S O U L I S T I C H E A L I N G

The New Year ... part 2; New Moon in Aquarius

2012-01-22T00:21:00.005-05:00

Monday January 23rd marks a second chance for the New Year. It is the first New Moon of 2012 in the sign of Aquarius, and it also marks the start of the Chinese New Year, this year is the year of the Dragon.

Aquarius is represented as the Water-Bearer. In this sense, water represents life, and the one that is bearing life. The spirit of Aquarius bears witness to life, which means it provides evidence of life, and in this case through water. Part of what makes Planet Earth unique is the presence of water, and alongside it, the presence of much life. We know that our planet is predominately water, and so are our bodies. We are water, we are life.

With the sign of Aquarius ruling the New Moon, this is a good time to evaluate what kind of life are you? What is your life? Do you see it as a gift, as an agent of change, or as a hindrance. Similar to water, life is a precious gift. It is a tool to beget more life, and to evolve what we know of life.

Aquarius Key Words + Themes:
*Progression; Not settling for the status quo
*Humanitarianism: Being concerned for the well being of ALL life
*Eccentricity: Comfort and Confidence in questioning and recreating norms
*Friendships: Allowing socializing and learning from friends and comrades
*Awakening: Claiming one's mind and thoughts
Mantra for New Moon in Aquarius:
Lokha Samasta Sukhono Bhavantu!
May all beings everywhere be free and happy!

What you initiate during the New Moon stays with you for the Moon Cycle (28 days). This is a great time to initiate or set intention around you contributions to society, revitalizing friendships, recreating your norms, breaking old habits, and creating the most authentic lifestyle. Create vision boards, new moon wishes, or meditate or affirm that which you want to embody.

The Chinese Lunar New Year also begins on Monday. This is the Year of the Dragon! The dragon represents good luck and wealth. In many myths, we think of dragons that need to be slayed.

“Our fears are like dragons
guarding our deepest treasures.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke

We are taught to fear, but the dragon reminds us that there is nothing to fear, that even the scariest parts and things in our life are holding potential.

Happy New Moon and Lunar New Year!!

Feel free to email me at info@soulisticwellness.com if you need help creating your New Moon wishes and intention seeds!

JourneyDance LA: Welcoming 2012

2012-01-19T02:13:00.000-05:00

Weekly Soulistic Inspiration: Janury 2, 2012

2012-01-02T11:31:00.001-05:00

"Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me,
what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
- Mary Oliver

When was the last time you thought of your life as "wild and precious"? When was the last time you gave yourself permission to live the life of your dreams? When was the last time you took a risk because you listened to your soul?
If you cannot recall the answer to any of these questions, then perhaps the energy of the new year encourages you to recommit to your most authentic life and to the courage that lies within you.
What would make you feel that your life was "wild and precious" each moment of the day? What would make you want to wake up each morning excited for the day with a smile on your face? Remember that is your birthright - to smile, to enjoy being alive, and to do things that no one has ever done before.
Wishing you the happiest of new years and the courage it takes to create the life that you desire!
One L♥ve

January 2012 Astrological Asana + Mini Horoscopes

2012-01-01T23:41:00.005-05:00

"Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
-Mary Oliver It's 2012. And we are still here! Now what?
I recently attended a meditation with a teacher who gave us the exercise to practice each exhale as though it was our last. It brought up lots of different emotions and experiences for the participants including myself. I noticed in my own experience a cycle of feelings that came up. During that meditation, I went into a cycle of feelings including: fear, denial, gratitude, and peace. At the end of each exhale there was a feeling of, "Now what?" that came up.

January, the first month of 2012, is here. And it is calling upon us to answer that question, "Now what?" With each planet moving directly in the sky, the celestial bodies are energetically encouraging and supporting us to move forward. The very direct activity of the planets urge us to actively step into and create the future. The time to sit back and passively wait for something outside of you to happen and change your life is over. That time is over because there is nothing outside of you. Everything is within you! You are what you have been waiting for, and you hold the keys to your life. Everything outside of you is simply an idea, but everything that is within you is real.
This month and this year, I ask you how can you live more directly? What would a direct approach to life look like for you?

Living directly doesn't always mean that you make a to-do list and start a more rigorous routine towards your life. Living directly might mean letting yourself be so vulnerable that you interact with all of your feelings and accept them with no resistance. For each person, this will look a little bit different. Honor your process and what it means to you.

Capricorn: It's your birthday time dear goat! What a time to celebrate and recharge. It's time to trust your intuition! With Jupiter moving direct in your 5th house of romance, children, play and creativity, there is good fortune in all those areas. WIth Mars in your 9th house of philosophy and higher education, this is a great time to take action on anything dealing with school and learning!

Aquarius: With Venus in your 1st house till January 13th, you are even more magnetic than usual. You are able to attract great people and opportunities just by being your natural self! Moving may be on your mind this winter, it's a favorable time to move or to start researching a new area to live in or purchasing a home.

Pisces: After January 13th, planet Venus moves into your first house and with the Sun in your 11th house of social activities and friends, you are going to be quite popular this January. Make sure to connect with yourself as you are connecting with others. This is a good time to connect with possible love interests!

Aries: Jupiter is now moving direct in your 2nd house of income and value. There is great potential for a new job or source of income. Now is the time to release the worries about if things will be ok, and to keep the faith and trust in yourself.

Taurus: Dear Taurus, what is your New Year's wish? With Jupiter direct in your first house, you can have anything you want! So state your wishes, let the Universe know what you desire!

Gemini: This is a great time to take action on moving or getting a new place. You have Mars, the planet of action in your 4th house, ruling the home and domestic life. Or this can be a great time to revamp and re-organize your current home! Either way, create a space that will be conducive to the lifestyle you want!

Cancer: The New Year starts with the Sun in your 7th house, bringing light to relationships. This is a good time to let the shine in on some existing romantic and business relationships and potentially reevaluate your approach to these relationships. It is time to either fully commit to them or let them go.

Leo: With Mars in your 2nd house income and value, this is a great time to reflect on your worth. Are you giving yourself enough credit and appreciation for all that you do? Make time to value yourself this month, and watch how others value you as well. If you have been thinking about asking for a raise, go ahead and do it!

Virgo: With Mars in your 1st house this month, and Venus in your 7th house of relationships on January 13th, you have a lot of power and confidence that could be very influential. Make sure to remember to be gentle with yourself and others or you may end up apologizing for your actions later in the month.

Libra: Towards the middle of the month, the Sun, Venus and Neptune will all be in your 5th house of expression, creativity, romance and children. This is the time to let your imagination run wild and create! What is your imagination inspired by? Give that to yourself. This month, turn the TV and internet off, and tune into your imagination and dreams.

Scorpio: The New Year is always a good time to start a new practice. What changes regarding your health and wellness have you been wanting to make? Perhaps they seem radical to others, but they could be life changing for you and solve issues that you did not necessarily connect to your wellness practices.

Sagittarius: With Mars in your 10th house of career and reputation, are you ready to take the next step in your career? What would the next step in your career require from you? It's time for you to step out of any shyness and holding back and let yourself shine and grow! Don't hold yourself back.

Shirley Kali Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

The Power of Intention: Winter Solstice Ritual

2011-12-21T23:20:00.004-05:00

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” - Howard Zinn

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

In my previous blogpost I discussed the power of the Winter Solstice and the ways we can use the darkness to help us set intention. Similar to the New Moon phase, also called the Dark Moon, at this time of darkness the natural atmosphere and cosmos is the most receptive. Darkness is metaphorical for receptive. It is the dark soil that is receptive of the seed. It is the womb of a woman tucked away inside her body, invisible to the eye, that is receptive to the seed of a man. Darkness gives way to creation. Whether we like it or not, it is all apart of the dance of life.

Both light and shadow

are the dance of Love.
Love has no cause;
it is the astrolabe of God's secrets...
Lover and Loving are inseparable
and timeless.

-Rumi

Earlier today on facebook, an old friend, Cav, posted the idea of collectively doing a ritual or intention together. Here is the lovechild of our minds and intentions...our collective ritual. For 21 days, each day at 10:07am and/or 10:07pm, you create the time to set intention/re-affirm your Oneness with Spirit/pray/meditate/give thanks/your choice of whatever feels right. What we are doing is collectively building a foundation. When we build foundation together, it is a stronger foundation. The stronger the foundation, the less likely it is to be destructed. This is collective intention and power. We are unifying and creating Oneness.

We choose 21 days, because according to many traditions, it takes 21 days to MAKE or BREAK a habit. So as we engrain this habit over the next 21 days, this connecting to Spirit becomes more habitual and patterned into our nervous system. We choose the number 10:07, because numerologically it breaks down to a number 8. 8 is the number connected to Saturn, and the Winter Solstice, as well as the New Moon in Capricorn on 12/24 is ruled by Saturn. This is Saturn's time of year. So we connect with the energy that is present already. As above, so below.

Saturn is our teacher planet. It is the planet revealing much of our Karma. The cycle of Karma will continue until you DO something different. The first way to do something different is to do something different. So as we set this intention and create this space of loving kindness/one-ness/peace/ LOVE, we are re-setting our subconscious and karma.

I stand in support of all those who come to this page and would love to hear how it is going! I am here to support you and am happy to hear how it is going or let me know what support you need to participate. You can email me at info@soulisticwellness.com

Much intentional + unconditional LOVE

Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Power of the Winter Solstice

2011-12-21T09:45:00.005-05:00

We live in a Sun-loving society! We appreciate the sun; label sunny weather as good weather. We try to escape to sunny destinations for vacation. Even in astrology, people know their Sun signs (the sign the Sun was in when you were born), but never take the time to know their other planetary signs.
The Sun is representative of the yang/masculine principle of the creative process. The Sun is the doing, the action, the will. It is all of the energy that we receive from the Sun that gives us and all live creatures energy and life force.
However, too much yang/masculine principle will burn you out. It is important both individually and as a society, that we also honor the yin/feminine principle. This time of the year, the Winter Solstice, is the most yin/feminine principle time of the year. It is NOT the opposite of the yang, it is the complementary. The Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year; the year with the least amount of Sun. This is the time of the year to go deep inside, rather than to frolick outside. Instead of acting and doing, go into your psyche; reflect and plan.

The day of the Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, the darkest day of the year. We are trained to be afraid of the dark. However it is the dark that gives birth to the light. It is in the darkness of the soil, that a seed is planted and grows to the light. The Winter Solstice is the same, is dark and fertile. Your thoughts and intentions are particularly powerful around this time of year.

Take a moment to notice...
*What is on my mind?
*What keeps coming up in my thought process?
*Am I concerned about internal or external affairs?

Bring the energy inward to meditate and reflect. Tap into your desires and see what they are. Ask yourself, what do you yearn for in 2012? And just be still and listen.

Bringing in 2012 with INTENTION!

2011-12-19T10:59:00.010-05:00

Detox Flow: Setting Intention + Surrendering into 2012

in·ten·tion [ in ténsh'n ]
1. aim or objective: something that somebody plans to do
2. quality of purposefulness: the quality or state of having a purpose in mind

Yoga is a powerful wholistic tool, linking the mind and the body into one. Through asana (physical exercise) and breath, we release all that is no longer serving us from our whole Divine being. As we let go, we fill the space with intentional visions and energy.

What are you ready to let go of from the past? What are your intentions for 2012?

Join me for an invigorating and restorative yoga practice on this powerful day! Set intention for your WHOLE being for 2012 in a loving and intentional community.
Warm tea served after

Saturday Dec 31, 2011 at 10:30AM - 12:00PM
at Reflections Yoga
250 West 49th Street, 2nd Floor
NYC, NY 10019

$15 if purchased ahead/MUST PURCHASE BY 12PM on Friday 12/30/11 --- NO WALK-INS!

Bring your own mat or rent a mat for $2

More questions: info@soulisticwellness.com

TICKETS SOLD OUT! NO MORE SPACE!

December Astrological Asana

2011-12-04T13:51:00.002-05:00

December 2011 Astrologicial Asana

"If you want to be sad, no one in the world can make you happy. But if you make up your mind to be happy, no one and nothing on earth can take that happiness from you."
- Parahamsa Yogananda

We are approaching the last days of 2011, and what a year this has been for us both individually and collectively. One thing I think that we can all agree on from this year is that change is inevitable. Nothing material lasts forever, yet there is a part of us that is eternal. The popular yoga mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya", meaning "I bow to Shiva, the deity of change and destruction", reminds us that not only is change inevitable but it is is necessary. As we bow to change, we bow to the Unknown.

Bowing to the Unknown can be frightening, that is why most people don't do it. We want to have a sense of "knowing" - "knowing" that our paychecks will be directly deposited every 2 weeks, "knowing" that one Tuesdays and Fridays we go to spin class, "knowing" that we eat dinner at 6:30p, and so on. We seek "knowing" even though nothing is guaranteed. We want to be in control of this life, and the truth is that we are in control. But not in the way that we "think" we are. We are "not" in control because we plan out every single hour of the day with things to do, we are in control because we surrender to not controlling.

One simple way to surrender to the Unknown is to choose happiness. Happiness expands, whereas sadness contracts. As we choose happiness, there is no telling where we may go or what we may feel. As we near the end of 2011, make some time to write a list or journal about some of your happiest moments. Spend some time recalling all the joy that you have to be thankful for amidst change.

Sagittarius: Tis the season of Sagittarius, and while you do have the Sun in your house of self lighting up potential and movement to come into your highest self, you also have Mercury retrograding through this house till 12/13. So you may be experiencing some roadblocks in getting motivated. Use this time for self care; sleeping late, reiki treatments, juicing, and moving slowly. Be gentle with yourself. One Mercury turns direct, things will be moving fast, so take delight in these moments now.
Capricorn: The beginning of the month may feel slow and you may even find your dreams being very bizarre or lucid. You have Venus lighting up your first house so you may be feeling a bit romantic or just appreciative of beauty. This is not often a luxury that you give yourself hard-working Capricorn! Give in to the beauty and romance, have fun!
Aquarius: This month you are also bound to be experiencing Mercury Retrograde in your house of social affairs and friendships, which for you as an Aquarius is everything! You may notice getting together with people is more difficult than usual, or that just being social is feeling challenging. Use December as a month to reflect, be quiet, and pay attention to your dreams!
Pisces: With Uranus turning direct in your house of income on 12/10, you may receive some surprise checks or offers to make money this month. The past few months, you may have felt a big foggy on what it is that would make your happy income wise. Now you may be feeling clear once again. Use this clarity to take risks.
Aries: With Uranus moving direct in your house of self on 12/10, you are about to get an extra jolt of cosmic energy toward any work that is aligned with your highest potential. With Uranus moving directly, you cease to care what others think and you are ready to express yourself authentically, and that makes you UN-stoppable.
Taurus: Pay attention to your daydreams and all coincidences. Nothing is a coincidence, everything is a message to you. Receive the messages! You have Jupiter still in your 1st house, and now with Mars in your house of romance and play, this could be a very serendipitous time to meet a lover! Enjoy!
Gemini: This month may start off feeling a bit challenging in your partnerships and relationships. You might be feeling misunderstood or like no one is hearing you, probably a sign of Mercury Retrograde. Once Mercury turns direct on 12/13, you will enjoy clarity in your communications in partnerships and relationships, and you may even turn some of your most challenging relationships into your most pleasurable ones!
Cancer: The beginning of the month is a great time to focus on your health. Perhaps a new commitment has your working late or early. Make sure that you are getting enough fresh water, sleep and nutrition through food daily. Once the Sun moves into Capricorn on 12/21, your focus may shift in trying to make a romance work into a relationship. Remember it takes 2 to tango!
Leo: With Mars in your house of income and self worth, it seems like you might be starting to REALLY take your dreams seriously! The first step in making more money is WANTING to make more money, and this month you are ready to put your dreams into action to make money. Pitch your stories or ideas, or perhaps re-visit projects from the past. Say yes to yourself, and no one will be able to say no.
Virgo: This month we have Mars in your first house. Mars is the warrior and passion planet, and when in your first house, gives you the energy to assert yourself and get things done. Mars will be in your first house over the next few month so perhaps think of some things that you have been wanting to get done, and chart out some action steps, Mars will help you. Also expect lots of passion!
Libra: When Uranus turns direct in your house of relationships, it may be time to shake off some of the attachment you have had to conventionalism, and embrace the non-conventional ways. Perhaps you have met someone you thought you would have never fallen for, or someone who doesn't make "any" sense for you. Life is not about convention, it is about what is.
Scorpio: With Mercury retrograding through your house of self income and worth , you may notice that "old" patterns of dysfunction in regards to self esteem are coming up. You may be questioning your value and your self worth. You deserve everything that you desire and you are not forgotten. Remember that once Mercury moves directly on 12/13, this will bring light into this area and help you to shed any dysfunction.

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com To check out her December 2011 Wellness Packages, click HERE

Sagittarius New Moon Call! Friday 11/25

2011-11-16T22:16:00.004-05:00

Friday 11/25/2011 we embrace a New Moon in Sagittarius. This is the LAST complete Moon Cycle of 2011!

The intentions we set during a New Moon stay with us and are fertilized by the openness of the Moon on that day.

New Moon Conference Call (BY DONATION!): Friday 11/25 at 5p PT/8p ET

TO RSVP for call-in info: info@soulisticwellness.com

To Donate:

We will discuss the Moon cycles and Sagittarius, meditate with each other, and set intention for this last moon cycle of 2011. Sagittarius is the sign that is known for optimism, abundance, adventure, international affairs, and higher education. This is a great New Moon for anyone looking to go back to school, travel abroad or be exposed to international cultures, or wanting to open to adventure.

