Observation, Authenticity and Decision Making

If you look straight ahead the illusion is gone.
The periphery contains the contrast of what
we chose to be. 



Authenticity often seems out of reach.  I was raised in Connecticut and all the thrift store shopping and indie music listening won't take that out of me.  There is an opening, though.  Now, tomorrow and for the next few years  the layers of societal morés are being stripped away.  Today is a fine example of what this will feel like more often down the road.

I'm preparing notes to teach a new class on expression and was brainstorming in my head on what focus to take.  The word decision came to mind immediately.  Of the countless decisions we make daily how many are made based on personal preference?  When we are at work we use company guidelines; at the clothing store we chose the appropriate choice to fit a dresscode, conform to age appropriateness, conceal body-image issues, etc.  We eat what we think we should for health reasons, because a commercial tells us to, because there's a drive-through and we only have thirty minutes for lunch, because our kids will only eat certain foods...  It's no wonder that people have no clue what they want, they never even get a chance to practice on small things.

Artistic activities can be a place to make decisions based on personal preference as long as one is not caught up in the audience or using standard materials.  There is nothing wrong with painting on canvas but we should not overlook the other materials just because we are trained to.  Do you think about the preferences of the reader when writing or do you simply let your own expressions out?

We can start from scratch with this to develop a sense of communion with our spirit by making small decisions like what to eat for lunch or which socks to wear with a particular outfit based on what lights your soul instead of our default mental programming.  In doing so we'll begin to feel a connection to life again.  Passion and enthusiasm come from identifying and expressing true desires and authenticity emerges out of these occurences. 

Mercury stations direct tomorrow morning

This mercury retrograde was an interesting one because it dealt with relationships. Turning inward on what we really want for ourselves and in a mate. Also what we want our primary relationships to look like. How often do we get a chance to do that? And with the support of astrology? Coming out of a long term relationship, this was an amazing time for me to assess the possibilities of what my life with someone could look like. Many options opened up in my mind and even the question of children was brought into the mix. As a girl, I was raised to get married and have kids. Adoption and 'life partner' weren't really discussed. There are no wrong decisions. Mercury retrograde is a good time to open to possibilities without the overwhelming feeling of having too many options. Usually during this time you can just observe your own reactions to possible outcomes and trust in yourself when the time comes to make a move.

My Drawing for April

Let's Get Silly Happy

April is now Silly Happy month. I don't know about you but I feel just wonderful during and after being silly. It is a major part of my life and keeps me from wallowing in my serious/workaholic nature. To read more about the benefits of being silly sign up for the newsletter.

2012 - What's the Deal? Here's the Science:

This is an amazing show! If you have been wondering what the deal with 2012 is, Gregg Braden says it better than I ever could and backs it up with science. The earth will be fine and we are not going to die... but listen to his reasons (and caveats).

New Class!! Psychic Development Series

I am so excited about this class! it is a six week course tapping into many different modalities to help you expand your psychic senses. The price can't be beat either. Hope to see you there!


Psychic Development Series
with Rachel Andrews
6 week class series, Wednesdays 6-7PM Beginning April 22
(4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27)
Develop your psychic skills with this fantastic class series led by energy intuitive Rachel Andrews. Learn to draw and see auras and energy patterns and practice spoonbending, meet and talk with an angel and more. We all have psychic powers and the potential to see the other side -- it just takes practice and an open mind. Pre-registration required. Cost: $105


This class is held at
Hygeia : A Natural Health Center & New Age Shop
337B Kent Rd (Moving April 1st to 266 Kent Rd.), New Milford, CT 06776
Open: T-F: 10 - 5:30 Sat: 10 - 3
(860) 355-1268 info@hygeiaonline.com
www.hygeiaonline.com

A Peak Into Intuitive Drawing Class

Want to sign up?
Check the schedule page for more info!

Just Ingredients Please (except for the strawberry poptarts)

This is something I wrote for my personal blog, but it could truly apply to this one! Getting your hands dirty in the kitchen is relaxing and feeds the soul.


