Vibrissae or My Cat Whisker Collection

Why do I collect whiskers? I don't really know.

It started on a whim, about 25 years ago.

Now I have almost two hundred, call me crazy,

From about a dozen different cats, and a dog named Maisy.

First whiskers from Zelda, then Sadie Baby,

By now I might be turning into that kind of cat lady.

They are my companions, familiars and kin,

In this funny way I honor their fuzzy contributions.

Whiskers are cool, here's some facts:

They are not just hair upon the cats.

Known as vibrissae, sensitive touch receptors,

They act like radar, little kitty interceptors.

Whiskers help cats to perceive, especially at night,

Fit in small places, figure out if they're tight.

Really, they act as the ultimate sensory guage,

And just like us, whiskers change color with age.

You might not believes this, even think it's absurd,

But none of my pets' names are used for my passwords!

Simply talking about the weird thing I collect,

Helps me express my profound feline respect.

Now Roxie! Now Rosie! Now Mango and Poppy!

On, CJ! On, Cotton! On, Alex and Sharkey!

"To the top of porch! To the top of the wall!"

Each of these cats, I have loved them all.

And then we had Maisy, who was very special,

Yes indeedy, she was trans-Pet-ual.

A cat trapped in a dog's body, she could even purr,

She had pop-corny feet, and deep black fur.

As a perpetual cat-lover for all of my life,

Maisy taught me tolerance, acceptance of strife,

Her owner's also transgendered, and I always feel proud,

To be a part of a particularly colorful crowd.

What will I do with these whiskers? Glad you asked,

I think I'll have them scattered, along with my ash.

I'm sure it's clear from what you read above,

What these whiskers really represent -  is unconditional love.

You can see my collection of whiskers displayed alongside other local collections at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History starting October 7th.

New Moon in Libra

New Moon in Libra today, sign of the Scales. Notice the balance of day and night, the changing of the seasons, the turning of the tides. This is the time of self love and self care. What do you need to refresh your spirit, renew your self, and rejuvenate your being to feel the most deliciously attractive as possible? A massage, facial, retreat, membership to the gym? Make a commitment to tend to your body this month. Allow yourself to weigh and decide.

You might think the universe is being fickle when really it's flirting with you. Notice the buzz of bees and hum more. A chakra tuning would do you some good. There is a hidden opportunity for more energy, but only if you act on it now. What is holding you back? Tap into your eagle vision-swoop into the details as well as getting perspective on your soul. consult with a professional or a friend to get more insight.


Dr. Kayla Garnet Rose, CHT has been studying the esoteric art of Astrology since 1990. She is available for astrology readings online with Google Hangouts, by phone or in person. Call or email to set up your appointment for some astrochat with Kayla and discover the secrets of the stars found in your birth chart.

Dr. Zandra Amato - Chiropractor

Dr. Z, as she is commonly known, is more than a chiropractor - she truly is a healer, spiritual guide, educator and health fitness trainer. She has extensive knowledge combined with good old common sense, so not only does your spine become aligned, your heart, mind and soul also benefit from her profound, gentle adjustments.

Find her website here.

Hypnobirthing

I received this lovely email from one of my hypnobirthing clients:

Dear Kayla,

THANK YOU! I used my pain "knob" which is a camera lens many times and turned it up to a yellow in color and then down to a blue to show myself I could shift the level I was feeling. I also put myself in my belly with her and went through a contraction with the pressure with her and told her we were doing it together I was right there holding her hand. I could not believe how the two helped manage the pain and get through it.

It was magical and perfect! At the very beginning of my labor I tried to do self hypnosis on myself and visualize my camera lens and it going to blue for my pain. Even though  the contractions got strong and may have been uncomfortable and every 2-3 minutes, I was completely fine and as soon as I felt it get strong in a contraction I just visualized my camera lens and turning the lens down to blue and it would help me refocus/redirect my pain and smooth it out.

At eleven and a half hours I thought wow this is not going as quick, smooth etc as I had hoped since I was still only 6 cm, but I was fine managing the discomfort. Once I hit that last 10 minutes when I completely dilated in my head I actually thought, "wow there is no way this is happening, I can get through this! That was so easy I just went from 6 to 10 in less than 15 minutes and now I just have to push her out!" And then a minute and a half later she was laying on me. I realized all in those quick moments this was everything I needed and hoped it would be and that it could not possibly have been a smoother easier labor. Even though it was 12 hrs and Iylees was 6.5, this one was actually much easier, quicker due to amount of actual active labor and less painful then Iylees birth.