JourneyDance L.A on 11/20! Dance of Gratitude!

2011-11-11T12:47:00.002-05:00

Join Kali and Quonta for JourneyDance in Los Angeles
Exploring the Gratitude and Freedom of the Heart!
Sunday 11/20 at 7:30p
@ Brasil Brasil Cultural Center
11928 Washington, L.A 90066
$12 Suggested Donation
questions - journeydancela@gmail.com

come play with us!

11 Things to do on 11.11.11 in L.A!

2011-11-10T02:02:00.006-05:00

Folks have been looking forward to 11.11.11 for quite some time. For one, it is a numerically special number as it will be one of the few times many of us see this date combination in our lifetime. But surely we have seen, 10.10.10, and next year many of us will see 12.12.12, why is 11 so special?

Numerologically 11 is a Master number. 11 represents illumination, faith, and psychic abilities. In astrology, the number 11 is associated with the sign Aquarius, known for its humanitarian, innovative, liberating and progressive qualities.

Regardless of if you are into astrology or numerology, here are 11 things and events to potentially check out on this day! Whether you want to learn more or you are just in need of some self care time and renewal of your Self, I think these might do the trick!

1) Go soak at a bathhouse. Enjoy sauna, steamrooms, and baths! Water has both physical and metaphysical cleansing qualities! Restore your balance of water in your body and let stress and unhealthy thoughts be absorbed by the water.
Bathhouse Choices: Wi Spa, Olympic Spa, Natura
Cost - $15-$30

2) 11.11.11 Maha Kirtan Ritual at Bhakti Yoga Shala
Kirtan is one of my favorite yoga traditions. Using mantra and the voice, kirtans help folks to find their deepest voice and truth through chanting out of love and devotion and dancing ad moving. Mantra is a very powerful yogic tool to grounding intentions and creating physical manifestations.
Cost - $11 suggested donation

3) Screening of The Dhamma Brothers at Against the Stream Meditation
This film tells a dramatic story of human potential and transformation as it closely follows and documents the stories of a group of prisoners as they enter into this arduous program. It will challenge assumptions about the very nature of prisons as places of punishment rather than rehabilitation.
Cost - By Donation

4) 11.11.11 Full Moon Sound Bath with Jamie Bechtold and Daniella White

Join yoga teacher/sound + energy healer Jamie Bechtold for an evening of relaxing and enjoying the powerful sound vibrations from a number of instruments!

Live Arts LA - 4210 Panamint Street Los Angeles, CA
Cost - $20 at the door

5) 11.11.11 Meditation Flash Mob @ Occupy LA
All are welcome to participate! Meet at 10:30a at North steps of City Hall (facing Temple St) between 10.30 and 11am. City Hall is at 200 N Spring St. Folks will be gathering to meditate and use the power of peace and intention to experience internally and share with the world!

6) Yoga + Deep Meditation and Chanting at Yoga West
Join the Kundalini Yoga Family at Yoga West to usher in the Aquarian Age with chanting and meditation.
Cost - $20

7) Pranic Healing Clinic with Isabel Lacayo at Aanand Saagar
Pranic Healing is a form of energy healing using prana and life force energy to harmonize and balance one's being. It has been known to help alleviate and treat special conditions and illnesses.
Cost - $15

8) Community Hatha Flow at Heartbeat House
A donation yoga class for $7 at 9am. Nothing like getting the day started with some yoga!

9) Reiki 1 Attunement and Training at House of Intuition
Ever been curious about Reiki or Energy Healing? Reiki is a non-invasive tool known for helping people with chronic pain and for overall balance. As a Reiki practicioner, you can take your training all around the world to help ALL people, animals, places, and things!
Cost - $250

10) Ayurveda Aromatherapy + Ritual Free Intro Talk
Free Talk on Friday at 8pm at Yoga Desa. The use of aromatic plants and essential oils is a branch of Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine. This workshop presents the use of essential oils according to Ayurvedic principles. The class covers the most important essential oils used currently in aromatherapy, categorized according to the doshas (constitutional types), subdoshas (physiological functions of the doshas), the five elements, prana (life force), and ojas (nutritional essence).
Cost - Free

11)Naam Meditation at Naam Yoga LA
Join us at Naam Yoga LA from 4:00-6:00pm as we come together for this special uplifting and transformative Meditation, which has been especially designed for this day and will be shared with Naam Yogis worldwide. This event is free and open to all.
Cost - Free

November 2011 Astrological Asana + Horoscopes

2011-10-30T02:20:00.002-04:00

"The first act of creation is always destruction."

-Katherine Woodward Thomas

In Ancient Mexico, the goddess Mictecacihuatl presided over the Underworld and is known as the goddess of the Underworld or the goddess of death. She was the protector of the bones, as the bones symbolized the link from the past and the present and the present to the future. It was believed that the bones of the past gave way to the people of the present and that the bones of the people of the present would one day help to bare life for the people of the future. In modern day Mexico, as well as in other Latin American countries and communities around the world, November 2 is known as La Dia de Los Muertos aka The Day of the Dead. Goddess Mictecacihuatl is the patron Saint for this day when the living pay homage and celebrate the dead.

Even though death happens in many ways due to many causes, it is as sacred a transition as is birth. In modern times, we tend to see death as a sad happening (which in fact sometimes it is), yet can we challenge ourself to see the sacredness in death? Can we see how death in fact does not disconnect us from those who transition from the body, but create a new way of connection for us who still live in our bodies?

The month of November is ruled by the sign Scorpio and the planet Pluto. Key words for Scorpio are Transformation, Change, Death, Rebirth, Taboo, Shadow. As the days get shorter with less light, let us reflect on all the transitions that are occuring and find a way to see the sacredness in all the change and honor the newness that comes with the death.

Scorpio: It's birthday season and you may find the themes for this birthday are getting comfortable with adventure. While your natural tendency is to embrace change and maybe look for change to be your muse at times, this birthday has a bit of Sagittarius influence and asks for your optimism in taking risks. What have you been yearning to do? The Full Moon in Taurus on the transformational 11.11.11 is in your house a relationships and partnerships. Take your relationship to the next level!
Sagittarius: At the end of the month, Mercury begins to retrograde in your first house. You may find yourself feeling challenged at expressing yourself or feeling misunderstood. Use some time this month to find silence. Take a day off email, facebook, phone calls, etc. Make it a priority to get clear within yourself.
Capricorn: This month's full moon takes place in your house of romance, creativity, expression, and children. Use this time in the middle of the month to return to your child like state. Allow others to take care of you and to help you. Remember that even though you are an adult now, you still have feelings and you dont have to know everything.
Aquarius: Venus is in your house of friendships and social engagement, so you might find yourself feeling extra appealing to new groups of people and perhaps even enjoying the invitations and exposure to new social scenes. Mercury moves retrograde in this area on 11/24, which may bring some unexpected developments with social groups. Allow yourself to be surprised.
Pisces: Mars moves into Virgo on 11/10 into your house of partnerships and relationships. With Mars, the planet of passion and action here, allow yourself to take action and go for what you want. Skip the practical and neat ways, and just go in and get messy. Disclose your feelings, take risks, take a clear stance on your desire.
Aries: This is a transformational month for you Aries. November starts off with the Sun lighting up your 8th house, house of change and often times the areas in our life we do not want to give much light to. What has been going on that you have not wanted to pay attention to? What area in your life is dying, but you are resisting the death? This month, notice the subleties of change and remember nothing lasts forever, not even the pain.
Taurus: The full moon this month occurs in your 1st house of self. This is a great time to reflect on who this self is and also perhaps to start new habits that are going to honor the fullness and richness of your authentic self. This means self care, and putting yourself first. Put the dance classes, yoga classes, and all the things you want to do first!
Gemini: Mercury begins retrograding in your house of relationships towards the end of the month. Don't take things with your partner personally. Be gentle in your communications with other people. Remember the power that you hold and how people value what you have to say.
Cancer: With the Sun and Venus both in your 5th house, area of romance, children, and expression you may find yourself playing with a new way of expressing yourself or a new hobby. Perhaps you have been wanting to learn or take up a new craft, this is a great time to get that going. You will appreciate beauty from unlikely places this month.
Leo: At the start of the month, Mars is in your first house of self. Perhaps you start of the month feeling and working from your assertion and passion. You may notice a bit more fire in your presence and even a bit more of desire for passion in partnership. When Mars moves to Virgo into your 2nd house, use this energy to spend a bit more time cultivating your craft and seeing your gifts multiply through this discipline.
Virgo: Mars moves into your first house this month, and I see this as a powerful time to use your natural earth grounding with the fiery active energy of Mars. If you know what you want, go for it! This month, tap into your inner warrior and cultivate your courage. Stand up for what you beleive in, and use your courage to lead people. Embrace your power!
Libra: This month's full moon takes place in your house of transformation. This is a powerful time to let go of the people and situations that have take up lots of energy and gracefully say goodbye. Allow other people's drama, stories, and needs no longer be the first priority in your life.
*For the months of November and December, I am offering 45 minute long Spiritual Astrology Counseling sessions over the phone for $50. In this 45 minute journey, you will learn about your astrological chart and we will discuss hidden talents and ways to to unravel patterns that are holding you from your dreams. Take this knowing into 2012 with you! Or book for 2 sessions for $40! Email me at info@soulisticwellness.com to schedule your appointment*Save the Date: By-

Donation New Moon Call! Learn about the Moon Cycles and Set intention for the New Moon with other Moon Lovers on Friday November 25, time TBA. This month's New Moon is in the sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius is the sign of philosophy, higher education, adventure, and international affairs and travel! To register or for more info please email info@soulisticwellness.com

*Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to http://www.soulisticwellness.com/

KNOW THIS! TOUR EP 29: HOLISTIC HEALING

2011-10-29T02:55:00.000-04:00

Check me out on Know This TV talking about Soulistic Wellness, Yoga, and how knowledge of self is SEXY!

JourneyDance in Los Angeles!

2011-10-17T14:42:00.005-04:00

join Kali Johnson + Quonta Beaseley for an evening of
JOURNEYDANCE... in L.A!

JourneyDance is a grooving celebration that will have you loving your body and loving your life! Weaving simple, guided movement sequences and free exploration, JourneyDance reconnects you with your innate state of joyous well-being!
Join us for an evening of exploration of our freedom through dance. come one and all to share community and love through movement; ALL are welcome! No experience necessary!

Through freedom we tap into our power to create the lives we DESIRE!

Sunday 10/23 at 7:30p-8:30p
Brasil Brasil Cultural Center (11928 Washington Blvd. Los Angeles 90066)
Suggested donation = $12
For more info: JourneyDanceLA@gmail.com

Suggested Donation - $12

Questions: JourneydanceLA@gmail.com

VinyaSOUL Playlist; lusicious breathing + flow | oct 10

2011-10-11T01:06:00.004-04:00

My favorite area to teach, explore and learn about is the 2nd chakra. The 2nd chakra is the seat of our creativity and reproductive organs. Our ability to create and to work from desire is a powerful tool. The more our desire is taken out of the shadow, the more we can feel our personal self worth and accept our desire as a tool for growth rather than a secret to be shamed.VinyaSOUL 2nd chakra smooth sensual yummy Playlist:
1. Moments in Love - Art of Noise
2. I'd Rather Be with You - Bootsy Collins
3. If I was Your Girlfriend - Prince
4. Made for Love - Jose James
5. Prototype - Andre 3000
6. Run to the Sun - N*E*R*D
7. Electric Relaxation - Electric Relaxation
8. So Gone - Jill Scott
9. L.A Night - Yasuko Agawa
10. Next Lifetime - Erykah Badu
11. Butterfly Kisses - Goapele

Yoga VinyaSOUL Playlist | 3 OCTOBER

2011-10-04T01:02:00.002-04:00

Tonight we explored the hips, we sweat, and we listened to our bodies. I have been inspired by all the revolutions going on in the world, and I wanted to bring songs to the practice that can get us in touch with both parts of our inner warrior; both the soft part (Jill Scott) and the fierce part (Prophets of Rage). Enjoy!

N A M A S T E

1. Leave No Trace - Witchman

2. Incense - Erykah Badu f. Kirsten Agnesta
3. Cosmic Flow - Maneesh de Moor
4. Ni Un Minuto Mas - Prophets of Rage
5. One Time We Lived - Moby
6. Do You Remember? - Jill Scott
7. If This is Love - Foreign Exchange
8. Umi Says - Mos Def
9. He Loves Me - Jill Scott
10. Samba de Benco - Bebel Gilberto
11. Passing By - Zero 7
12. Emerging Love - Liquid Bloom

SCORPIO NEW MOON CALL + INTENTION SETTING

2011-10-02T10:50:00.003-04:00

By-Donation New Moon Call!
Wednesday 10/26/2011 at 10pm EST/7pm PT
Dial In: 218-237-0330
Participant Pin: 979115#

As the Moon goes into its darkest phase, the New Moon, in the sign of Scorpio we will come together over the phone to discuss the sign of Scorpio, do some journaling about transition and transformation, meditate together and set intention for the New Moon cycle. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, generation, and sex!

As the moon is dark, it is invisible in the sky, leaving the sky dark and fertile for one to set their intentions and wishes upon. As we come together in community, we witness each other's process and stand together in support of each other and our dreams and aspirations for happiness.

To register please email info@soulisticwellness.com

October Mini Horoscopes...Seeing Yourself in All

2011-10-02T10:31:00.003-04:00

"I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strange, I am ungrateful to these teachers."
- Khalil Gibran

October belongs mostly to Libra. This October begins with the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Saturn all in Libra. Libra is the sign that rules relationships. Relationships are the core of our life and experiences. It is through others that we learn, grow, and that life becomes what it is. Each time we interact, we are in a relationship, whether with colleague, sibling, parent, child, lover, spouse, customer, and so on. In fact it is often through the interactions with others that we begin to define ourselves, and through those definitions tend to draw conclusions about who we are.

On a large scale right now, a lot of what is going on in the world is about re-evaluating relationships and the systems that they have created that are no longer serving humanity. All around the globe including American cities, folks are rebelling against the relationships to each other which we have gone along with for quite some time that no longer are suiting us. Humanity is coming together for justice. Libra is represented as the scales, the scales also are used to depict justice. Libra's desire is to balance and make things just not only in our personal lives but also in the world.

Where are you seeking harmony and justice in your life? What relationships are no longer working for you?

Libra: This is your time of the year as you come into your Solar Return. Many Libras tend to go through a period in life where they are more focused on pleasing others rather than serving their highest self. Start your personal new year off bringing the energy inward. What do YOU want for this year? What do YOU desire? Listen to your heart.
Scorpio: Great time to take initiative at work. If you are feeling gutsy, act on it! No need to keep following the crowd, take a stand and stand out! Forgive others and forgive yourself, harnessing resentment over the past keeps you hostage to your mind.
Sagittarius: This is a good month to reflect on what friendship means to you and to both notice who your friends are and who you are being a friend to. There may be a need or tendency to be spending more time with friends. Remember that your friends are the ones who will accept you no matter what.
Capricorn: You may be feeling quite passionate lately. Perhaps you have a lot of energy, or are feeling very inspired sexually. Use this energy to propel you in your career. Or use this energy at home to deepen your domestic partnerships.
Aquarius: You may find yourself getting into some arguments this month. Remember that it is okay to agree to disagree. And remember that by being stubborn about ideas, you close yourself up to new ideas...open up!
Pisces: Your mind is a powerful tool within your body. You are getting the opportunity to take a look at the areas that have seemed "dark" for so long and explore them safely with support and compassion. Do not be afraid.
Aries: Lots of creative energy and passion this month, do not shy away away from your power dear Aries. You are a fire sign for a reason. It is time to rise up, tap into your courage and move away from any victim roles you have been attaching to.
Taurus: If you have been thinking about ways to revive your health, think no more, just act! It may be time to balance some health habits that may be disturbing your natural harmony; maybe too much tv, too much food, too much sitting around. Time to balance it out. Gemini: This is a great time for your to link up with a business partner for a creative venture. You will have a good time building with someone and merging together both of your ideas and expression into an exciting creation.
Cancer: Take risks with your income. Working only for a paycheck is not going to cut it for you right now. Try to immerse yourself in communities where you feel you are being valued and can explore life outside the box!
Leo: You may enjoy some extra pep in your step this month Leo, making you as charming as ever. What do you want to use this extra pep and charm for? If you want to help people, start doing it now!
Virgo: Balance your finances and create a new budget. Prioritize the activities and services that help you to recharge and create harmony in your life. Perhaps set aside money for an art class, membership to a museum, or a hike.

*Save the Date: By-Donation New Moon Call! Learn about the Moon Cycles and Set intention for the New Moon with other Moon Lovers on Wednesday 10/26/2011 at 10pm EST/7pm PT. This month's New Moon is in the sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, generation, and sex! To register please email info@soulisticwellness.com *

New Libra Moon 9.27.11

2011-09-27T14:30:00.003-04:00

The New Moon today falls in the sign of Libra today.

Libra represents all relationships; including romantic relationships, business relationships and all one on one relationships. It also rules balance, justice, and harmony. Libra is represented as a pair of scales, which is often the common representation for justice. Just like a pair of scales, Libra is concerned with balancing the relationship between 2. We can learn a lot from observing a pair of scales as more energy is added to one side. We can learn a lot about balance. Balance requires compromise and adjustment.