Being self-employed can be marvelous for the spirit but tough on the budget. I've made a game out of saving money and it's paying off in other ways too. Making bread from scratch along with cookies, rolls, pizza dough is so much fun. I did this all the time when Joe and I were first married, I just got out of the habit. It costs pennies to make a loaf of bread. Today I made rye and we ate it with dinner. The crust was so crispy and eating it while it was still warm solved the cold butter/tearing bread issue. woohoo! Other menu items this week include bean and rice burritos that I am making in bulk to freeze for convenience and chicken pot pie. Making all of these dishes in the traditional way, with the ingredients instead of a box, is so rewarding. There are so many great recipes for flour tortillas and they are quick and easy to make. They freeze well, too. Another benefit of making your own breads/meals from scratch is quality control. With genetically modified grains and vegetables being the norm in this country you can almost guarantee that prepackaged foods contain at least one. The only way to guard against it is to buy organic or products labeled non-gmo. If you don't have the time to knead, rest, repeat for breads you can purchase a bread machine. I have the toastmaster bread box which is easy to use and clean. And if you buy one used (check freecycle for a free one!) you can download almost any manual online. So happy bread making! Who knew being frugal could be so much fun?

General Anxiety

I have found that when I am feeling out of sorts, I am usually not alone. There are many reasons for 'mass disorders' including astrological phenomena, geophysical stress and so on. There has been some general anxiety going around lately and I want you to know that it probably did not originate within you. Ask yourself, is it me that is causing this feeling? If the answer is no then gently ask this feeling to leave. If it simply won't go, it may be a good time to write down all that you are unhappy with in your life. Accept the way things are and decide what a better alternative would look like. This will put you on the path to achieving a better state of being. There is more you can do, but this exercise will be a good place to start.

Be a guest author

Want to share your stories? We want to hear your stories of growth, troubles and expertise. If you'd like to contribute to the Sephyrus blog send me your ideas. Email rachel@sephyrus.com

March Newsletter

has been sent! Check your in-boxes if you are already signed up or go to the newsletter page to join. In this issue - learn how to clean your aura, take full advantage of the upcoming Venus retrograde and more!

What Does Sephyrus Mean?

Sephyrus means 'the bringer of light.' I first heard it in High School where my friend, now Husband, called me Sephyrus. I'd never have a nickname stick before, but that one always had a special place within me and still does. Everytime I started a business or a blog I'd name it Sephyrus. What are we doing when sharing ourslves creatively but shining our light? So it fits. It also fits foreveryone who participates, like you. We all brought our light to this world when we were born and we continue to shine it when we share ourselves with others. So have fun shining your light! Lots of love, Rachel

We Create

Even though we may understand certain things or have an intellectual grasp of certain concepts at times, to know truth is a different feeling. And what we know can change at times due to our vibration. We do have to be in a certain vibration to hold on to or have access to certain truths. As we set our vibrations to a higher set point these lapses of knowledge become fewer. I have known that we create everything in our lives for quite some time. This information seemed to resonate with me, as it has with millions of others throughout the ages. Today I felt it. Say it with me, "I created everything in my life." I create everything now. So why are you in your current situation? Why am I here? You don't need an understanding, you don't need to break it down into words to make it mean something either. Just allow yourself to feel it. Maybe a tingle thoughout your body will emerge when you allow yourself to open to the possibility that your whole life has been one divine art project. I know my body responds to this. Your soul is telling you that you are on the right track when you feel these things. So if you are ever wondering what is right for you just ask and allow your soul to respond. As you connect more and more the feelings will become clearer and stronger. This is my best tool for getting through life. Lots of love, Rachel.

Listening

I've been doing a lot of listening lately. A show called 'Awakenings' on blogtalkradio is such a fabulous resource for maintaning or accelerating your consciousness. I barely have words for how much I appreciate this show. I highly reccomend it to you :)

Closet Cleaning Time

I've been noticing that most of my clothes have gotten old. My 'good' sweaters have tiny holes in them and my best jeans have some paint on them. I've been looking forward to some new clothes for a while now, but I never seem to have the inspiration to go out and shop. Well, I picked up Louise Hay's book, 'Heal Your Body,' today and there is a story in there about cleaning your closet and making room for new things to come into your life. So I'm going to clean it out, get rid of the holey sweaters and faded tee shirts! Horray for new clothing with fresh energy and good-bye to the past.