So again Thank You, I feel that your support and guidance was a huge

factor in such a smooth, easy labor. Oh even Adam said during labor

once or twice, "honey are you doing your hypnosis, don't forget to use

your camera lens." It was awesome!

Jennalee

You can read her Yelp review here.

Explore New Adventures

When we're not empowering and inspiring our readers and viewers, we sometimes empower and inspire ourselves by slipping away for a little fun. Neither of us had been zip-lining before, and there is a great course in Felton, just a few miles from Santa Cruz. On Sunday, September 18 2011 we took a short drive to a different world.

Located within the Mt. Hermon conference grounds, Redwood Canopy Tours offers a guided experience through redwood tree tops over six separate zip-lines and two sky bridges.

New Moon in Virgo

New Moon in Virgo today, sign of the Priestess. It is also a day of solar eclipse, where the sun's light will be briefly hidden by the moon. Look into your life and count your blessings - spread the seeds of kindness and appreciation, and surprise a friend or two with a random act of kindness. Devote time to further development of a creative passion, whatever speaks to your heart's content.

Time to reflect on health, the harvest, and all ways to rejuvenate and regenerate. Whether you return to school or begin a new work out routine, your health and consciousness will improve over the weeks and months to come. Make appointments with your healers now and set up your ducks for winter is just around the corner.

Virgo, sign of health and healing, has us questioning current lifestyle choices. Whether in a fog of pain or painkillers, realize where you are the source of your own distress. Stop saying "if" and start saying "when" especially in terms of your health and financial well being. Ask for help - it is a sign of strength, courage and commitment.

Dr. Kayla Garnet Rose, CHT has been studying the esoteric art of Astrology since 1990. She is available for astrology readings online with Google Hangouts, by phone or in person. Call or email to set up your appointment for some astrochat with Kayla and discover the secrets of the stars found in your birth chart.

A Week in the Life of a Santa Cruz Hypnotherapist

I see about ten to fifteen clients a week at my West side office. Here is a sampling of a typical week for a Santa Cruz hypnotherapist:

• A person who suffers from insomnia. We made a recording they can listen to before bed to relax their body and mind as well as to remember more of their dreams.

• A parent, releasing grief after the death of their son. We have been doing a Reiki and hypnotherapy combination, biweekly sessions for two years, focused mostly on soul retrieval work. They're now inspired to open a skateboard park to commemorate their son.

• An initial hypnosis session for a business person interested in transforming stress and rage. We focus on peace and abundance, facing debts, pending divorce, and releasing pains in the neck.

• A student taking private tarot lessons. They started with weekly hypnotherapy sessions for 15 months, and is using self hypnosis for self empowerment. Now they are enrolled in the ten week program to learn professional tarot reading as a form of income.

• A regular client who has done monthly tarot readings for two years. This is their check in system and now they are doing weekly hypnosis sessions for deciding on a life path.

• A professional coming in for astrology lessons, who used hypnotherapy and reiki for personal transformation for the past nine months. Now they are digging deeper while going through job transition and seeking a soul mate.

• A new client for an astrology reading, who feels controlled by their relationships and seeking self realization and self actualization while creating an interdependent relationship with their new love.

• A student using hypnotherapy in order to control sugar for weight management/diabetes. Three sessions so far, has been drinking less, discovering new sensualist pleasures instead of food as a life reward

• An ongoing hypnotherapy client, looking for what makes their heart sing. We have been doing bi weekly sessions for one year now, focused on selling their business and getting in touch with inner council for financial advice. Now they are pregnant and planning on hypnobirthing for a healthy, easy birth and transition into parenthood.

• An athlete, using hypnotherapy in retraining body mind for sports enhancement. Uses visualization for both ingraining the perfect throw and to let go of any stress both during game and greater stresses in life, such as work, mother in law, inner critic, etc.

• A freshman in college, terrified of leaving home. We have done monthly sessions for 6 months, using hypnotherapy to anchor feelings of self esteem, love and acceptance.