Aries is the complementary sign of Libra, representing the self. So on a set of scales, Aries the self could be on one side, and Libra, the self in relationship to others could be on the other side. Each relationship with another person is only a reflection of your current relationship to yourself.

If you are resistant to your single status, instead of analyzing what the perfect partner is, can you examine the traits that you value so much in that perfect partner and ask WHY are they so important to you? Many folks want things from a partner that they don't even ask of from themselves. For example folks may insist on only dating financially savvy or wealthy individuals yet they never do any financial planning of their own. Or they may want a partner who is well travelled and international, but they themselves don't even have a passport.

What if you met a potential romantic partner who had the same issues as you? The same amount of money in the bank? The same education level? Etc...Would you be attracted to them? Why or why not?

If the answer is no, then this New Moon in Libra asks to reflect why not. Wat about yourself are you not accepting and not deeming as enough? As you accept yourself, you accept others, as you deepen your relationship with yourself, you're able to go deeper with others. As you go deeper within and in in your relationships, you may notice others have resistance to this, be thankful to them for showing you your own growth.

A S T R O L O G Y 1 0 1 | L.A | OCT 15

2011-09-26T14:45:00.003-04:00

Curious about ASTROLOGY? Want to be able to apply ASTROLOGY to everyday use?

Do you read your horoscope everyday and want to understand the meanings behind planets, houses and signs that astrologers often discuss?

Join me for an Astrology 101 workshop at Chakra 5 on Saturday, October 15th, 1pm-3pm. Learn about the ancient art of astrology and receive a copy of your natal astrology chart. Learn to “decode” your chart and realize some of your buried passions and skills! Empower yourself through the art of astrology.

Cost: $25 p/person or $40 for 2 people who register together

To register or with questions, please email info@soulisticwellness.com or call Chakra 5 at 323-230-8291

Playlist LOVE - 9/19/11

2011-09-20T14:30:00.003-04:00

VinyaSOUL Playlist from Monday 9/19

Candlelight Hatha Flow Yoga Class at Chakra 5

This week I felt inpired by the many places in the world, I felt a sense of bringing together a variety of music from different cultures that may not typically be heard together. Enjoy!

Allah, Allah, Allah - Robert Gass
Window Seat - Erykah Badu
American Dream - Jakatta
Chove Chuva - Sergio Mees & Brasil '66
Om Numah Shivaya - Apache Indian
Is it the Way - Jill Scott
Chan Chan - Bueno Vista Social Club
Tango Forte - Stephane Pompougnac
Tell Him - Lauryn Hill
Portrait of Tracy - Jaco Pastorius
Aspettami - Pink Martini
Before I Sleep - Mazzy Star
Easy to Please - Coldplay
Emerging Love - Liquid Bloom

September 2011 Astrological Asana

2011-09-01T11:56:00.004-04:00

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cure."

- B.K.S Iyengar

Have you ever experienced the feeling of wanting to quit? Have you ever made it to a point where you said to yourself, "I am done. I can no longer continue." Perhaps you have felt this way regarding your career, a relationship, the way you feel about yourself, or possibly about life in general. The good new is that when you get to this point, you are usually at a crossroads where you must change your situation. You either have to leave a situation that you are in or you have to start a new approach to the situation in order to make it through.

This September, as we start on a new month and the last quarter of 2011, examine what in your life needs to be cured, perhaps through elimination or change, and what needs to be endured. Use the energy of Virgo this month to gain the clarity to know the difference between the two. Virgo is an earth sign known for its practicality and its ability to commit, focus, and achieve.

Aries: This is a great time to think about your health and examine how your routine has been encouraging or discouraging wellness. What are your health goals? Do you want more flexibility? More energy? Better sleep? This is a great time to initiate the changes in your routine to support your health.
Taurus: This month starts with the Sun in your 5th house, the house of romance, play and creativity. Allow yourself some free time. You have been working hard this past month, so take some time to relax, take a mini vacation and prioritize fun.
Gemini: You may feel somewhat of a homebody this weekend. You may be wanting to spend more time at home or with your family. Use this month to recharge and to spend time with the people who will support and encourage you.
Cancer: Use this month to learn. This month you will have the energy and ability to both teach and learn. As you teach, you learn, and as you learn, you teach. Remember the two of these are reciprocal and are not isolated.
Leo: It is time to examine the relationship that you have with yourself and your self worth. What are you insecure about and why? This is a good time to look at the things and surroundings that bring out your insecurities and stop avoiding them, but begin to learn from them.
Virgo: Dear Virgo, you have the Sun in your 1st house this month. This your shining birth anniversary time. Use the energy from the Sun to initiate new beginnings. Where in life do you want a fresh start? This month, you can start anew in any area that you want! Just do it!
Libra: What have you been hiding from yourself? In what way have you been keeping yourself a prisoner? Free yourself this month. This is a liberating month for you if you want it to be. You have the power to set yourself free?
Scorpio: Your social circles are on your mind. Perhaps you are feeling a bit flirty and social. Use your natural ability to create deep relationships with all that you encounter this month. Look at everyone as a friend, and see how this changes the various situations you encounter.
Sagittarius: What do you need to change in your life in order to dive deeper into your dreams? A sacrifice is not a loss, it is a gain in disguise. What are you willing to sacrifice for your dreams?
Capricorn: Do you feel a bit deeper than usual? Indeed there may be a lot of big questions that you are pondering. You are not alone. Share your ideas. If you have been thinking of going back to school, take class that allows you to dive deeper into philosophy.
Aquarius: What have you been keeping private? This month may be the month that a secret is revealed. Free yourself by bringing this secret into the light. There is nothing to hide.
Pisces: It is time to either move on from a relationship or commit to being in it. Accept your present and all that it brings to you. Leave behind the feelings of non-fulfillment from another person, fulfill yourself!

*Save the Date:BY-DONATION New Moon Call! Learn about the Moon Cycles and Set intention for the New Moon with other Moon Lovers on Tuesday 9/27/2011 at 10pm EST/7pm PT. This month's New Moon is in the sign of Libra. Libra is the sign of relationships, partnerships, and balance! To register please email info@soulisticwellness.com *

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. For more info or to join her mailing list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

August 2011 Astrological Asana: Releasing Control

2011-07-30T11:20:00.002-04:00

"There is no controlling life. Try corralling a lightning bolt, containing a tornado. Dam a stream and it will create a new channel. Resist, and the tide will sweep you off your feet. Allow, and grace will carry you to higher ground."

- Danna Faulds

It seems like everyone whom I speak to recently is experiencing a summer full of lessons, full of challenges, full of transformation. Each day is truly a transformative experience, yet some days we can feel the transformation more acutely than others. This is one of those times when we are collectively feeling the transformation more acutely.

I recall the concept of growing pains. As a child, I grew tall rather quickly. I remember feeling occasional pain in my knees and legs randomly that my mother would attribute to my growing spurts. I became familiar with the term and understanding of physical growing pains, and whenever I felt that discomfort, I recognized it as a sign that I was growing taller. I was excited to grow taller, so the pain did not hurt so much.

What most of us are experiencing are growing pains as adults. It does not mean we are growing physically taller, but we are growing and expanding in our consciousness and our Self. What if you could allow the transformation and allow the pain that comes with the growth? What if as you accepted the growth, you began to notice that the suffering softened?

As we move into the month of August, the final full month of the summer season, we will undoubtably be in for another growth spurt. The Sun is in Leo. Leo is the sign of the Zodiac that represents creation. Creation is growth. Creation requires that we grow, and to grow means to release. To grow means to change. Creation requires change, and being receptive to change. Leo also rules expression. Leo asks us to express our highest Self. As we express ourself as our most truthful identity, creativity naturally flows.

During August, the planet Mercury will retrograde through the sign of Virgo an then back into Leo. This retrograde is a perfect time for all to re-evaluate their current health conditions and make the changes that reflect what they need to nourish their most truthful identity. This is also a time to pay attention to the details and be as clear as possible about any agreements and plans that you are making.

Aries: This is a great time to take a look at your health and reflect on your health from a holistic perspective. What are you feeding your mind, body and spirit? Each thought, thing, or experience you intake affects all 3 of these parts of you. Are you willing to sacrifice your growth and natural state of joy for the things you are intaking?

Taurus: This is a month to be playful. You may have felt like the past months have been pretty heavy and have required a serious element from you. Now it is time to incorporate some play and romance. Even if you are single, romance yourself! Take yourself out, wear pretty clothes, soak in sea salts baths and massage your feet!

Gemini: You may be pondering your home situation right now. You may be tempted to move, break your lease, or do something that would change up your domestic life. Remember that as we are in Mercury retrograde to be patient. And if things don't work out as you "want" them to, trust that it is for the highest good.

Cancer: You are feeling a need for more inspiration this month. This could be a good time to enroll for a class in a hobby that interests you or buy a membership to a museum, dance or yoga studio or something else that will rev you up. Your finances are in good condition, so allow yourself to invest in yourself.

Leo: Mercury is retrograding through your house of self worth and personal income. This is a time to reflect on how those 2 concepts work together. For your birthday gift to yourself, do what makes you feel good about yourself! Be in the state of feeling good by surrounding yourself with those conditions that incite self love.

Virgo: This month asks you to release some ideas about yourself that are no longer healing you or helping you. Being hard on yourself and over analytical may no longer be serving you or allowing others to serve you. Be gentle with yourself this month, and accept help.

Libra: Your dreams may reveal lots to you this month; both light and shadow. Remember that you are not your mind nor your thoughts, but your mind and thoughts are a reflection of you! What are your daydreams and night dreams reflecting? The parts that are being reflected are often the parts that need more attention. Nourish those areas.

Scorpio: This is a powerful time to begin to plan out and get clear about the work that you want to do. It has been a theme for the past couple of months perhaps, but with the new moon at the end of the month falling into your career area, take the time to think about what YOU want from your work! Be patient with friends.

Sagittarius: Your career is at the center of this retrograde. You may be reconsidering the work you are doing or perhaps how you are doing it. This is a great time to make changes and try out new ways and models of your career and passion.

Capricorn: If you have been thinking about returning to school, this would be a great time to start researching what you would like to study or areas of interest to you. You are looking for a deeper and higher awareness. It is within you already, you just have to find the settings to allow it to be out in the open.

Aquarius: This is a powerful month to create or begin to get clear what you want in a romantic partner. As you do this, make sure you are bringing that same clarity into your idea of yours self. Pay attention to your instincts and feelings, trust your gut about situations.

Pisces: Relationships from the past are revisiting you. Perhaps there is a romantic partner from the past or an ex partner or fiance who has re-entered into your life. It may not be to necessarily re-kindle the past, but it is to bring closure to the past. Go with it, state your needs, be clear.

*For the month of August I am offering 45 minute long Spiritual Astrology Counseling sessions over the phone for $50. In this 45 minute journey, you will learn about your astrological chart and we will discuss hidden talents and ways to to unravel patterns that are holding you from your dreams. Email me at info@soulisticwellness.com to schedule your appointment*

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. For more info or to join her mailing list, please go towww.soulisticwellness.com

July 2011 Astrological Musing...The Halfway Point...

2011-07-02T15:31:00.003-04:00

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."

-Anthony Robbins

July is the 7th month of our calendar system. It is also the 1st month of the 2nd part of the year. July 1st is the halfway point between 2011 and 2012. A halfway point is a great place to examine and reflect. Let's go back to January 2011. When you entered into this new year, where were you? What were your hopes? What were your goals for this year? Now as you are here today, the beginning of July, have you been honoring those goals? Or have those goals fallen to the wayside?

I have been participating in Paula's "Taking the Seat of Purpose" conference calls, and one thing that she mentioned on the call last month was that our goals don't happen because of some mystical intangible phenomena, but they happen through our commitment to our goals. And we commit to our goals through our actions.

No matter what the past 6 months have looked like or felt like, you have a chance right now, this month to re-commit or re-evaluate those goals and to begin taking steps and actions towards achieving them.

The beginning of July starts with both a New Moon and Solar Eclipse in the sign of Cancer. Talk about fireworks! In the USA, we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. Cancer is the 4th sign of the Zodiac, depicted as the crab. Cancer represents the Mother/Nurturer archetype, and asks us to examine what makes us feel safe and secure?

The crab moves with its shell. The shell serves as a movable fort, a sense of protection and security. I ask you this July, what do you feel you need to protect? And by trying to protect whatever it is, are you disconnecting from yourself?

Cancer rules the breasts, chest, and simultaneously the heart. Are you protecting your heart or is your heart accessible?

In the book, Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior, Chogyam Trungpa writes:

The awakened heart comes from being willing to face your state of mind. It is a natural situation of fullness. The genuine heart of sadness comes from this feeling that your nonexistent heart is full. Your experience is so raw, tender, and personal that even if a tiny mosquito lands on you, you feel its touch.

This month, here are some areas perhaps where we can challenge our self to open and allow ourselves to feel and release the need to protect:

Aries: Your Home and the concept of what home means. Surrender into your living situation and be flexible with what a "home" means. Home is where the heart is.

Taurus: Community and Siblings. Be where you are at. The world is at your doorsteps, there is no where to go. Can you find the vastness right within your community? Make yourself and heart accessible to the people who surround you, and watch more and more people come.

Gemini: Personal Income and Worth. What makes YOU feel good? Allow yourself to do more of that, no matter what your income, friends or family may say. Indulge you heart.

Cancer: The Ego and sense of self. Who are you dear Cancer? Are you your mind of your heart? Most likely you know you are your heart, so why let the chitter chatter of the mind rule your choices and decisions?

Leo: The Subconscious. Pay attention to how you respond to things. Notice your response and where the response comes from. Dig deep into those patterns and beliefs that are holding your heart back from flying.

Virgo: Your Friends. Grow deeper with your friends. Reach out to those friends you care deeply about, no matter what the past has been like. Your heart does not need protecting from people, it needs connection.

Libra: Career. Are you doing what you love? Dive into what you are doing with love, and you may find that by setting an intention of love onto it, you fall in love with it.

Scorpio: The World. There is something your heart wants to explore that is deeper than the mind knows, and is beyond the eye's perception of sight. Go for it!

Sagittarius: Transformation. Contrary to your mind's beliefs, transformation does not happen by thinking and thinking about it,it happens by doing it. Feel the fear, and do it anyway.

Capricorn: Relationship and Partnership. The foundation to any healthy relationship is trust. Can you trust with you heart? If not, ask why? What in you do you not trust?

Aquarius: Health and Routine. It is time to listen to your body about what is "good" for you. Newspapers, doctors, and studies all have their own opinions and findings. But what is your finding on the right life for you?

Pisces: Fun and Romance. Fall in love! You know that you want to. You can't control it, because you can't control the heart. It's okay, bow to the heart and have fun with it.

*For the month of July I am offering 45 minute long Spiritual Astrology Counseling sessions over the phone for $50. In this 45 minute journey, you will learn about your astrological chart and we will discuss hidden talents and ways to to unravel patterns that are holding you from your dreams. Email me at info@soulisticwellness.com to schedule your appointment*

Chakra 2 Yoga Playlist VERSION 2...VinyaSOUL

2011-06-17T21:57:00.002-04:00

Here is my playlist from Friday's Yoga class at Chakra 5...we are working on the 2nd Chakra!

...Sensuality, Creativity, and Water...

Here's another 2nd Chakra playlist, just in time for the weekend!

1. Swadisthana - Vive

2. No Need to Ask Baby - Taucher

3. Desire - Deepak Chopra f. Demi Moore

4. Electric Relaxation - Tribe Called Quest

5. It Could be Sweet - Portishead

6. Frontin' - Neptunes

7. Zamba Malato - Susana Baca

8. Find A Way - Samantha James

9. Glory Box - Portishead

10. Prototype - Andre 3000

11. Searchin' - Roy Ayer

12. Sri Satie - Acoustic Mandala Project

Chakra 2 Yoga Playlist...VinyaSOUL

2011-06-15T20:59:00.004-04:00

Here is my playlist from Monday's Yoga class at Chakra 5...we are working on the 2nd Chakra!

...Sensuality, Creativity, and Water...

This is a great playlist when you want to feel sexy and in your body!

1. Non Need to Ask Baby - Taucher

2. Vaccum Conversation - Voodoo Roux

3. How Insensitive - Sun Trust

4. Destiny - Zero 7

5. Electric Relaxation - A Tribe Called Quest

6. Say Alright - Nelly Furtado

7. Kidda - Natacha Atlas

8. Let Us Be Loving - Alice Russell

9. Talk to Her - India Aire

10. Cherry Blossom Girl - Air

11. Prototype - Andre 3000

12. You Will Never Find Another Love - John Holt

13. Sri Satie - Acoustic Mandala Project

Stay Cool & Balanced this Summer!

2011-06-10T13:55:00.004-04:00

Join Me Thursday June 16th at 12:30p for a free talk on keeping cool during the summer with natural techniques through diet and movement!

Where: Organic Liaison, 1864 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027

RSVP: healthdirector@organicliasison.com or 323-446-2219

Hope you can come!

June Astrological Asana + Mini Horoscopes

2011-06-01T08:30:00.002-04:00

"All the scriptures tell us one thing: “Know thyself.” If you have known yourself, you have known everything else. Know That, by knowing which, you will know everything else. The Bible says, “Seek that kingdom within you.” It is not outside. Seek That within you. Once you have found That, then everything else will be automatically added unto you; you don't have to go looking for outside things, they will all come to you. So learn that first. "
- Swami Satchidananda

June is named for the Roman goddess, Juno. Juno was the daughter of Saturn and the wife of the King of the Roman Pantheon, Jupiter. Juno was known for her fierceness as the Queen of the Pantheon, often being depicted somewhat stern and steady and like a warrior, yet she also rules marriage. Whether understood or not, even today June has the most weddings per month than any other month.
What is marriage?

