, pink (rose) quartz
FEBRUARY:  Onyx, amethyst
MARCH:  Aquamarine, bloodstone
APRIL:  Diamond
MAY:  Emerald
JUNE:  Alexandrite, pearl
JULY:  Ruby
AUGUST:  Peridot
SEPTEMBER:  Sapphire, lapis lazuli
OCTOBER:  Opal, tourmaline
NOVEMBER:  Topaz
DECEMBER:  Turquoise

Finding ways to carry gemstones on your person can be challenging, but so worthwhile!  Try incorporating them into jewelry, such as earrings or pendants.  These are great for women, but not always so easy for men to "carry" off.  Rings work well for people who don't like fussy jewelry, even a simple one will work well.

You can also decorate your home, workspace, or even your car with crystal -- A friend of mine used to have a tiny corked glass bottle hanging from her car mirror.  In the bottle was a bunch of different gemstone chips.  It was a pretty conversation piece, but it also made her feel inspired and able to harness the vibrations of her favorite gems.

Another quick word of advice: While using gem stones can't hurt you, and could possibly help, do remember that the real power is inside YOU!  Having faith and working toward your goals, while using whatever methods you prefer to enhance your positivity, will help to result in a wonderful new you. :)

Aura Polishing Techniques

A friend of mine who's very much into aura healing and cleansing shared this ritual with me. He does this every few days or so, in order to keep things balanced. It's unusual, to say the least, but definitely worth a shot if you're inclined toward working with your auras. This is what I've learned about aura cleansing, so I hope you enjoy it!  Every aura is different, and different things may work for various aura colors and aura patterns.

Strengthening and healing one's auras should be done each day, in order to keep things running smoothly. This is especially true if you know that you're going to be in a stressful situation, or if you're going to be around emotional vampires or other negative folks who drain away your energy.

In order to protect your aura, the first thing to do is to put up a spiritual "stop sign" to protect yourself from outside energy interfering. One way to do this is to cross your arms and legs in a protective stance (or sitting position).

Then, you can try my friend's unusual breathing technique which is said to clear the aura and balance the chakras. With this cleansing, your auric area is cleansed and your mind-body connection is balanced. It is done by breathing in with one nostril, then out with the other.

First, hold your nose as if you're going underwater; just pinch it between your fingers, but don't apply any pressure. Close off one nostril and breathe out. Keep your tongue steady and low in the mouth, just behind the front teeth. Apply pressure to the other nostril while releasing the original one, and then breathe in for a few seconds. Hold the breath for 10-15 seconds if you can; otherwise, just do it for as long as you can. Then exhale, and do the same thing with the other nostril. Repeat the entire process half a dozen times or so. It shouldn't take longer than a couple of minutes.

I'm still learning about auric work, so I'm not sure how standard the above exercise is. However, one thing I can say about it is that with all of the concentrating on breath, it certainly can help to refocus your mind onto something new if you're worried or stressed. Breathing exercises are often quite calming and strengthening. I often do a similar breathing exercise without all of the nose pinching. Do what feels most comfortable for you.

As you're breathing, you can also try a "cleansing vortex" visualization. To do this, as you're breathing, visualize a swirling vortex of light, beginning in your midsection, and whirling outward and away from you, cleansing and healing your entire body, removing and dispeling all negativity that is embedded within. Imagine the negativity changing to positive energy, then visualize the whirlwind scattering this positive energy outward and away, releasing it into the general environment and doing good things for others.

Sex Goddess Lesson #1: How To Be Sexier & More Confident

Amazing dancers Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn
in 1916, proving that the basic elements
of sensuality are timeless!

Let's sizzle in 2012, shall we? :)

I've realized that, when looking through my post labels, only one article has been posted on sex (and that was a joke about sex).  Lots of people who land here seem to be searching for relationship and romance advice, so I figured that it was high time to write about one cornerstone of any healthy relationship:  sex.

After doing some research for my sex article, I realized that there are some amazing resources out there.  However, most of the stuff I've read about love, sex, and romance are all about how to keep the sex going in an existing relationship, how to spice things up, or how to be more attractive to your mate.  But these articles didn't really seem to get it right all the way, as far as I was concerned.

Yes, your mate is right up there on the priority chart, but the most important sexual relationship you can have is with yourself -- if you can't see yourself as a sexual being, then your sexual relationship with others will never be quite as satisfying as it should be.  And if you're reading this, then obviously, you want to start the road to improvement.  Congratulations -- your journey is about to begin!

The first stop on the road to channeling your inner sex goddess is to find ways to feel sexy.  Remember that this has nothing to do with other people; this is all about you.  It's ok to be "selfish" sometimes -- remember that when you take the time to do good things for yourself, you'll later be able to take care of others even better.

Think about yourself in terms of what you find to be the most attractive, wonderful, and unique qualities about yourself.  Do you have intriguing eyes or smooth, creamy skin?  Do you have soft, ample curves; or perhaps you're a lean, willowy Goddess?  All shapes and sizes are beautiful.  The Western world currently tends to favor tall and thin supermodel types, but the beauty of all types can be appreciated in some time or culture -- and even in our modern society, you'll find people who can appreciate exactly what your own physical and mental style brings to the table. But the most important person to appreciate your own unique beauty is you!  Make a list -- write it down if you want to -- of all of your gorgeous body parts, from the hair on your head to the tips of your toes.  And don't forget your awesome mental or emotional traits too -- being clever, witty, determined, and strong are all smokin' hot attributes as well.  This isn't the time to worry about the parts you dislike -- show them some love, too!  But if you're not quite there, let's just focus on the things you love about yourself for now.