There is a saying, "Discontent is the first step in progress". My ideal client is ready for change, willing to do the work, and open to new perspectives. I am here to counsel you in joy through experiencing insights for personal change and transformation. Call or email for your appointment today - the time is now!

Warmly,

Kayla

www.KaylaGarnetRose.com

831.435.5182

Improve Your Life With Hypnosis

Discover Hypnosis with Kayla Garnet Rose, Certified Hypnotherapist, Santa Cruz, California

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is hypnosis and how does it work?
A: Hypnosis is a very natural process of entering a state of deep relaxation. This helps your subconscious mind become more attentive, receptive to suggestion, and open to change. The practitioner will guide you into a trance, and then facilitate your inner explorations. Much like being in a lucid dream, your subconscious will reveal to you the steps for successful solutions through experiencing insights for personal growth & transformation.

Q: How can I be sure I can be hypnotized?
A: Hypnosis is a natural, though altered, state of mind. You enter some form of hypnosis several times a day, like when you are driving and pass your turn-off because you haven’t been paying attention, or being absorbed in a good book. Everyone goes through natural, altered states before they fall asleep, and as they come into wakefulness. 

Q: Can a hypnotist make me do something I don’t want to do?
A: All hypnosis is actually "self-hypnosis." You are allowing the hypnotist to guide you into your deeper and broader memory and other resources. Since it is a 100% consent state, no one can hypnotize you against your will. You are free to reject and receive any suggestion at any time, and to come out of trance at any time by merely opening your eyes.

Q: Will I reveal too much when I am hypnotized?
A: Hypnosis is not a truth-serum or other drug. It is not like "opening Pandora’s Box" and letting out all your secrets. Since you are in charge, and letting yourself be hypnotized, your own mind determines how much or how little you wish to contribute to a hypnosis session. You can just as freely answer and not answer questions in a hypnotic state as you do in a wide-awake one.

Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Resolving your issue will depend on the issue itself, as well as on your commitment to change. Typically, you will know within 3 sessions whether Hypnotherapy is effective for you.

Q: How often should I schedule sessions?
A: Some clients visit each week, others come as often as they see fit to address their needs.

Q: How long is one session?
A: Sessions run between 60 to 75 minutes. 

Q: What else should I do?
A: Drink water; Practice what you learn in sessions; Keep a journal; Balance work & play; Breathe deep; Check in with other healers for a holistic experience - ask for a referral for any service you may need at this time.

Q. Habit cessation
A. Just as people develop habits for many different reasons, people also desire to stop their habits for just as many reasons. I work with people to find the underlying causes. What do you like and dislike about your habit? How did it serve you? What will serve that purpose now? What will you miss? What is your main motivation to quit? What does it mean to you? Through a combination of guided imagery and regression healings, you will find changing your habits easy and with long term results.

Q. What is Hypnosis used for?
A. Anytime you would like to feel focused, have a goal to achieve, or want to check in with your deeper self. Whether accessing your inner coach for true motivation, or inner couch for deep relaxation, discover how hypnosis can serve you. I have had positive results with:
Anxiety & releasing fear
Body image
Business partnerships
Career change
Chakra balancing
Communication blocks
Creative blocks
Deciding on having a baby
Decision making
Deep relaxation
Developing intuition
Easy Birth
Fertility issues
Finding one’s purpose
Follow through on intentions
Habit change
Heartbreak
Improving intimacy
Inner resources
Insomnia
Integrating parts of self
Job interview prep
Job/career questions
Loneliness
Money, prosperity & abundance
Meditation practice
Mental blocks
Mind-body healing
Money issues
Nightmares
Pain management
Past lifes
Phobias
Phone anxiety
Pre & post surgery
Public speaking
Reconnecting with family members
Reducing stress
Regret & Resentment
Relationship issues
Releasing old grief
Releasing past trauma
Self esteem
Self Sabotage
Smoking cessation
Spiritual Guidance
Sports enhancement
Stage Fright
Strengthening resolve
Stress reduction
Support during chemo/radiation
Test anxiety
Time management
Transitions
Tying up loose ends
Weight management

New Moon in Leo

New Moon in Leo today, sign of the Lion. Whether you were proud to be an American on the 4th of July or proud of your transgender child at a Gay Pride Parade, now is the time to find out what you are proud of in your life. Your ancestry? Your sports team? Your college? Your accomplishments? And who is in your pride- your family, your colleagues, your co-workers, your classmates? Throw one big ol' party in the name of peace this summer, and remember to invite me.