We all have a different interpretation of marriage and it brings up different words and thoughts. Marriage is…Love, Money, Partnership, Family, Unity, Business, Contract, Old School, Traditional, Spiritual, and the list goes on. To each of us, marriage may mean something very different, yet collectively we all recognize marriage as a union or as a bridging of 2 families, 2 people, 2 entities in some form to work as 1. When we unite our energy and intention into one area, we can trust that change will happen there. When we remain divided about intention, we avoid ever making a decision to unite our intention into, therefore never allowing ourselves to grow and to merge into one-ness within and with others.

Our society sees marriage as something that happens between you and somebody else, yet astrology knows that marriage is about the self and self knowledge. It is not until we get clear with ourselves and unite with our highest self or Atman, that we understand what union is about. Relationships in all senses do not happen outside of us, but happen within us. There is a constant relationship and conversation between the self and the Self – the worldly you and metaphysical you.

This month, I ask you where in your life are you ready to unite the self and Self. Are you ready to unite and bind together the self and the Self so that you can start creating your life with action and purpose, rather than being at war within?
Gemini: Self. Maybe you know it is time for a change, but you have been putting it off due to caring about other's opinions and thoughts. This month, ruled primarily by your sign, is the month to shine. The Sun is in Gemini, and it is urging you to be You. Not the you that tries always to be some way, but the You that exists through all moments and times.

Cancer: Dreams, Empowerment. It is time to release the thought process that you are a victim or are at the mercy of society, other people, and systems. This month is great to remember your position as co-creator on this Earth. Take responsibility for your life, and stop comparing yourself to others, and instead be who you are.

Leo: Friendships. Do your friendships reflect your heart? Do you feel you are holding back in your friendships? Sometimes we have different friends who nurture different sides of us. Make some time this month to spend with those who nurture your Highest Self, the friends who encourage you in your dreams and calling.

Virgo: Career, Reputation. Your career is not just the work you do, but it can be the legacy and energetic footprint you leave on this Earth. What does your heart want to share on Earth, and what holds you back from sharing it – money? security? fear? Take a risk this month and share a little bit more than usual of your passion. You may be surprised on what it brings to you.

Libra: International Studies, Philosophy. You are seeking Truth, not facts and not opinions, but pure Truth. Whatever is not Truth, let it go. Be with the Truth, it will lead you to freedom.

Scorpio: Transition. Big changes are here, and it is time to trust the changes and results of the changes. By holding on to the past, you are subconsciously holding onto fear and making fear a primary ruler of your life. Take the risk to trust and to have faith in yourself and the world that supports you.

Sagittarius: Relationships. Is your relationship inspiring your Highest self? If so, then wonderful! If not, it is time to check in and see why. As the saying goes, it takes 2 to tango. Both you and your partner are responsible for the state of your relationship. What are you ready to take responsibility for in your romantic relationship and in ALL of your relationships?

Capricorn: Health, Routine. Routine does NOT mean running around all the time and doing things for other people. A routine is a way to balance your life and actions, and to include time for the self. When you include time for self care, you are creating good health and wellness. This month, create time and ritual to take care of yourself – get sleep, drink water, nourish yourself.

Aquarius: Romance, Creativity. Dear Aquarius, when you let yourself play and be inspired, you are just as effective as when you are serious and being stern. Let the playful side of you come out this month and lead you. As you let yourself play and mix things up, you create new relationships, new ideas, and new projects all while having fun!

Pisces: Home. The concept of home for you is shifting for you. What you used to think was home and comfortable is now becoming so comfortable that you know in your intuition that it is not encouraging growth for you. Remaining in places or situation that encourage stagnancy is not "home", its fear and static. Get moving!

Aries: Siblings, Community. Community is an important concept for the individual. Community is where we can grow, learn, and earn. What communities do you belong to and why? Are they helping you grow or are they helping you stay the same?

Taurus: Self Worth, Income. The parts of you that have belittled yourself are no longer serving you. This month you have the opportunity to truly know yourself as Divine and beautiful. It is your choice if you want to know yourself this way. When you get to know your Divine self, it is not longer about what other people say or think, it is all about what you say and think.

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. For more info, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com

This month, June 2010…I am offering by-donation long 60-Minute Astrology sessions (over the phone) for $50. If you would like to request one, please email me at info@soulisticwellness.com

Gifts Through Loss

2011-05-23T19:28:00.005-04:00

"The first act of creation is always destruction."

-Katherine Woodward Thomas

In the practice of Yoga, we often chant "Om Namah Shivaya" which roughly translates most commonly as "I bow to the changes of the Universe." In Hinduism, Shiva is a revered sacred figure known for being the deity of destruction and change. Most often destruction brings up the concept of loss.

Can you every truly lose something that is yours? What is truly yours?

What is truly yours can never be lost or destroyed. It is the essence that has been within you since even before you were born. It is the essence that lived in the womb of your mother, and all the mothers before her.

So if there is truly nothing to lose, then why do we hold on so tightly when faced with the idea or concept of change? Somehow change is often associated with loss, because often we have to lose something to gain another. We lose one partner in our life to make room for a new relationship. We lose one job in order to take on a new job. With every loss, there is a gift. Loss is a naturally occurring situation in all of nature and in all of the world. Some losses are pleasurable, and other painful, but they are natural, and only avoidable when we remember that our truth can never be lost. When we bow to change, we can trust that they are always clearing a new path for us to travel and learn from.

One L♥VE

Happy May! This month I am offering Distant Reiki Healing by donation, click HERE. I will be in New York City from 5/28 - 6/1, if you are interested in setting up a Reiki healing or Spiritual Astrology session, or private or group yoga class, please HERE

Distant REIKI Healing By Donation!

2011-05-04T13:30:00.005-04:00

DISTANT REIKI HEALING BY DONATION!

Receiving my Reiki attunement and practicing Reiki has changed my life. It has helped remind me of my natural intuition and help me to trust and act upon that intuition. It has also given me a tool that I have everywhere that I go that I can share freely with those who need it!

Just recently in my travels to Guatemala, I happened to hear that a woman had sprained her ankle from a fall, and she needed help. She was looking for Reiki healers to help with the pain. My hands felt the call and I shared Reiki with her. She said that the pain was completely gone within an hour!

Reiki is non-invasive, safe, and powerful. Hopsitals and Nursing Homes are calling in the help of Reiki healers more and more everyday to assist patients with healing and pain.

This month of May, I offer to you DISTANT REIKI ENERGY HEALING by DONATION + Love Offerings !

If you or a loved one are in pain, want help healing, or are just curious about what this experience would be like,
please email me at: info@soulisticwellness.com

Simply state that you would like Reiki for yourself or another (please share the first and last name of the person to receive) and Reiki energy will be sent to you within 48 Hours. No one will be turned away.

Om Shanti, walk in Love Light and Your Divine Nature!
One Love!

New Taurus Moon 2011

2011-05-01T13:57:00.008-04:00

New Moon in Taurus May 3, 2011 @ 2:51 am EST/May 2, 2011 @11:51 pm PT

*Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Swaha*

The above is the mantra for the goddess Lakshmi (shown on the left). In Hinduism, Lakshmi is associated with abundance, fertility, and beauty. As you can see, she has coins dripping from her hands, happy elephants with lifted trunks (a symbol of open paths), and she also holds the sacred lotus flower, a symbol of emergence and clarity.

I'm observing that abundance is becoming one of the most used words in social settings. And so often we're discussing abundance as though it is something outside of us. It can be easy to associate abundance with physical money, but abundance is much more than just the physical representation of currency or the amount of shoes and handbags we own.

Taurus teaches us what abundance is. Taurus rules the 2nd House in astrology, which is the house of WORTH; both physical and self worth. In this way, Taurus shows us how are self-worth is intertwined with our bank accounts, income, and earned income. Taurus, as an earth sign, is grounded, practical, and also very sensual. Taurus takes time to enjoy the physical pleasures of this Earth - the sounds of birds, the smell of flowers, the sights that inspire, and the feelings that are pleasurable. Taurus reminds us to feel with our HUMAN body, not just in the mind. Allow yourself to enjoy your physical body and human senses...at least for the month. This is part of the blessings of being born as a human being this lifetime.

Taurus brings up what we feel about ourselves. Often times, it can be easy to avoid allowing ourselves to be the sensual beings that we are because we have cut off feeling. We have resorted to thinking and over-thinking, instead of feeling. And in this way we cut ourselves off from being in touch with our own beauty and self-worth. By feeling, we can identify what we want and what we don't, finding clarity.

The New Moon is a powerful time to plant the seeds you wish to see grow into the light and physical world. Use the energy of feeling to identify what you want to grow!! The choice is yours. I'm coining May as the month of Manifestation...May-nifestation! What are you ready to manifest into your life?

Astrologers like Dian Bustilo and Jan Spiller encourage us to write New Moon wishes, one of my favorite rituals of the New Moon. Yet this can also be so challenging...what to ask for??

Feel it and ask for it. You can't know what you want until you have felt that you want it. Allow, Allow, Allow yourself to feel...feel ALL of it. Then you will know what you want, and then you have it.

This Taurus New Moon (best to set intentions/wishes on Wed 5/4 or Thurs 5/5), is a great time to ask for what you want in areas of:
*confidence
*income
*growth
*self-worth
*sensuality
*patience
*comfort

One more note about abundance. It is a beautiful word and term, but I want to remind you that the money and things you seek are NOT what make you you. You are abundant in your natural form. You are everything, and you are enough, there is nothing lacking in you. So embrace yourself as abundant, meaning "plenty, abounding, overflowing", is who you are. Your ideas, your thoughts, your abilities, your heart, your ability to love, your body and its organs, all of your pores, your SPIRIT...now that is abundance.

Happy May! Happy Co-Creating and Manifesting! I would love to hear any stories about what you manifest this month! Please keep me posted + ask any questions --- info@soulisticwellness.com

One LOVE!

The Hummingbird

2011-05-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
—The Buddha

It is difficult for me to concentrate on the present moment at times. Then there are times that I snap right into the present moment, sometimes because of an emergency, pain, joy, or an amazing sight. Animals remind me of the present moment as well.I keep seeing the hummingbird. A beautiful bird that I did not see a lot during my life on the East Coast, but that I was familiar with. In my phase of going to lots of botanicas, I became familiar with the hummingbird, which was associated with the oil called Chuparrosa. The hummingbird is assoiated with sex, love and marriage, so you know it is popular to those who know it!
Yesterday I saw a hummingbird on the street outside of a house. Today, I saw a hummingbird float right upto my window! I was amazed, excited, and immediately in the present moment.

Today thank the hummingbird for its reminder of the NOW. I thank that little hummingbird who floated right up to this window and blessed me with her presence and wisdom. I thank the world forhaving space to hold for such beautiful creatures.

The Seeds of Life

2011-04-25T13:36:00.001-04:00

"The minutes are more important than the years. If you fill the minutes of your life with divine aspirations, automaticaly the years will be saturated with them."

--Paramhansa Yogananda

Each moment in our life is like a seed. Each seed that we plant has the potential to grow into a beautiful garden with the right care and nurturing. But the growth and potential abundance of that garden lie in the actual seed.

The infinite possibilities of our lives lie in the moments and seconds. How we spend the minutes determine how we spend the days, how we spend the days determine how we spend the years, and how we spend our years determine how we spend life as a human being.

What an abundant, rich life we get to lead? We get to spend millions of seconds creating the life that we live. Each second is truly a gift and is equal to a year or a lifetime. It is your choice of what seeds you decide to plant in each second. Every action that you take sounds through the whole Universe. Simply smiling or saying "thank you" or taking the moment to do something nice for the planet, a fellow human being or animal is a powerful seed that you plant.

Treasure the seconds and minute of your lifetime, they contain infinity.

One L♥VE

Getting Clear!

2011-04-11T11:32:00.000-04:00

"The world is as you perceive it to be. For me, clarity is a word for beauty. It's what I am. And when I'm clear, I see only beauty. Nothing else is possible."

-Byron Katie

I have prayed many prayers asking for things to change. I have begged that my body change, that other people change, that jobs change, and that my lifestyle change. With each of these prayers there was a seed of resistance to the way my life was. Each of these prayers brought me farther away from the truth because they were coming from a place of resistance.

The truth is that life is what it is, and the judgements about things being good or bad are simply illusions. One day it dawned on me that what I needed wasn't for things to change, but for me to have the ability to see things (especially myself) CLEARLY.

The more clearly I see, the more I am able to see who I really am, and the life that wants to be lived through me. Seeing clearly has given me the courage to take the actual steps to live this life rather than continue to resist life and its natural course.

Be clear about what you are - true, beautiful and inifinite light. As you are clear about who you are, you can see other things clearly and accept them for exactly what they are and realize how beautiful it is.

One L♥VE

FREE 30-minute Spiritual Astrological Counseling Session!

2011-04-03T20:15:00.001-04:00

For the month of April, I am offering
a 30-minute *FREE* Spiritual Astrological Counseling Session over the phone!

If you are interested, please email: info@soulisticwellness.com with the following information:
*Date of Birth
*Time of Birth
*Place of Birth
*3 Possible Dates/Times to talk

April Astrological Asana | Forecast + FREE ASTROLOGICAL SESSIONS ON THE PHONE!!

2011-04-02T12:19:00.003-04:00

“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact.
Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
– Marcus Aurelius

It can be important to remember that indeed everything we see is a
perspective. Often when we change our viewpoint, the perspective
changes. Don’t be afraid to change your viewpoint.

April starts with 4 planets in the fire sign, Aries; the Sun, Mercury (in
retrograde), Jupiter and Uranus. Aries is the 1st sign of the Zodiac;
the leader, initator, the fire-starter, the passionate one. The symbol
of Aries is the Ram, which comes from ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt
the ram was praised for both its fertility and warlike attributes. The
Egyptian deity, Amun, was often depicted with the head of a ram. Amun
was known for creating himself without mother or father. Amun was one
of the most important deities in the ancient world. He represented
power and fertility.

As
we start April, it is a good time to check in with our solar plexus area
which rules both our personal power and digestive system. Where in our
life do we want to execute more personal power? Into what areas of our
lives, can we bring the energy of Aries? As the seasons change, we
have more sunlight and more energy in the day (with more hours of light)
and more energy within, now the question is HOW to use it?

Mercury
is in retrograde in the sign of Aries for most of the month of April.
This is where our dear perspective comes in. Over the last few years, I
have noticed the term “mercury retrograde” becoming apart of the
vernacular and somewhat synonomous with a feeling of powerless-ness. We
perceive being powerless because Mercury Retrogrades seem to find their
way into all communications, technology, and travels. And in this
technology and communication driven world, we are attached to so many
habits and devices that we perceive to be getting us through the day.

Can we find a way to be powerful in our powerless-ness?
Can we find a way to make surrender as powerful as force?

As yogis, we are familiar with the family of asanas that are often referred to as inversions.
Technically anything is an inversion that raises the feet above the
head. In this way, when we raise our feet above our head, we sometimes
literally are UPSIDE DOWN. But there are many health benefits (physical
and metaphysical) of inversions. Inversions help us to SEE things
differently, help us to find new ways, they give us courage and often
help us raise our confidence. One of the prime physical benefits of
inversions are that they help your body to increase proper circulation
and circulate the blood and lymph through your body. In an inversion,
we often give our feet (the sign of Pisces) a break and a chance to be
in the air, and we let our head (Aries) or hands ground us and make
contact with the ground to carry us.

In
a way Mercury Retrograde does the same thing. With Mercury
retrograding this month, we have a chance to see things from a new
perspective. We have a chance to change the viewpoint from which we are
seeing from, and to CHOOSE the viewpoint that is going to be most
empowering. In the same way that we often come out of our headstand
pose in yoga invigorated and energized, we will come out of this
retrograde invigorated and energized.

Here
are areas where you may be learning about the power of Mercury in your
life and where you may feel the need for a perspective change-(please
read for your Sun sign AND Rising sign)
Aries:
The Self. Maybe who you have perceived yourself to be is no longer
serving you, it might be time to start actually being who you are.
Taurus:
Secrets. There may be secrets you feel you have to keep for whatever
reason, and with Mercury retrograding, you cannot hold them in anymore.
Take the secrets out of the dark.
Gemini: Identity.
There may be so much that you want to do that you can hardly do
anything. Start with commitment and being accountable for what you give
your word to.
Cancer:
Reputation. Things may have been on the upswing for you career-wise,
and perhaps you start to feel the upswing bottoming out. Don’t take it
personally, its just a swing.
Leo: Teaching. You may be questioning your ability to do what you do. Let the questioning make you strengthen your practice.
Virgo:
Intimacy. This time frame is going to bring up concepts of intimacy,
and may even make you change perspective on what intimacy or be thrust
into a new situation where you have no choice but to see things
differently.
Libra:
Relationships. Realtionships with partners are being affected by
Mercury Retrograde. Finding new ways to communicate and being sensitive
to one another is crucial.
Scorpio:
Routine. You have been wanting to change your routine for awhile…so
this retrograde may give you that gift of change. Caution: it could
come in any form.
Sagittarius:
Creating. It is important that you realize you are always creating.
Take responsibility for the way things are in your life right now,
allow this retrograde to reveal to you what you may be rejecting from
your sight.
Capricorn:
The Home. You may be feeling somewhat ansy about a move or shift in
life. This retrograde is here to help you with patience and keeping
still while the all is sorted out in before the move.
Aquarius:
Communication. You will most likely feel quite affected by this
retrograde, it is helping you with mindfullness. Be mindful of every
email you send, every word you utter, every sound you make…they are all
so powerful.
Pisces:
Worth. The more you understand your power, the less you will be
inclined to include activities, people and jobs in your life where you
are not able to stand in your power. Note: power is different than ego.