Taking Back Control of Your Life

Last year, because of the questions I commonly get asked by clients, I decided to make an instructional video on how to live a happier life. Even so, a lot of the traffic that I get seems to point to the notion that some folks are so discouraged with their situations that they have no idea where to even start!

It can be a difficult thing when your life is so overwhelming. You look at each part, seeing one mess after the next; figuring out which place to roll in your sleeves and get working. If you tweak one part, the rest may just fall to pieces. Fear and negativity keep us stuck in the comfortable, yet unhealthy, present, and both emotions make us reluctant to move forward into the unknown. If you feel that you're experiencing a spiritual crisis, you need to stop worrying and figure out how to regain control of your life. It can be difficult -- let's face it, it'll very likely be hard as hell in the beginning -- but stick with your goals. The end result will be worth all of the pain of growing.

Try following these 9 pieces of advice for just a week. They certainly cannot hurt you, and will very likely help. 

1. Take care of yourself physically. This doesn't mean that you need to spend every second at the gym and only eat carrots and celery for the rest of your days. But it does mean that you have to start treating yourself the way you try caring for everyone else in your life -- your spouse, kids, parents, or even your family pet! Would you deprive them of adequate sleep? How about healthy food and lots of water to keep them hydrated and nourished? These little things can be hard to remember to do when it's you, but you simply cannot take control of your life without catering to your basic needs. Appropriate rest, food, and exercise will put you in a far better frame of mind. This is especially true if you have health problems; working on improving your overall health may not cure the worst of what ails you, but it will maintain (and probably improve) your functioning parts.

2. Practice daily gratitude. This is the most vital thing that you can do for yourself on an emotional level. If you're constantly criticizing and finding fault with your surroundings, then you will get just what you ask for. However, if you open yourself up to gratitude and appreciation of what you do have, then more will flow your way. Each day, make it a point to think of what the universe has blessed you with, and enjoy it. There are people who have a lot less than you do.

3. Don't make assumptions about people. It's common for our fears to color the way we see ourselves, and other people. You may be afraid of not being liked or accepted by others, worry about being gossiped about, or feel concerned that something you've done has upset or offended someone. If these things are bothering you, it's better to get proof. Better yet, you can open your mouth and ask people if something is wrong. Your worrying is most likely for nothing. Wouldn't it be nice to relieve yourself of that kind of burden?

4. Stop black-and-white thinking. Most of the people and things in your life aren't all just "good" or "bad." Making generalizations about your environment and the people within it is a sure-fire way to keep your world very limited, and your mind small. But when you open your mind and realize that a million shades of gray exist between the good and the bad, you're opening yourself up to a new world. Rather than allow preconceived notions to control you, you are taking control of your own thoughts and putting yourself in the driver's seat.

5. Eliminate negative self-talk. We all have that nasty little voice inside our heads that can't seem to shut up when we're at our most vulnerable. This voice is nothing more than a fear-based illusion, trying to hold us back. While some fear or apprehension is a healthy thing, negative statements that we make to ourself can hurt our feelings just as bad as, if not worse than, if someone else were to say the same things to us. (And in fact, some negative self-talk is based on things that we have been criticized for in the past!) But if you're patient with yourself, and keep pushing forward despite that snarky inner dialogue, eventually that voice will fade. Until the time when your positive voice is the stronger of the twi, try not to pay attention to the negative stuff. It will get quieter and quieter with each small success you achieve, and the positive self-talk will grow. 

6. It's not always about you. Like negative self-talk, negative reactions can hinder your ability to see things clearly. This is less about a voice in your head, and more of a knee-jerk reaction in a stressful situation. For example, if your boss or teacher wants to speak with you privately, you may assume that you're in trouble about something. Or perhaps people around you are laughing, so you worry that you're the subject of some joke. Occasionally your mind may go there, even if there isn't any evidence to support a negative theory. Try to put the situation into perspective and realize that there are many possibilities that you haven't even considered. Take the focus off of yourself, and realize that everyone has their own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Yours may not even enter into the equation.

7. Enjoy physical contact as often as possible. Now, get your mind out of the gutter; I didn't say you have to jump on top of everyone you meet! But don't underestimate the healing power of big ole hug! Participating in physical contact with other people -- friends, family, and pets -- will soothe and heal you in a way that words never can. If hugging is awkward for you, start slowly by shaking hands, patting people on the back, and giving high-fives. There are many, many studies which have been done on the benefits of physical contact, so make it a point to enjoy those benefits as much as you can.

8. Be a social butterfly. Solitude can be a wonderful thing. But too much alone time can put you at risk for loneliness or awkwardness when it does come time to interact with others. The more people you can surround yourself with, the happier you will be. That doesn't mean you need to go out clubbing every night of the week. But, expanding your social circle by a couple of people -- and going out of your way to keep those contacts participating in your life -- is a reward in and of itself. Being around healthy, positive people will make your own life feel much more positive too.

9. Help others, volunteer, and give of yourself. This has so many benefits that I'm only going to list a few. First and foremost is the obvious benefit to the one who's receiving the help. Additionally, you'll feel good for doing something wonderful and helping someone else. The psychological and spiritual benefits are great as well, because you're practicing #6 at the same time, and taking the focus off your own problems to address something else entirely. Helping others can open up your world in ways that you've never thought possible, and expose you to people and experiences that will enrich your life.

These are only a few tips that can help you feel stronger and more empowered in your life. Remember that happiness is not always going to just fall into your lap. Relationships are always going to require work, especially the relationship that you have with yourself. Make the effort to make lasting positive changes, and you will enjoy a newer, richer life experience.

Photo Credit: Thanks to snapchris.com (aka tibchris on Flickr) for making this picture available under a Creative Commons License. The model is the lovely and and inspiring Nikita Patel. Thanks to both of you for sharing!