Sauntering into late summer, the new moon in Leo purrs like a kitten, playful and free. This is the time to fire up and communicate your true nature, as the universe is calling upon you to expand your awareness.

What do you want to show the world? Taking others into consideration is an art. Take time to cultivate listening. Start a gratitude journal and share your blessings with those you love.

Dr. Kayla Garnet Rose, CHT has been studying the esoteric art of Astrology since 1990. She is available for astrology readings online with Google Hangouts, by phone or in person. Call or email to set up your appointment for some astrochat with Kayla and discover the secrets of the stars found in your birth chart.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

The Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is located at 35 Pacific Ave, across from the entrance to the wharf. It is FREE admission whoo-hoo! Although donations are accepted. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

This place is great - whether you just have ten minutes or a few hours. It is a visitors center to explore, educate, and create the connection with the ocean. While there are no live animals at the Sanctuary Exploration Center, there are lots of interactive displays, videos, and fun things to play! The interactive displays include an ROV - a mini submarine for exploring the deep - that you get to play with, as well as a great little video about the Monterey Bay and a Liquid Galaxy from Google. From tide pools to kelp forests, shipwrecks to creatures in the deep sea, come find out more at the Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. Fun for kids, parents, teachers and visitors, well worth checking out.

Messages From Sea Glass

Once I met a wind swept man
Who constructed his days
& spent his nights in craft,
And the time betweens
Sifting the beaches
For bits of precious sea glass.

Milky white, palest aqua,
Sea green, and cobalt blues,
Burnished browns, occasional reds
And the rarest of violet hues.

These shards of the past
Once raw & jagged
Now polished & refined
He would into make jewelry
Creating a holder,
A reminder of the divine.

Solidly set in silver
Skillfully soldered
Edges worked intaglio-
Stars & moons,
Cut outs to reveal
The treasured inner glow.

How like our hearts...

What was once a whole vessel
To whatever elixir
Ambrosia in the moment
Containing the promise of eternity
Infinity in a bottle
Or so we took for granted.

Suddenly smashed & broken
Tumbled by turmoil
Tossed by tides of grief.
Scoured by remorse
Cleansed of regret
These fragments of relief.

Shrapnel of the soul
Now soft, eroded edges
Worn smooth by patience.
Translucent, transcendent,
A constant reminder:
Time is precious.

Sea glass, see glass
See through the looking glass...
Salt tears & wisdom know-
Sand once melted
Sand now scoured
Even glass will flow.

Milky white, palest aqua
Sea green baubles
Hung on sterling chains
Reminding the throat
Reminding the heart
Cherish each moment that remains.

New Moon in Cancer

A week ago today was the New Moon in Cancer, sign of the Crab. Are you feeling stuck between your shell and a hard place? Crack open your sense of humor and find the strength in being vulnerable, the sacred in the mundane. Nourish yourself as much as those around you, and remember to practice self care.

Feeling crabby lately? Side stepping the issues? “Discontent is the first step towards progress”. So many folks seem so unhappy lately, this quote sprang to mind. If you're happy with life, one doesn't change. It's only when we're unhappy that we do start to change - look at health care!

If you feel stuck in a rut, reach out - to a friend, a healer, your senator, etc. Take action rather than choosing to remain depressed. Change is our friend! There is a feeling of universal exasperation, but all displeasure is released with good information, and the true opportunity lies in dealing with what’s in front of you, rather than acting like a victim.

Remember to begin with small, gentle adjustments, and the slower the change, the more real and long lasting the results.

Dr. Kayla Garnet Rose, CHT has been studying the esoteric art of Astrology since 1990. She is available for astrology readings online with Google Hangouts, by phone or in person. Call or email to set up your appointment for some astrochat with Kayla and discover the secrets of the stars found in your birth chart.