This month, April 2010…I am offering FREE 30-minute Spiritual Astrological
Counseling over the phone. If you would like to set up a time, please
email me at info@soulisticwellness.com

Enemy is only a concept, in Truth there is only Love

2011-03-29T15:50:00.001-04:00

"But I tell you love your enemies" Matthew 5:44

On my way to yoga today, I had a stream of light communication come through me. The concept of loving your enemies is NOT so that you enemy will start thinking more the way you think, or so that s/he will give you money and start being nicer, or so that s/he will come to your aid. The reason we are told to love our enemies is so that we can:
1) Realize our enemies are no different than us
2) Love ourselves

Separation is illusion. If we can truly love our enemies then we know that we are one, and the concept of enemy ceases to exist. We are all working for God and Universal Love whether we know it or not. All that there is is LOVE. The concept of other is illusion. There is no enemy and no ally in Truth.

"Both light and shadow

are the dance of Love.

Love has no cause;

it is the astrolabe of God’s secrets.

Lover and Loving are inseparable

and timeless.

Although I may try to describe Love

when I experience it I am speechless.

Although I may try to write about Love

I am rendered helpless;

my pen breaks and the paper slips away

at the ineffable place

where Lover, Loving and Loved are one.

Every moment is made glorious

by the light of Love."

-Rumi

2011-03-28T13:53:00.002-04:00

"We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking only to learn it is God who is shaking them"

-Charles C. West

Sometimes the things we think are wrong are actually right. The natural disasters and political overthrows that have recently been the main topic of the news are not wrong. Humanity is not being punished, nor is Mother Nature angry.

The recent events in Japan, Thailand, Egypt, and around the world are calls for us to wake up! These are the bells ringing that are asking humanity to bind together and accept our One-ness. No longer are the days when we can say what happens in Japan (or anywhere else) doesn't effect me. Because the truth is that in this global economy and interconnected world, we are all effected in some way by everything that happens. We are truly ONE world, ONE people and ONE love.

The foundations are shaking to create room for new foundations that are built upon true respect and love for one another. The choices that we make are the layers of this foundation. Each action we make as an individual and as group resonatesbeyond the places we can see. Our kindness, our compassion, our truth-seeking, our march for justice, and our love go far beyond the places we can see.

May our actions and choices reflect our truest nature. May we be courageous

enough to take responsibility for creating a beautiful, safe, and truly free world.

One L♥VE

What Scares You?

2011-03-21T14:23:00.002-04:00

"Always go with the choice that scares you the most,

because that's the one that is going to require the most from you."

-Caroline Myss

What scares you?

We usually don't like to talk about the things that scare us. It scares us to even talk about the things that scare us.

Fear is a natural emotion and reaction. Look at how animals respond to threatening situations. They feel the fear and respond, and then they usually shake it off. Fear is natural, however what is not natural is holding onto the fear. The only way to release the fear is 1) to acknowledge and know that it is there and 2) face it!

Our current society sometimes allows us to not face our fear. We sit behind computers interacting with others from a distance. We text each other to say "Happy Birthday", and we find it easier to "meet" someone on the internet than in person. By keeping ourselves at emotional distance from others, we also keep ourself at an emotional distance from our self.

When we keep a distance from our fears, we also keep ourself at a distance from connecting to ourself. As we face our fears, we face our true selves. Knowing our true self gives us courage. Acknowedge what you feel; that is a courageous act in itself.

One L♥VE

Awakening into Light: Uranus into Aries

2011-03-11T11:28:00.004-05:00

Today, March 11 at 4:49p PST/7:49p EST, planet Uranus moves into the sign of Aries. Uranus entered into the sign of Aries in July 2010 and then began to move in retrograde through Pisces, then turned direct, and now enters Aries today!

“We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking,

only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.”

-Charles C. West

Who is Uranus?
If Uranus was a person, she would be that fierce chic - intellectual, revolutionary, and innovative. She would be the type of woman organizing underground meetings, telling people truths they most often did not want to hear, with courage and love. Others may mis-judge her and call her a bitch or may fear her because of her power and comfort using her power. But in truth, this woman has so much love for humanity that she cannot be silent, she feels it is her duty to share the Light and Truth, and help people wake up.

Who is Aries?
Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac - the leader, the initiator. In some ways, Aries has the boldness and heart of a child, because it is willing to try anything. It has not been calloused by lifetimes of failures and regrets, and if it has, it does not stop Aries from taking a risk. Aries is a fire sign, and is known for its passion, quickness and movement.

With Uranus in Aries, we will all start feeling a collective switch. Things are going to start becoming more active. The last 7 years while Uranus has been in Pisces, we have felt things, we have observed, we have hoped, we have conjured, we have dreamt. Now that Uranus is in Aries, we shall take our dreams, hopes, observations and put them into ACTION.

This the time to DO IT. DO IT ALL!

Some of the actions that are happening are labeled and any labelling is a mis-label. Remember that everything is God. And God is Love, so everything is LOVE. Even the things our world labels as a disaster, a tragedy, a horror. It is still love. In the world, its shadow becomes those labels, but in Spirit realm, its roots are LOVE. So yes things are being shaken up right now, and it is going to bring up all types of discomfort and questions of why. But the discomfort is being caused so that we will take action.

The most revolutionary thing we can do is love and accept ourselves unconditionally. Uranus is a revolutionary, and part of this new movement is a call for radical love and acceptance of ourselves and others.

Here are areas where you may be learning about the power of Uranus in your life and where you may feel things being shaken up-(please read for your Sun sign AND Rising sign)
Aries: The Self. You are changing and outgrowing the things that have surrounded you rapidly. Let it go, its time to reveal your highest self.
Taurus: Uncovered Dreams. What have you been dreaming about for so long? What does your heart yearn for? Let it OUT!
Gemini: Humanity's Angel. You can't keep quiet anymore about your thoughts and your values. You can no longer compromise your values and care for society.
Cancer: Reputation. IT is time to embrace that you're innovative and that you are not a cookie cutter. You are you - channeling the Divine, and have greatness to offer in your line of work.
Leo: Philosophy. Ok Leos, it is time for you to teach. Yogi Bhajan says to master something, teach it. How can you teach and learn love in your everyday life and through everyday actions?
Virgo: Transformation. You are changing in a very deep way. You are seering away parts that no longer serve you and connecting to the Source. Are you ready to go there? It takes sacrifice, but it will be worth it.
Libra: Relationships. It may be time to commit, both to yourself and another. But the other is yourself. There is no separation.
Scorpio: Whistle While You Work. Your whole way of working and routine is undergoing a huge transformation. What you have been used to doing is being overhauled...and it is so that you can truly come into your own.
Sagittarius: Creativity. You are blessed with Uranus in your house of creativity. Now can you let this creativity flow with ease and not attach to it?
Capricorn: The Home. This is the time to set new roots, to move, to find a new home. You have thought about it, and now it is time to do it.
Aquarius: Community. A new approach is the norm for you. Uranus is your ruling planet. Think globally, work locally. Take your vastness and put it into play right where you are.
Pisces: Worth. It is time to learn your value - both material and immaterial. Some of these lessons may scare you and may take you for a deep ride. You are learning the essence of abundance.

If you need more help understanding or decipher, I am available for Spiritual Astrological counseling sessions, email info@soulisticwellness.com

Peace Peace PEACE

The Journey through the Dark Soul of the Night

2011-03-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

-- Lao Tzu

I confess I am not always a good traveler. I very much like to know where and when I will be arriving. I have grown accustomed to needing to know the exact destination. Yet I know that when I become too fixed on the where's and the when's, it becomes almost impossible to simply enjoy the journey.

In the Christian tradition, there is a term, "The dark night of the soul" which serves as a metaphor for times in our spiritual journeys that are marked by desolation and isolation. Often this desolation is really the soul separating from the ways of the world, and returning to the Source's ways. And in the midst of this dark night, it can be hard to remember that daybreak will soon come because the dark night can seem eternal and never ending.

I am traveling through a dark night these days, I imagine many of you reading this are as well. I don't have a solution or a reason for why. I cannot tell you how to make it easier, less painful, or speedier. I can only remind you that during this dark night, you are not alone. There are others who are sharing in this experience right now and we can help each other in this present moment so that we aren't so fixated on arriving, and be able to see the beautiful path we are on now.

One L♥VE

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is astudent of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. She can be reached at info@soulisticwellness.com

March 2011 Astrological Asana

2011-02-28T01:28:00.003-05:00

The old adage, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb", was developed as a metaphor for the weather conditions in certain regions. March is known for its duality - it holds both the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring, the lion and the lamb, the snow and the sun, Pisces and Aries.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." -- Proverbs 4:7

March houses tthe Sun both in Pisces and Aries. Pisces is the ruler of the feet, while Aries is the ruler of the head. Pisces is the last sign of the Western Zodiac, and Aries is the first. Modern society heavily emphasizes the importance of the head; the importance of thinking, reading, and using your brain to solve issues. Yet this month starts with 5 planets in Pisces, ruler of the feet. How are the feet emphasized in this society? Or are they?

The feet are the first part (and often the only) part of our body that make contact with the ground each day. The feet can represent our ability to feel and be grounded and our connection to Mother Earth. According to metaphysical healer, Louise Hay:
Our FEET have to do with our understanding, our understanding of ourselves and of life -- past, present and future.

Pisces, as the ruler of the feet, also represents our intuition, faith and dreams, and ability for understanding. The beginning of March, with the Sun, Moon, Mars, Uranus, Mercury and Chiron all in Pisces is urging us to "get understanding". Depending on where Pisces is in your chart, there will be different parts of your life that are calling out for "understanding:

Aries: Subconscious, Dreams, Charitable Nature
Taurus: Friendships, Social Life
Gemini: Life Calling, Job, Reputation
Cancer: Philosophical Beliefs, Education
Leo: Transformation, Death, Intimate Relationships
Virgo: Relationships, Marriage
Libra: Health, Routine, Work
Scorpio: Creativity, Romance
Sagittarius: Domestic Life, Mother
Capricorn: Siblings, Neighborhood, Communication Skills
Aquarius: Earned Income, Values, Resources
Pisces: SELF

According to Shinjo Ito's 16 foot depiction of reclining Buddha (shown above), the wheels of Dharma are on the Buddha's feet. Dharma is the term for the Buddha's teachings and lessons. Ito placed the Wheels on the feet of the Buddha because he believed that these lessons can only be learned by experience, and not just by reading or thinking about it.

This month, can you walk through life open to new experiences? Can you bare to walk through life and experience all that comes your way - both the pleasure and the pain - and welcome it into your wisdom and understanding? Allow the walking to bring you lessons and learn from them, but do the walking for yourself. The mind does not walk, only the feet do. Give your mind a break, and get in touch with your Divine feet and the journeys they want to take you on this month.

Kali Shirley Johnson, native New Yorker and Los Angeles-based, is a student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. She can be reached
at info@soulisticwellness.com

February Astrological Asana

2011-02-01T20:17:00.000-05:00

February comes from the Latin febrarius meaning purification or expiatory rites. In fact Februa was a Roman festival of purification. It was a time to begin to purify the body and society before spring. Indeed February calls for us to start this cleansing process of both our minds and bodies.

In yoga, we know of the niyama, Sauca, meaning cleanliness. Sauca speaks to maintaining keeping a clean mind, body, heart and environment. In an ancient Upanishadic hymn, a sage says:

Oh Lord,
May my body become pure.
May I be free from impurity.
May I know myself as Divine Light.

Oh Lord,
May my mind become pure.
May my self become pure.
May I know myself as Divine Light.

Oh Lord,
May I realize You with my purified understanding.
May I realize the highest bliss with my purified understanding.
May I realize You who are the highest bliss with my purified understanding.

Recently, the idea of purification or cleansing becomes synonymous to physical diets that will help one to lose weight in a short amount of time. But purifying, cleansing and fasting are not just for the physical body, but they are also for the mind and the spirit. Various religions around the world use the practice of fasting during holy times, NOT so that members of the religion will lose weight or “appear” more attractive to Western standards, but so that they will clear their minds and become in touch with truth and be able to hear their spirits.

In fact February starts with the Sun in the sign Aquarius. The sign Aquarius is often depicted as the water-bearer. Water is often both a figurative and metaphoric image of purification. We know that water is one of the precious resources of the Earth, and that we can live and survive with water before any other food. Water becomes food for life. Metaphorically, water represents purifying both our bodies and our minds to start anew. Even the idea of starting the day with a shower or bath is a ritual that speaks to the need to cleanse both our body and our thoughts in order to live in the present moment.

I recently drew a card from Doreen Virtue’s Goddess Oracle Cards and received Coventina. Coventina is the Celtic river goddess. When she appears, she is a sign of the power of purification and she offers her help through the healing process of purification.

Aquarius is ruled by planet Uranus and Uranus is the planet of rebellion, awakening and liberation?

What needs to be liberated in your life?
Where in your life needs to be purified?

When we purify ourselves – both our minds and our bodies – we create both space for liberation as well as liberation in itself.

Natural ruler of Aquarius, Uranus, is in the sign of Pisces. Pisces is a water sign, and is represented as two fish swimming. Uranus has been in Pisces since 2003, and is finishing its journey through Pisces in March 2011. Uranus is the planet of awakening, and it is giving us our final awakenings in Pisces, ruling our super-conscious, dreams, and both our nature of being a healer and a victim.

Are you ready to take full responsibility for your thoughts, words and actions?

Uranus is known to rule the 7th chakra, the crown chakra, ruling our consciousness. This month of February calls for each one of us to live life as a meditation, and constantly return to our highest consciousness. This meditation practice is a purifying method in itself.

Kali Shirley Johnson is a native New Yorker and student of metaphysics. She has been studying astrology since the tender age of 5 years old and is thankful to share her love for the celestial bodies. She is available for Astrology Counseling, Reiki Healing, and Yoga. She can be reached at info@soulisticwellness.com

I Love Reiki!

2011-01-25T16:09:00.003-05:00

I remember first hearing about Reiki a couple of years ago and I was immediately excited and knew that I wanted to learn this ancient healing art form.

Fast forward to November 2010, I have the pleasure of studying and receiving my Reiki 1 attunement with Libby Barnett. I remember during that class something in me was reborn. I came back into my highest self who is here to help facilitate healing journeys. This past weekend, I have the pleasure of studying and receiving my Reiki 2 attunement with Lilia Marquez. The Reiki 2 attunement allows me to channel Reiki to others who are physically not present with me.

I am so excited, as I know there are so many in nursing homes and hospitals who I can now channel to and help them to activate their natural ability to heal themselves!

Every single one of us is BORN A HEALER! It is not the doctor, the nurse, the psychologist, the shaman, or the whomever that heals you...it is you who heals yourself. The healers (whether doctors or shamans) are just guides to get you back in touch with your natural abilities and personal power.

It is with great pleasure that I share my Reiki 2 training with the world and am offering to send distant Reiki to you and your loved ones on a *solely* donation basis.

If you are interested in receiving distant energy healing, or maybe have a loved one with a terminal illness, I would LOVE to hear from you.

In Japanese, Reiki means Universal Life Force. It is this energy that balances the planet and works only in LOVE. Reiki has been known to help relieve pain, soothe stress, and help people to gain greater confidence in their ability to heal.

Acting with Compassion

2011-01-25T15:56:00.003-05:00

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Plato

I recently spent 4 months living within a spiritual and wellness community called Kripalu. Kripalu is named for Swami Kripalvananda. In Sanskrit, Kripa means compassion.

During those 4 months, I spent a lot of time contemplating compassion and practicing putting compassion into action. For it is way easier to speak about being unconditionally kind than actually being kind. I found that one of the biggest challenges for me was feeling as though others were not being compassionate towards me, which prompted me to wonder: Am I being compassionate towards myself?

Long story short, the answer was "not really". I had lived for years being hard on myself and pushing myself to do things even when they were not for me. I tried to fit into boxes, until I finally realized I was not born to fit into boxes. Realizing this though has not been an easy journey, nor has following my heart.

Each and everyone of us - regardless of race, gender, sexuality, language spoken, financial background - is on a journey (whether we know it or not). None of these journeys are easy.

Today practice compassion to all you encouter - your boss, your fellow commuter, your lover, the homeless man on the subway - all of us are here on Earth as human beings going through our own journeys, and no matter what it may look like, it is not easy. Each one of us is here for a reason far bigger than our minds can fathom.

And look into the mirror and practice compassion for that beautiful being that your eyes lay upon. For you deserve your own kindness more than anyone else.

One L♥VE

Note: There is still time to use the 20% January coupon towards all wellness services listed HERE - http://conta.cc/fY1EJk

If you would like to be added to my email list, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com or email info@soulisticwellness.com

2011-01-01T16:03:00.000-05:00

New Year’s has always been one of my favorite occasions. There is something special in knowing that around the world during this time, people in all different cultures and places, are embracing life anew. New Year’s inspires us to embrace the present moment and to be hopeful that change is possible. That is why January can be such a powerful month in our lives.
“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what
we are for what we would become.” – Charles DuBois

Numerologically speaking, January is a “1″ month. What does that mean? January carries the energy of the number “1″. The energy of “1″ is that of leadership, initiative, and new beginnings. With a new year and a new month, this is the time to allow for the new beginnings that may have been postponed for so long.
At the start of January, Pluto and the Sun are united in force in the sign of Capricorn. In Greek mythology, Pluto was the god of the Underworld and darkness. Therefore the planet received this name because in the sky it appears so far from the sun and in darkness. While Pluto was seen as being in darkness, it was also seen as being responsible for the things we cannot see. It was seen as being responsible for for helping plants to grow, and the minerals of the Earth. Pluto is the planet of intense transformation. The Underworld literally can be thought of as the place that all things that have transitioned to death are at, and figuratively the Underworld represents a place where we store feelings, ideas and dreams that have not yet manifested into physical world. Pluto is about the cycle of birth and death.
With Pluto and the Sun within 5 degrees of each other in Capricorn, there is bound to be some transformation in your life. Are you ready to give up all that you have known in order to move on to the next stage of your life? A woman I worked with once told me, “You have to leave where you are at to get where you are going.” Are you willing to leave the comfort of where you are at to get to where you are going?
January asks us to embrace the changes in our life. Indeed life is a series of changes occurring moment by moment. Let Pluto do its work this month, as you keep breathing and being present in the moment. Know that all changes are for the Highest Healing Good!

Happy New Year! Happy New Life!

For more info on the work of Shirley Kali Johnson: www.soulisticwellness.com

To schedule an astrology session: info@soulisticwellness.com

Experiment. Live. Expand!

2010-12-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

"Don't be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

What I have been learning more everyday and meditating on is that there are no such thing as the "wrong" decision. Every step we take in life will take us to a new place that we need to grow; that is a fact. But if we don't take any steps, we can never get to a new place.

When I take off the pressure about making the "wrong" decision, and instead accept that each decision is an experiment, I open myself up to learning, to new experiences, and to trusting my spirit, and not just my mind. This is life.

This is living. To live is to experiment, to experience new things, to get messy. Life is not lived inside of a neat little box, it is meant to be lived way outside of any box. We are here to keep expanding beyond the box.

Each step that you take is an arrival, now go on and take those steps! Keep moving! Keep living! Keep expanding!

One L♥VE

Less Doing, More Being

2010-12-06T12:39:00.003-05:00

"Less Doing, More Being."
- Eve Tai

I decided to do some research on the etymology of the words "do" and "be". Do comes from the Old English meaning "to make, to act, to perform". Be comes from the Old English "to exist, come into, to become".

Part of the difference between be and do is also that doing needs something to be done to, and being only requires yourself. We can over-do things in life, but we cannot over-be ourselves.

Are you performing yourself or are you existing as yourself?

The things that we may often over-do have usually been overdone because we were trying so hard. Yet being leaves us free to easily exist in our Divine nature rather than to strive to imitate another person or thing. You already are Divine, there is nothing to strive towards as much as there is just the need to recognize and honor your Divinity.

Happy Be-cember, may you soak in your Divine being this month and share it with all you come across.

One L♥VE

For December Astrological Forecasts, click HERE

December 2010 Astrological Forecast

2010-12-03T13:06:00.001-05:00

f the month of December were a person, I would be moved to describe them as intuitively-driven and spending time with their true self. And in fact this may be a good way to start December; with self inquiry and self-exploration. Especially since on December 10, Mercury (planet of communication; speaking, writing, traveling) goes into retrograde and can possibly seem to complicate some areas of our life.

Yogi Amrit Desai wrote:
What you believe to be your self is actually your self-image, your acquired concepts, belief systems, ideals and goals. You identify so intimately with your self image that everything you think is “me” or is happening to “me” is really happening to your concept or image of yourself.

This month before the Holi-daze begins, take some time to distinguish between your self and your self-image. As you begin to go to holiday parties, eat holiday foods, and shop for gifts, can you distinguish which part of you is nourished by these activities and what part is not? Is it your self or your self image? The beginning of December asks us to ground ourselves with pragmatism and to be honest about what is going on around us and how we feel about it. Our emotions and our inner states are speaking to us, what are they saying?

New moon occurs on December 5, in the sign of Sagittarius. December is generally ruled by Sagittarius, the sign represented by the centaur which is half-man and half-horse. In this way the Sagittarius energy is often dually felt; we feel the desire to seek knowledge (man) and we feel the desire to seek adventure and movement (horse). This month there may be feelings of wanting to shift your work into a new area. For example, you may be working in healthcare, and have been working with the elderly and are now feeling you want to work more with women in childbirth. Honor the feelings and be open to the adventure of change within this area.

Mercury goes retrograde on December 10 in the sign of Capricorn, and may bring up some issues with ourselves that we have been pretending do not exist. Perhaps you finally acknowledge how you feel about yourself and accept that there are areas of tension within your persona. This will be a great time to realize there is a difference between the self and self-image. Mercury retrograde can give you the space to explore these areas of conflict and create space to release them so that you can move in a more confident and truthful manner in your actions. This can serve you very well, especially as you may be put in more heavy social situations over the month that may test your ability to stay grounded amongst conflict, uprisings and change. Staying grounded through the changes and conflicts does NOT mean resisting them, instead it means walking through them and feeling them with your whole self. As you stay grounded, you gain more clarity about your self and your surroundings.

The end of December ends 2010 and starts 2011 with a fresh and clean start. You CAN have anything you want! Let your clarity guide you into the New Year to set the intentions and have the courage to live your life fully and authentically!

To read more: www.soulisticwellness.com

To set up an astrological counseling appointment to guide you into the New Year: info@soulisticwellness.com

Love + Gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-22T15:38:00.001-05:00

Love is the way I walk in gratitude.
~A Course in Miracles

This week, as many of us prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude for each of you. I am thankful for every one of you holding your shining light in this world. I am thankful that you allow me to share myself with you each week.

I have been in the habit of spending time each night before I go to bed reflecting on parts from the day that I am thankful for. I am finding that each moment becomes a special moment to be thankful for; each piece of the day is part of something bigger and greater than my physical eyes can see. Even the dark days of sadness and grief provide such richness of feelings to experience and healing blessings.

Love can make the impossible possible, and this week as we make time to show our gratitude for our loved ones and for our experiences and opportunities, remember that your Love creates gratitude. Remember that it is your Love that makes you powerful. Remember that when you walk in Love, you create miracles for both yourself and others. What a power to be thankful for!

Do something outrageous for someone this week! Cook someone a meal, send someone a gift for no reason, do something from LOVE and see what it feels like inside of you to create such possibility and gratitude. Witness how the other person responds to your Love!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Healthy Thanksgiving and clarity to truly see all that you have to be thankful for.

One L♥VE

The Taurus Full Moon

2010-11-21T10:47:00.004-05:00

Today Sunday November 21, 2010 @ 12:29pm EST the Moon completes it Lunar Cycle while in the sign of Taurus.

Today Sunday November 21, 2010 @ 12:29pm EST the Moon completes it Lunar Cycle while in the sign of Taurus.

What does this mean?

1) The Full Moon is always a time of fullness and feeling of fullness. You must find ways to expand and release with the full moon - this afternoon will be great for dancing, movement, journaling, soaking in a hot tub, or anything else that pushes your limits and then allows you to release. Spend time in this space of expansion and growth and then release it.

2) You may notice feelings of being overwhelmed. There is always a lot of energy around the Full Moon. You are not alone in these feelings and they must be emoted in order to balance out your emotional body. The Full Moon teaches us to stop holding in and stop holding on...like the Moon we must continue to expand and contract and surrender to change. Nature loves balance. Are there areas in your life that are seeking balance?

3) Taurus is the sign that rules values; both material values -possesions, money, earned income and immaterial values - talents, skills, self-worth and confidence. You can call Taurus the sign of WORTH. Perhaps one area in particular is coming up for you that you do not feel secure in or worthy of. What are you afraid of? Why don't you feel supported? Remember you are made in God's image and are fully supported and worthy of love and abundance. Support yourself through self-care.

4) See what comes up for you and face it right in the eye. Look boldly at areas in your life that you feel pain,fear and confusion in. Just look at it without judgement or attachment. Observe and feel, and ask for clarity with this Full Moon. The Full Moon sheds clarity and sweeps out illusion. Embrace the clarity and continue to flow.

Sat Nam
One Love

Check out my website: www.soulisticwellness.com

Don't Settle - Keep Ascending!

2010-11-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

~Steve Jobs

I have always found it interesting that society loves to use the word, settle. Settling implies a sense of safety from the world. It implies that we need safety from the unknown, even though in fact we do not. Settling implies no rule breaking and keeping things neat and organized, even though they are not. Life gets messy, and it is in the messiness that we can connect with our hearts and be present in our emotions.

While it is important to indeed ground and settle ourselves in our lives and our choices, it is also important to listen to our hearts and to trust our instinct. There are times to settle and there are times to journey. Happiness and Love are your birthright, and there is no reason to settle for anything less than that today or anyday in your life.

May your heart continue to take you on a beautiful journey of love, joy, beauty and peace.

One L♥VE

2010-11-08T17:01:00.002-05:00

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. And go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Robert Thurman

Newspapers say the world needs one thing, your parents say another thing, and yet statistics say something else . It can get confusing trying to make sense of it all!

The only needs that we can fulfill are our own. Put your hand on your heart and think about a time you remember feeling alive. Feel your heart begin to respond and breathe into that feeling of life. Are you feeling alive everyday?

We can only give what we have. What would it take for you to start feeling full of life and love every single moment of the day? What would your life feel like if everyday your heart felt so alive and full of life that nothing (not even the mind) could stop it.

Now go ahead and indulge in that today (and EVERYday)! As you take care of your needs and feel more and more alive, you will have an overflow to share with this world exactly what it does need.

One L♥VE

The Butterfly Within

2010-11-01T11:59:00.002-04:00

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be"

~Lao Tzu

Happy November! There is always a special energy on the first of the month; a feeling of starting anew and with a fresh perspective. November is ruled by zodiac sign Scorpio and the planet Pluto.

The power of Scorpio and Pluto help us to transform; to shed our current layer for the skin that lies beneath. It takes so much trust, but it is good for our emotional and physical health. Similar to the caterpillar who has to go into the unknown cocoon before it turns into a butterfly, we too have to let go of everything that we know and venture in to the unknown in order to become the butterfly within.

Today as we start this new month, let us have the courage each day to step into a moment of the unknown - try something new, take a risk, do something that scares you. Know that each of these moments are nurturing the birth of your butterfly.

One L♥VE

to receive these via email, please go to www.soulisticwellness.com or email soulistichealing@gmail.com

What You Believe is What you SEE!

2010-10-18T09:55:00.002-04:00

"The moment you are illuminated, the whole of existence is illuminated. If you are dark, then the whole existence is dark. It all depends on you." - OSHO

One of the first lessons in A Course in Miracles says:
I have given everything I see in this room on this street, from this window, in this place]all the meaning that it has for me.

Life is what we decide to see. We have the power to give meaning to everything that we see. To one person the image on the right is a face, some will see religion in this image, others will see a tree growing, somebody else will see a horse, and so on and so forth.

Studies have shown that we only see things that we believe exist. This may be why you can sometimes walk down a street with a friend and the 2 of you observe and see completely different things.

Life is what we decide to believe exists. It is actually that simple! So decide today what you want to believe in...love? family? beauty? nature? And start seeing it! What you wish to see more already exists...its just waiting for you to believe in its existence.

Happy Seeing!

One L♥VE

Surrendering to Spirit

2010-10-13T09:40:00.000-04:00

"The softest thing in the universe
Overcomes the hardest thing in the universe."
-Lao-tzu, "Tao te Ching"

So often our society gives the word, "surrender" a negative connotation. We are often taught the word, "surrender" through the context of war, sports and competition. We are taught even as early as from playing sports that if we surrender we are "bad" or "weak".

But when we surrender and make ourselves soft to the flow of Life and Spirit, there is no such thing as losing. When we give in to our Highest Good, the concept of losing ceases to exist and miracles can occur!

Our bodies are 70% water. Yet most people I know (including myself) seem to be walking around with a lot of tight water.

What would happen if we surrendered to the softness that we are? What would happened if we applied some of that softness to how we treat ourselves and others? What would happen if we surrendered to Spirit?

No matter what seemingly "hard" thing is going on, when we allow our natural "soft" self to emerge, everything and anything becomes possible.

One L♥VE

October Cosmic Climate - Thoughts on LIBRA New Moon/Venus Retrogarde

2010-10-03T10:28:00.002-04:00

“Relationship means something complete, finished, closed. Love is never a relationship; love is relating. It is always a river, flowing, unending. Love knows no full point; the honeymoon begins but never ends.” ~OSHO

October is predominately ruled by the Zodiac sign Libra. Libra, ruled by the planet of love and relating, Venus. Libra is known as the sign of relationships; both of marriages and open enemies. I recently came across the Osho quote above and reflected on how it relates to Libran energies.

I have come to learn that relationships are truly the core of our existence. We mirror each other so much. We help each other, we inspire each other, we learn from each other, and we teach each other. This month with the Sun in Libra and a New Moon in Libra we are highly influenced and emotionally inspired by the relationships in our lives.

But perhaps we ask ourselves this month what does relationship mean? How are we relating to the others in our lives? How are we allowing others to relate to us? Can we begin to stretch our idea of relating? Can we give space to those around us to grow and perhaps relate differently? Can we hold this same room for expansion in ourselves?

October will also start the beginning of a Venus Retrograde. Similar to Mercury Retrograde, during this time Venus appears to be moving backwards through the sky. Venus Retrograde will occur October 8 – November 18, 2011. As Venus moves in retrograde in the sign of Scorpio back into Libra on November 7th, we will be challenged to be in our relationships more deeply. The superficial ways of relating will no longer serve us, and the movement of Venus will force us to share the secrets our hearts have been holding. It will beckon our heart to come forth and tell those who we are relating with our truest feelings.

This month don’t hold back. In the spirit of Osho – “love knows no full point” – allow your relating to go to the next level. Be open to the possibilities of new ways to relate to others and allow for these new ways to color your life deeply.

For astrology questions or consultation inquiries: shirleycjohnson@gmail.com

Light + Dark

2010-09-29T11:21:00.004-04:00

We are all born whole, and let us hope, will die whole. But somewhere early
on our way, we eat one of the wonderful fruits of the tree of knowledge, things
separate into good and evil, and we begin the shadow-making process; we divide
our lives.
—Robert A. Johnson

I have been thinking a lot lately about the parts of me I would rather consciously *not* think about. What is that about? How did I end up feeling more favorable towards some parts of me rather than to others?

Being a volunteer at Kripalu thus far has been an amazing experience and experiment. Before I left, I was so excited. And then about 2 days to being there, I thought to myself, "Oh Shit! What did I sign up for?" I talked to a friend within my first 2 weeks being there and they called me a "Zen Princess" to which I had to respond, "Not exactly."

I have noticed a lot of annoyance and discomfort coming out. And even though I practiced yoga at a studio called Reflections Yoga, named in part because of being reflections of one another, I struggle to always find that reflection in others.

So I am finding myself annoyed, angered, disturbed, sometimes sad, and feeling isolated at Kripalu at times. Even though it is this amazing center, I am feeling a host of emotions that are considered by many people as "negative". Of course in truth no emotion is "negative" - they are just energies we experience through being stimulated in certain ways.

So as I have started to read a bit pf psychology, I have learned about "the shadow" side and I'm realizing that a lot of what is coming up for me is my shadow side wanting to be embraced. What is annoying me in others and is making me uncomfortable is really just parts of me that are looking for attention to be expressed. So even though there are people who annoy me, I am beginning to feel peace knowing that they are huge teachers and liberators who I have subconsciously called on to free myself.

I share this with you in an effort to make myself vulnerable and truthful and free. I hope that you too will let your shadow come out and play and then light it into wholness.

Namaste,

Shirley

Full Expression

2010-09-27T15:51:00.000-04:00

"I want freedom for the full expression of my personality."
-Mahatma Gandhi

What would you be doing if you were expressing yourself freely?

Would you be working at the job you're currently at? Would you be dating the person you're seeing now? Would your friend group be the same?

Fully expressing ourselves is not only our birthright, but it is also our responsibility. We are each here on purpose to be exactly who we are. We are not here just to copy and try to be a certain "way", we are here to embrace the beautiful existence that we are right now.

Take a moment and think about what the full expression of your personality looks like. Now take a moment to feel what your fully expressed self feels like.

May you continue to allow yourself to shine and share that brightness!

One Love,
Shirley

Full Moon x Autumn Equinox: Rebirthing from Destruction

2010-09-23T09:59:00.007-04:00

There is something that I love about going to sleep and hearing and feeling the rain. Hearing the rain drop against the ground and the cool winds caress my face. Its like a baptism of the Earth, cleansing and nurturing. Last night at 11:09pm EST (Wed 9/22) we shifted into the season of Autumn with the Autumn Equinox. This morning (Thurs 9/23) at 5:17am the Moon reached its Full point in the sign of Aries.

Up in New England the trees are changing colors by the day. I have the delight of overlooking thousands of trees and in the last 2 week seeing reds and oranges take over what was previously green. The colors of red and orange represent the root and sacral chakra respectively. There is something healing about seeing these colors come from the Earth and being reminded that there are no accidents in our environment. These colors are healing and also tell a story of transformation and movement.

This can be an intense time of year. We are just recently finishing a Mercury Retrograde, our season has officially changed, and here we are coming off the fullness of the Moon; a time when the pot overflows. Aries is the first sign of the solar-based zodiac and is known for its initiative abilities to start new things. What is often forgotten is that when we start new things, we destroy old things.

Often the energy of destruction is attributed to the masculine principle, in many religions we see destruction as the masculine energy - Shiva, Chango...But last night hearing the rain and feeling the wind, I thought of Oya. Oya is the Orisha of storms - rain, thunder, wind and lightening. She is the bringer of change and transformation. Through storms she clears paths for new ways and also carries out old ways. She is a fearlesss dancer. I imagine her dancing on the Earth with such authenticity that sometimes she shakes the trees and brings down the rains. She cherishes her root chakra and her sacral chakra - she is the Orisha who communicates with the Ancestors (the past/roots) and she wears her emotions.

So while Modern society attributes Aries to the masculine Mars, I know that there is a feminine consort of Mars who makes sure that the Aries energy stays in balance. Destruction is not just pain, but also feeling of the pain. It is surrendering to the change so that a new day can arrive. Oya reminds us to surrender. While we are using this time after the Aries full moon to perhaps start making our "To Do" lists
and new workout regimines, it is important that we take time during this beautiful time of transition to check in with our emotions. To speak/dance/cry/share our feelings. To honor what is being carried through us for the Highest Good. Let your creativity flow. This is a wonderful time for imagining and visualizing and creating a harmonious and artisitic space by your desk, bed, and office.

The old ways have to be buried and grieved. So let yourself grieve. Surrender to your sensitivity. Be sensitive to life. Then allow life to happen.

One Love
Namaste Always,
Shirley

Seeing Life the Way it Is

2010-09-10T09:35:00.005-04:00

"Yoga is seeing life the way it is" - Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

One of the characteristics of my new home, Kripalu, that I love are the quotes that grace the staircases. When I came here on Tuesday to start my term as a volunteer, this was the first quote that I saw.

Seeing things the way that they are is also embracing truth and reality. The Wise say it is the only thing to do - to embrace whatever is in life, but most humans know that it is one of the most challenging things to do in life. Seeing life the way it is means an unconditional acceptance in whatever is up for you. It means seeing the pain, the grief, the disappointment in the same way that you see the love, the laughter, and the joy. When we accept what life is for us at any moment, we also trust. With a sense of pure acceptance, we trust God and know that like all things in life...no thing is permanent. So we know that when we see things as they are and accept them in whatever package they are showing up, we accept the Divine nature in it. Sometimes the Divine nature is pain, hurt, or fear.

I have recently started the Volunteer Program at Kripalu and it is indeed a challenge to see things as they are. At times it seems difficult to see at all. There are so many new people, new settings, and new energies that seeing life can be difficult. That too is part of seeing the way it is; accepting that it can be difficult to see.

More to come on Kripalu and my new exciting life as a Karma Yogi in ACTION. Wishing you truth and light.

Sat Nam.

Miracles - Giving+Receiving

2010-07-26T08:40:00.000-04:00

"Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle."
-A Course in Miracles

Whether you believe it or not, we are experiencing miracles daily. Each breath of air that our lungs inhales and exhales is a miracle. Every favor that our friends and family do for us is a miracle.

At times, we may forget the abundance of miracles in our life and in the world, as we are bombarded with terrifying images on the news and through media, but amongst all of it, there is love and miracles lie.

You are a miracle all in yourself! Every single person's birth is a miracle in itself. You have the power to receive and to create miracles!

If you are in need of a miracle right now, try to be inspired by the love within you and create a miracle for someone else. Our actions to others are actions unto ourself. When we see our power to create miracles in other's lives, we become more open to receiving them in our own life.

Take time today to give thanks and bare witness to the existing miracles that you see. Our lives are full of miracles and when we take a moment and give thanks, they seem to keep increasing.
Sending you love + light,
Shirley

New Moon + Solar Eclipse in Cancer July 11, 2011 @ 3:40p EST

2010-07-11T08:13:00.005-04:00

Today we experience a New Moon and a Total Solar Eclipse at 3:40p EST in the sign of Cancer.

The New Moon is a time of new beginnings and marks a time to plant seeds and ideas into the Universe. The Total Solar Eclipse is a time of things coming to an end. So the energy around this day may feel somewhat explosive and may give you clear messages of what has to end in your life.

I think of the Death card in Tarot as I think of this Total Solar Eclipse. During the Solar Eclipse, the Sun disappears from the eye during the middle of the day, and the Moon seems to cover the sun. It appears to the eye that something "bad" is lurking. When people draw the Death card in Tarot, they sometimes are scared of its dark demeanor, however death is a symbol of nature, of transformation, and of a new birth. The Solar Eclipse is an out-of-the-ordinary natural phenomena, and it can be strange to see a bright sunny summer day darken within minutes and see the Moon covering the Sun. The Sun, our life force and a sign of vitality, is covered by the Moon, a sign of emotions and internal reflection.

Everyday we experience life and death. Even as simply as watching the Sun rise, and later watching it set, we witness a new life and a close to that life. With every sunset (death), we know it is giving way to a new day (new life).

Today, if you are particularly feeling scared of this death, remember that things have to die in order to be reborn. If you are tired, annoyed, frustrated with any part of your life, you are going to have to let it die in order move on.

Astrology is all a matter of perspective. What we interpret as happening today is all based on the perspective of the viewpoint we have from planet Earth. The viewpoint from another planet will show the planets interacting quite differently that what we see. So make sure you view this eclipse with perspective. With every death, there is a rebirth. Let the things in your life that you have been wanting to put to rest for the last 2 years, be fully put to rest today. If you do not put it to rest, the Universe will (and you may not like how it does it)!

With the New Moon in Cancer, we may find the theme of PROTECTION coming up. Part of why we are scared to put things to rest is because we have falsely thought that what is blocking our path and causing us stress is actually protecting us. Today, why you seek protection. Ask yourself:
What makes you feel unsafe?
What are you afraid of losing?
What do you feel protected by?
Why do you feel you need protection?

No paycheck, human being, or material object can protect you from life. Your own self discovery will prove to you that there is NOTHING TO PROTECT. You are an all powerful being.

The New Moon is one of my favorite times because it allows us a fresh start and a chance to set our intentions and goals with this special lunar energy on our side. This is a great day to write your new moon wishes! For info on creating New Moon withes with the energy of Cancer - please check out Jan Spiller's website HERE!

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, so the moon is at home when its in Cancer. Cancer naturally rules the home - all domestic affairs.. This is a great time to think about moving if it has been on your mind, and clean your home, rearrange furniture, refresh the energy of the home. There is a very nurturing and caring nature tot Cancer. You may be feeling more nurturing for those around you. Make sure you take time to nurture yourself as well! Like the Moon, Cancer is known for changing signs (moods) easily. Don't take anything personally, we are all extra sensitive at this time. Instead tap into your compassion.

Where the New Moon is Affecting You:
Aries - Home, Property, Mother
Taurus - Writing, Communication, Siblings
Gemini - Earned Income, Self Value, Possesions
Cancer - Will Power, Self Awareness, Personality + Appearance
Leo - Psychological Health, Mystical Inspiration, Hidden Strengths
Virgo - Friendships, Community, Humanitarian Efforts
Libra - Jobs, Authority, Reputation
Scorpio - Higher Learning, Travel, Social Conscience
Sagittarius - Transformation, Sex, Other People's Money
Capricorn - Relationships, Marriage, Partnerships
Aquarius - Health, Work, Service Given
Pisces - Romance, Creativity, Children

Happy New Moon! May you manifest all you need to live from your soul!

Gardening Your Life

2010-06-25T09:44:00.004-04:00

My love affair with the Earth re-began when I started gardening. Gardening brought me into an intimate relationship with the soil, seeds and weather. Gardening taught me so much about how to grow things - things being tomatoes, kale, and cantelope and also how to grow areas of my life.

One of the things that fascinated me about gardening was how you could apply the same rules and techniques that you used in the soil to your life. When we grow food, we are growing life, and when we grow happiness and our goals, we are also growing life. The Universe sees the 2 as the same.

One of the techniques we use in gardening is pruning. I remember learning about pruning and being fascinated. It is similar to the reason why we trim our hair or we believe why we should. When we prune, it means we remove a part of the plant - perhaps leaves or stems - so that the plant may grow stronger and healthier. Each plant requires a different level and type of pruning.
I think I witnessed the effect of pruning first on basil. Basil can grow quite rapidly and the leaves just start coming and coming! But a fellow gardener told me to pick some of the top leaves off (pruning) and discard of them. I was confused...wondering why I would mess up a seemingly fine thing. But she knew much more than I did, so I followed her directions and over the next couple of weeks, I saw my basil plants grow taller and stronger.

The reasons to prune I learned were to create a healthier and stronger plant in the long-run (because yes plants can get sick).

It is important to practice pruning in our lives as well. What are you willing to get rid of or reduce now so that tomorrow looks healthier and stronger for you? It can mean leaving a job that is causing you lots of stress and pain, even though it is paying you well. It can mean not spending as much time in group settings, but investing your time in yourself and your personal interests.

Remember everything that you cut back or cut off will grow back. The choice is yours though - you have the power to cut it off yourself, or to see it cut off because of an undesirable situation. Have the challenge to prune in your personal life and know that it will SPRING back!

The Endings + Beginnings

2010-06-23T12:58:00.002-04:00

Today something in your life is ending, and smething in your life is beginning. It may not feel like it to you, but sit for a few moments with your eyes closed. Think about your internal body and feel your breath. Our breath mirrors life and nature. Each moment and each breath we are constantly ending and beginning. Each exhale we take is an ending, it finishes a story, it releases what a moment ago we asked for and took into our body. Each inhale is a new start, a fresh new breath of air to put into our body, fresh energy to fuel our body's functions.

Now imagine that the exhales and inhales are parts of your life. When you exhale think about what you are ready to release from your existence, and with your inhales think of what you welcome into your life. It takes only these seemingly small breaths to change our lives and move us very far!

Happy Summer Solstice!

2010-06-21T14:19:00.001-04:00

Happy Summer Solstice!

Today,Monday June 21, marks the annual Summer Solstice. The word Solstice, comes from the Latin; Sol = Sun, and Stice, from the verb sistere = to stand still. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, where we have the most hours of sunlight and also the official first day of summer.

In Ancient Kemet (what is today referred to as Egypt), the Summer Solstice was the most important day of the year! When the sun was at its highest, it meant that the Nile River was beginning to rise as well. The rising of the Nile River represented the soon to come floods which would feed and nourish the crops of the Nile Valley and feed a community. In this way, the Summer Solstice was a day of hope and gratitude for the rebirth of the community! It was a sign of fertility and abundance.

Let today also be a day of hope and gratitude for you! Today marks the the highest point of the sun in your personal life as well. The summer marks a time of new birth and action. What is ready to be reborn in your life today?
Your actions resonate very strongly today. Let the sun guide + Inspire you! What you do today will reflect the rest of your summer! Wake up and smell the sunshine!

Let the brightness
of the outer sun bring forth the brightness of the light within
you today!

Bliss + Light,
Shirley

Embracing Death

2010-06-15T12:24:00.002-04:00

"The cure for the pain is in the pain."

-Rumi

I have been thinking a lot about pain lately. For a long time I tried to pretend much of the pain inside of me did not exist. Pain is uncomfortable - it hurts, its scary, its a lesson from the unknown. But what pain does do is it activates our ability to feel. It rescues us from a state of being numb. It brings our thoughts out of the past and the future and brings our attention to what is going on right now. Pain brings our body and mind into an immediate conversation.

The beauty of pain is that it brings the mind and body into integration. Often if you are in physical pain, you allow yourself to cry (when you may deny yourself the tears at other times). The pain in the body serves as a catalyst to shake up the brewing internal emotional pain and to let it out.

So when you are feeling pain, remember:
1) Like all other feelings, pain will pass
2) You are not the pain that you feel
3) The pain is a reminder for you to checkin with your mind and body and lead them into a stronger union
4) The pain is curing itself

Pain is a gateway to change.

Want to Learn More About Astrology + Love??

2010-06-15T07:58:00.000-04:00

Astrology + Love

with Shirley Johnson

Date: Wednesday, June 30
Time: 6:30-8pm
Cost: $20 or 2 for $30

To Register: call 212.974.2288

Register Online HERE

The key to all matters of the heart is SELF-LOVE. Often what we want from a partner is what we want more of from ourselves. Spend the evening learning about where our astrological charts are asking us to pour more self love into. Our astrological chart begins to tell us our stengths + weaknesses in our approaches to love and romance. Learn about the love personality of each signs, and how to make the most of your dominant signs and planets in love + romance. We will be specifically studying the planets Venus and Mars and their placement in our charts.

Whether you are single and want to attract a new partner or are married and want to explore new areas of your marriage, there will be something for everyone to take away to add some zest into their daily life!

Please send your birthdate, time of birth, place of birth to shirley@reflectionsyoga.com after registering.

New Moon in Gemini, Sat 6/12 @ 6:16am EST

2010-06-11T11:04:00.003-04:00

Saturday June 12th marks the Sun in Gemini with a New Moon in Gemini. As we know, for centuries, New Moons have been used by many farmers and agrarian communities as a time to plant seeds in the ground. In the same way the New Moon is a period marking a time when the Universe is fertile soil for our wishes to be planted as seeds.

When the Moon goes into its New Moon phase, it is actually invisible in the sky to our naked eye. What is it that is invisible to your eye right now? What are you not able to see physically?

The New Moon asks us to be imaginative and creative. Just because we cannot see the moon does not mean it is not there, or that it does not exist. In the same way that we write our New Moon Wishes, don't be discouraged if you do not see your wishes in the physical form. Treat it like a new moon, you cannot see it, but you can believe in it.

With a New Moon in Gemini, this is a great time to make wishes in the areas that Gemini rules. Gemini, governed by Mercury, is the planet of ALL communication, siblings, short trips, social skills, and learning + teaching. This is a great time wish and start acting upon those wishes. If you want to improve your communication skills or open to more adventure in new neighborhoods, then ask for it. Gemini will help you to clearly communicate, meet new people and learn quickly.

How can the areas ruled by Gemini help you in your life to grow and achieve your goals?

Let the cleverness of Gemini guide you to new places. Trust that you are supported to communicate clearly and will be given the tools to make your goals happen.

Plant the seeds today for the harvest you will reap tomorrow.

Full Moon in Sagittarius Tonight 5/27 @7:07pm EST

2010-05-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

If you did not get a chance to see the Moon last night, I strongly suggest making sure to look up in the sky tonight and take a glance at the Full Moon shining bright even in the sea of night.

Tonight 5/27 @ 7:07pm EST, the Moon is once again in its Full state in the sign of Sagittarius. When the Moon is in its Full state it means that it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun or when the Moon + Sun are 180 degrees apart - hence the Moon in Sagittarius and the Sun in Gemini. So here on Earth we are feeling very strongly today the pulls of the Sun + the Moon asking us to be the bridge between both.

The Full Moon in Sagittarius is one of optimism and abundance. Sagittarius asks us to think + dream bigger than we may be used to. Sagittarius is represented by the Archer with his bow and arrow. He is a master archer, and a master of manifesting. He shoots his arrow from the bow, knowing where he has intended for it to land, and he watches his arrow eagerly + faithfully make it to its intended destination. Sagittarius is also depicted as half human (upper body) and half horse (lower body); showing the balance between our human mind and our animal instincts.

The energy of Sagittarius is always curious and pursuing higher knowledge, and is bold enough to go to places to learn things for itself.

Let the energy of Sagittarius guide you today during the Full Moon. Discover things for yourself! No need to listen to another interpretation - why not interpret meaning for itself?
Be bold in seeking the things that you desire! While the Moon is in Sagittarius, it favors bold moves made with optimism. You have nothing to lose in seeking what you desire. Whether it be interest in dating a new person, seeking a new job, or wanting a new home - you must acutely point your arrow and intend on where you want it to land - and SHOOT THE ARROW. No need to hold it, let it go and watch it get where you intend it to be. Ask CLEARLY + Precisely for what you want, in the same way in which the arrow is released from the bow.

Affirmation for Sagittarius Moon via "Moon Signs" by Donna Cunningham:
I release my addiction to excess and to unwise risk.
I open myself to positive growth oriented influences.
I rejoice in my capacity to understand advanced ideas
I have enough, I do enough, I AM enough
I remain open to new information and to not knowing. I let go of ego in my communication with others.

Namaste

New Moon in Taurus Thursday 5/13/2010 @ 9:04pm EST

2010-05-12T14:20:00.006-04:00

There has been a lot of business going on in the Heavens. Mercury has reversed from its retrograde period yesterday and is now moving direct once again. During this past Mercury Retrograde, Mercury as in the sign of Taurus, perhaps causing some challenges with finances + money and feeling secure. This retrograde may have even seemed longer than usual since Taurus is a slow moving sign.
Photo from www.josephinewall.co.uk/zodiac/taurus.html With Mercury moving direct once again in the sign of Taurus and with a New Moon in Taurus tomorrow (Thursday) night at 9:04pm while the sun is transitioning through Taurus, we are in a Taurus Nirvana. The energy of Taurus is anchoring and grounding. It is very practical yet luxurious and sensual. We are thinking about money and prosperity, and we are thinking about hat we like to do in our free time for pleasure, and maybe we are ready to combine business + pleasure and create the most sumptuous combination of prosperity (my mouth is watering).

Taurus is also very sensual, so engage your senses during this time by taking your time and allowing yourself to feel and enjoy every single touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound! And you shall be enlivened just by being present in some of those moments!

Taurus is here to help ground us to our earthly life. Taurus finds pleasure in material + tangible objects. Taurus is not greedy, but the Taurus knows what she wants and will get it.

So use the energy of the new moon for what you are ready for! There is no need to compromise your desires. You are here for bigger purposes that you may not even be aware of, but when you relinquish yourself to those bigger purposes you shall see all of your desires met!

Two of my favorite astrologers, Dian Bustilo and Jan Spiller talk about the power of the New Moon and making wishes on your the new moon. I suggest for the New Moon tomorrow making wishes that honor your deepest desires in the Universe.
1) Think about your ideal world - what does it look like? What is there an abundance of? How do you fit in to creating this world.
2) Jan Spiller writes:This New Moon is in the sign of TAURUS, and it is the most powerful New Moon of the year for wishes involving money. It is also potent for wishing to manifest what you consider valuable in any area that is important to you: a relationship, a business, a job, a new behavior. Things you may have wanted to happen in your life for a long time can begin easily manifesting through using the boost of the powerful and steadfast Taurus New Moon.
3)Write down (hand written) upto 10 wishes of your choice. For your eyes only! Keep it real with yourself. Do this as close to the New Moon as possible, the moon is most fertile then.
4) Soak in a bath the night of the New Moon or morning after. A warm bath with dead sea salts (and apple cider vinegar) is very cleansing and powerful. It will make your energy more receptive to receive your wishes.

Here are some Taurus Moon Affirmations form Donna Cunningham's "Moon Signs"
I release my fear of financial insecurity.
I release all attitudes blocking prosperity.
I cherish and nurture my resourcefulness.
I accept my right to a prosperous lifestyle.
The rich abundance of the Earth fills my life.

Wishing you an Abundant New Moon!

Herbal Beauty Workshop at Reflections Yoga

2010-04-26T18:53:00.006-04:00

On Friday, 4/23 in honor of Earth Day and Mama Earth, I led a workshop called, "Herbal Beauty" at Reflections Yoga. The goal of the workshop was to discuss the healing and cosmetic properties of various herbs, flowers and natural resources. The Earth is full of all natural beautifiers for every hair and skin type. I taught my guests how to make non-toxic natural beauty products from ingredients in easily found in your kitchen cupboards and supermarket.
We made:
Fenugreek Yogurt Mask
Undereye Refresher
Scalp Tonic
Hair Oil

We had a lot of fun! I was so thrilled to be able to share my love of herbs and Mama Earth! If you are interested in receiving the a copy of the recipes that we made, please email me at: soulistichealing@gmail.com

Guests: Amy, Yonnie, Me, Merary, & Jasmine

When Mercury Retrograde Strikes...April/May 2010

2010-04-22T12:59:00.004-04:00

I want to pitch a movie idea to Hollywood and it will be called "Mercury Retrograde Abyss" - it will be about Mercury going into retrograde for years at a time - it will be full of drama, tears, and there will be a protagonist hero who flies to the skies and pushes Mercury back direct, and all of humanity is saved from a lifetime of Mercury retrograding, and with the success of movies like "2012" and other scary movies, I think it will be a hit.

Mercury Retrograde is a time when the planet, Mercury (governing all aspects of communication - writing, emails, snail mail, speaking, travel, electronics, and other things of the like) appears to be going backwards in the skies, as opposed to forward. Mercury is moving backwards in the sign of Taurus right now. It is not surprise to me that the recently explosive volcanoes are causing plenty of flight and travel delays at this particular time, it is a total retrograde thing.

Signs that are ruled by Mercury - both Gemini and Virgo are often very sensitive at this time, and this retrograde, people who have Taurus in their chart may be feeling it as well. So what is the it that you may be feeling? Speaking from experience, you may be feeling like nothing is going your way, you may be feeling like you want to STOP or give up on something that you have been working pretty hard on. You may just be feeling like all your work is in vain and that no one understands you. Anything sound familar?

What does it mean when thing are not going our way? I have been thinking about this a lot. I think about how I would like for the day to go, and then how it actually goes. And I feel like my plans are aligned with the Universal plans, but maybe we are having differences on timing of things. When something does not go your way, is it easier to just STOP and give up on whatever your plan was? And what about stopping makes it easier?

The idea of things being easy is all relative. What is easy to one person seems impossible to another. It is all about our experiences and habits. And maybe, just maybe Mercury Retrograde is trying to help us to expand our thinking and understanding of possibility. Maybe, just maybe, Mercury Retrograde is asking us to release resistance to what we think is challenging and embrace that maybe it is not as hard as we are thinking it is.

And maybe it is as hard we are thinking it is. When something is difficult what does it mean? Does it mean that we just stop doing it? Then, what?? I think Mercury Retrograde really forces us to take a stand on some things - on the things that are both easy and hard. Mercury Rx asks us to look at our values and to look at where we are right now, and to make the changes we have to make to accept where we are right now.

Everyday is a new day, every breath is a new moment, and every Mercury Retrograde...is a new experience and way to look at life.

March 2010 Horoscopes: Being the Bridge

2010-03-01T10:01:00.003-05:00

My mother always said March was the most challenging month of the year. March is somewhat of a bridge, joining the winter season and the spring season. And it seems like right as we get through some of the challenges of winter, it is time to cross this bridge to lead ourselves into the spring. Bridges often can ignite some fear because we are suspended in the unknown, and there is a feeling of having to commit to where we are going.

This March starts with the Sun in Pisces, and the Moon in opposition in Virgo. Our physical reality is dreamy, and our emotional state is more rational. Can we commit to being the bridge between our physical and emotional states?Can we commit to truly integrating our mind and body and living in the spirit of one?

Pisces: Happy Birthday Pisces. Pisces is the last sign of the solar zodiac, and is the beginning of the lunar zodiac. Pisces represents the feet in the body. Our feet are so wise and resilient to the various shoes and terrains that we expose them to. Our feel faithfully take direction and bring us to our desired location (even if the feet do not want to be there). This month honor your feet. Honor the wisdom in your body, and not just in your thoughts. Your body is always speaking to you. Pay special attention to your feet.

This month you have the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in the first house of your chart. Self image, Communication, Love & Relationships, and topped off by abundance. Things are shining bright. You are more beautiful than you think right now. People want to be around you and you have the power to be heard and air your ideas and feelings about things. Use this popularity to be a bridge and bridge the people who surround you together – create friendships and relationships.

Aries: This month starts off a bit sluggish for you. Emotionally you are concerned about your well-being and health from a holistic point of view. You may become aware of some of the habits that you feel have been holding you back from feeling energized and happy. Aries, you have a lot of energy, and you want to share this energy with those who need it. This is going to heal you and energize you. As you give to others your truly give to yourself. Can you find a way to make this happen daily?

Taurus: This first week of March you may be wanting to start some kind of diet or health regime, but it is feeling stuck. You may have been feeling stuck in quite a few ways Taurus. As mentioned last month, Mars has been retrograde in your 4^th house ruling domestic life and your home. So you may be feeling like your living situation is up in the air. And as we know that our home is a reflection of our first home, our body…when one is up in the air, so is the other. Mars will return direct on March 10, and you should begin to feel like both homes are beginning to ground. Spend time with Piscean friends this month.

Gemini: The month starts with the moon in your personal 4^th house of home, domestic affairs, and family. This could be reflected by feeling close to your parents at this time and taking time to organize your home surroundings. Maybe go through some boxes that have been collecting dust in your garage for months or years. Sort through and donate what you no longer need. Your 10^th house of profession and career is also lit up with the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in the sign of Pisces at the beginning of March. For all Geminis who are involved with any metaphysical works – yoga, healing or in film or photography, this time of the month provides a lot of potential for your work to bloom and for you to create beautiful work. Or dust off work that you have already done, repackage it, and re-believe in it.

Cancer: This month starts off with your 9^th house of study and travel lit up with the Sun, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter in the sign of Pisces. Are you getting ready for a trip? This month shines in your travel house, so this is a good time to travel or to begin to make travel arrangements. Your travels may inspire your right side of your brain to be activated and to get in touch a bit more with some of your emotions. This travel that you are doing could also begin to blend into your profession. Keep your heart and mind open to opportunity.

Leo: Dear Leo, this month Mars ruling action, ambition, and energy moves out of retrograde in your first house and back direct. The past couple of months may have been challenging in making decisions and in ability to start new things or keep your usually optimistic outlook on life. Well Mars is moving direct and jumpstarting your first house, so get ready for the ride. Things are about to start moving and in a quick way, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Spend time with people you love, as you are feeling more close to humans and in your relationships want to dive even deeper.

Virgo: This month starts with your 7^th house or relationships lit up. With the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and Jupiter all in your 7^th house, you cannot help but be surrounded with many relationships this month. If you are seeing someone, the beginning of the month may feel challenging with the Moon in opposition to your relationship house. Can you communicate with each other from the heart and not the ego? Later in the month, Mercury moves into your 8^th house in the sign of Aries marking a time where you will be deeply curious about how things work. Go deep.

Libra: The first week of the month, the moon will be in Libra, which should present a good setting for you to start fresh and to feel supported by the Universe. With Venus in your 6^th house this month, you should enjoy favor and popularity at your work place. And with Mercury in your 6^th house, try to not worry that much, but instead put your energy into trust. You may find your self consumed by some thoughts about bad health, maybe even thinking you are not well. Can you trust your body and know that the body has the capacity to heal itself perfectly? This month trust in the parts of yourself that your physical eye cannot see.

Scorpio: This month, make time to express yourself. Your 5^th house is full of favorable planets at the start of this month, and they want to encourage you to create and play. Release some of the analytical tendencies to overthink, and give yourself time to not think. Give yourself time to doodle, daydream, and create. Express yourself through movement! You also have Venus in your 5^th house, so this is a great time for romance and being playful with your partner. Do things together that nurture both of your creativity - attend concerts, films, and lectures. You will bond together through these.

Sagittarius: This month is a good time to take some time to breath and slow down. Are you living in the present? Are you doing things for the beauty of now, or are you caught up with doing things for a future? Life can only happen in the now, so this is a good time to get acquainted with life and with the now. Release some of the expectations you have for yourself, and instead sit with your emotions and feelings. This might be a nice time to take 1 day off from work as a personal day (if you will). Take this as a day to sleep, nurture yourself, and attend to the parts of your life that need your attention right now – your home being one of them. You will not be left behind. Everything that is coming to you is still coming.

Capricorn: This month is a good time to reach out to your siblings and family, and maybe even make some short trips to see them. They will appreciate this, and it will be good for you as well. This month is also going to cool down a bit in hopes that you will give yourself a little break. Family may be a good reason for a break and may provide the sort of release and relaxation that will be beneficial for you. Whatever you put your mind to after the moon in your sign on 3/9 you will give your all to. Act on your desires and passions.

Aquarius: This month spend some time reflecting on your self worth and confidence. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and value you. Soak in this energy until you are oozing it and believing in yourself just the same. You have the power, with self-confidence to achieve all that you want to. This month you are thinking about money. You have your eyes on a few material objects and things – maybe a new bed or some killer shoes. You may not usually have an attraction but this month you are attracted to these items, and there is something to be learned form this attraction. What is it that we deny when we don’t act on our desires? Why do we sometimes repress these desires? This month believe in your worth, and you are worthy of any material item that is presented to you.

Helping Ourselves To Help Others

2010-02-19T10:52:00.002-05:00

Helping Ourselves is vital to being able to help others. While we help ourselves we naturally help others. It seems simple, and probably almost selfish. But it is necessary to make time to help yourself, listen to yourself and know yourself.

When I speak about helping yourself, I do not mean of numbing yourself. There is a huge difference. Numbing yourself is suppressing your feelings and "checking out" - - so you get annoyed by a situation and decide to go out that night and get as drunk as possible to escape the situation for a little bit. Of course the situation still exists the next morning. To help yourself with a situation, you may reach out to speak to someone about how you feel, to journal, to meditate, to pray, or to do something that will EMPOWER yourself through the situation.

I have not mastered Helping Myself, at times I was a master of numbing myself through different habits. I am walking a road of empowerment and I want to share with every being as much as I can in love.

So make time to Help Yourself. Here are some easy ways to Help Yourself and Empower Yourself:

1) Breath: Breathing is a powerful force in the body. It keeps us alive, it balances our physical body, it cleanses our organs, and it unites the body and spirit and mind. The next time you are feeling tense or stiff, try taking a few slow breaths through your nostrils and visualizing the breath moving through the parts of you that are tense.

2) Pray: Prayer is different to everyone and everyone has their own way of praying - that is what makes it so beautiful. Connect with your Source and notice how through that connection you are immediately empowered.

3) Speak Truthfully: Say what is on your mind. As long as you speak from love, there is nothing to hide. If you feel a certain way about something, say it.

4) Be Vulnerable: It is really through our vulnerability that we are courageous. Let yourself be vulnerable in all ways and therefore courageous enough to receive help and miracles.

5) Love: Surround yourself with those who you love and love you. Call people and share your love and receive their love.

Quote of the Day: On Pain

2010-02-18T11:20:00.002-05:00

"The cure for pain is in the pain." - Rumi

I have been thinking a lot about pain lately. For a long time I tried to pretend much of the pain inside of me did not exist. Pain is uncomfortable - it hurts, its scary, its a lesson from the unknown. But what pain does do is it activates our ability to feel. It rescues us from a state of being numb. It brings our thoughts out of the past and the future and brings our attention to what is going on right now. Pain brings our body and mind into an immediate conversation.

The beauty of pain is that it brings the mind and body into integration. Often if you are in physical pain, you allow yourself to cry (when you may deny yourself the tears at other times). The pain in the body serves as a catalyst to shake up the brewing internal emotional pain and to let it out.

So when you are feeling pain, remember:

1) Like all other feelings, pain will pass

2) You are not the pain

3) The pain is a reminder for you to checkin with your mind and body and lead them into a stronger union

4) The pain is curing itself

Pain is a gateway to change.

S O U L I S T I C H E A L I N G

The New Year ... part 2; New Moon in Aquarius

JourneyDance LA: Welcoming 2012

Weekly Soulistic Inspiration: Janury 2, 2012

January 2012 Astrological Asana + Mini Horoscopes

The Power of Intention: Winter Solstice Ritual

Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Power of the Winter Solstice

Bringing in 2012 with INTENTION!

December Astrological Asana

Sagittarius New Moon Call! Friday 11/25

JourneyDance L.A on 11/20! Dance of Gratitude!

11 Things to do on 11.11.11 in L.A!

November 2011 Astrological Asana + Horoscopes

KNOW THIS! TOUR EP 29: HOLISTIC HEALING

JourneyDance in Los Angeles!

VinyaSOUL Playlist; lusicious breathing + flow | oct 10

Yoga VinyaSOUL Playlist | 3 OCTOBER

SCORPIO NEW MOON CALL + INTENTION SETTING

October Mini Horoscopes...Seeing Yourself in All

New Libra Moon 9.27.11

A S T R O L O G Y 1 0 1 | L.A | OCT 15

Playlist LOVE - 9/19/11

September 2011 Astrological Asana

August 2011 Astrological Asana: Releasing Control

July 2011 Astrological Musing...The Halfway Point...

Chakra 2 Yoga Playlist VERSION 2...VinyaSOUL

Chakra 2 Yoga Playlist...VinyaSOUL

Stay Cool & Balanced this Summer!

June Astrological Asana + Mini Horoscopes

Gifts Through Loss

Distant REIKI Healing By Donation!

New Taurus Moon 2011

The Hummingbird

The Seeds of Life

Getting Clear!

FREE 30-minute Spiritual Astrological Counseling Session!

April Astrological Asana | Forecast + FREE ASTROLOGICAL SESSIONS ON THE PHONE!!

Enemy is *only* a concept, in Truth there is only Love

What Scares You?

Awakening into Light: Uranus into Aries

“We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking,

only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.”

-Charles C. West

The Journey through the Dark Soul of the Night

March 2011 Astrological Asana

February Astrological Asana

I Love Reiki!

Acting with Compassion

Experiment. Live. Expand!

Less Doing, More Being

December 2010 Astrological Forecast

Love + Gratitude: Happy Thanksgiving!

The Taurus Full Moon

Don't Settle - Keep Ascending!

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

~Steve Jobs

The Butterfly Within

What You Believe is What you SEE!

Surrendering to Spirit

October Cosmic Climate - Thoughts on LIBRA New Moon/Venus Retrogarde

Light + Dark

Full Expression

Full Moon x Autumn Equinox: Rebirthing from Destruction

Seeing Life the Way it Is

Miracles - Giving+Receiving

New Moon + Solar Eclipse in Cancer July 11, 2011 @ 3:40p EST

Gardening Your Life

The Endings + Beginnings

Happy Summer Solstice!

Embracing Death

"The cure for the pain is in the pain."

-Rumi

Want to Learn More About Astrology + Love??

Astrology + Love

with Shirley Johnson

New Moon in Gemini, Sat 6/12 @ 6:16am EST

Full Moon in Sagittarius Tonight 5/27 @7:07pm EST

New Moon in Taurus Thursday 5/13/2010 @ 9:04pm EST

Herbal Beauty Workshop at Reflections Yoga

When Mercury Retrograde Strikes...April/May 2010

Enemy is only a concept, in Truth there is only Love