Simple Self Hypnosis for Relaxation

A simple Self Hypnosis Technique with Kayla Garnet Rose, Certified Hypnotherapist, Santa Cruz, California

Simple Self Hypnosis Technique

• Inhale and look up at eyebrows
• Exhale and close eyes
• Take a deep breath & exhale with a sigh
• Take a moment to experience the words:
Calm
Peaceful
Tranquil
Relaxed

With each inhale, breathe in relaxation
With each exhale, breathe out discomfort

• Say some affirmation(s)

• Count yourself back
1. Start to bring yourself back
2. Notice the feelings in your body
3. Be aware of your space
4. Move a bit, stretch, readjust
5. Coming all the way back, feeling awake, relaxed and energized

Poem for Marya

One day Marya the Creatress was walking her path,
When she realized - she really needed a bath!
She rubbed and she scrubbed at all of her spots,
But nothing seemed to remove those red dots!

Off she went to her favorite healer,
A witch in the woods, a real potion dealer.
Who stood up tall, in pink and white striped socks,
And exclaimed, "Oh my dear - You have chicken pox!"

Now the creatress had wandered both far and near,
She was familiar with the ways of Salmon and Deer.
She knew all about Coyote, and the wily Fox,
But what, oh, what, could she learn from the Chicken Pox?

She thought, she mumbled, she scratched and she itched,
She went through hell and tried not to bitch,
Because now she understood those in chronic pain,
Who deal with a similar hell, again and again...

She went on a vision quest, searching high and low,
Climbed the mountains, basked in the meadow.
On Solstice Night, she discovered wisdom of the Owl-
Whoooo simply said -
Be friends with all that is fair and fowl.

Blessed Be!

Temple of Laphrodite Mini Magic Spells

Yay! As my final project for The Creatress Salon (a 12 week course working with coaches, artists, healers and musicians) I created a mini deck of cards: Temple of Laphrodite Mini Magic Spells: Tiny Meditations and Healing Affirmations.

Using my favorite sayings and my own photos, these 25 little cards printed on extra sturdy cardstock are perfect for your altar on the go. 

Simply breathe, focus, choose a card, reflect, rinse repeat. Available in a repurposed tin box or colorful gauze bag, just the right size for purse or backpack.

I made a limited amount available for our Creatress Salon on Thursday, June 23, or you can order them here.

Commemorative Tin Box $15

Gauze Bag $10

(+$5 for shipping/handling)

All proceeds go towards The Artemis Project, which envisions a world of healthy, empowered girls that grow up supported to become self-actualized women.

 
I will be participating in four different performance pieces in the upcoming Creatress Salon. It is our last hurrah - I'm in a dance piece, short skit, singing, and performing a personal monologue - wahooo! And I sure would love to see your smiling facing in the audience!

The four month class was designed to encourage creativity through a system of support, grounding, clearing, and manifestation.  I wanted to work on my tarot deck, and these cards are my prototype for a bigger project. Please join us!

The Creatress Salon
Thursday, June 23 7:30pm
Pacific Cultural Center
Sliding scale donation $10-20

I sure do hope to see you there!

Please join me at The Creatress Salon!

Join me for this epic event where 11 women will be sharing beautiful and fun offerings of music, poetry, dance, spoken word and story.

This offering emerges out of a 4-month container with healers and artists spiraling together in the spirit of awakening feminine creative power as the key to sharing our precious gifts with the world.

In addition to the performances, there will be an opportunity for all who are present to network, shop and also participate together as a group.

Evening Offerings Include:

Eco Kids Fashion Show
Crystal Sound Healing Ceremony
Activated Dance Performance
Comedy Storytelling Performance
Singing Performance
Manifesting Meditation
Creative Poetry

This is event is a fundraiser and is $10-$20 sliding scale suggested donation. No one will be turned away.

This is a Family Friendly Event. Please join us and bring your fam and friends!

There will be items for sale including baked goods, homemade clothes for children, and even a book of spells!

Upcoming Lecture: Embracing Chiron: Change Your Deepest Wounds into Your Greatest Gifts

All healing...

Upcoming Lecture:

Embracing Chiron: Change Your Deepest Wounds

 into Your Greatest Gifts

Are current events triggering past memories? Feeling the need for karmic closure? Ready to let go of old woundedness and shame?

Many women in their late 40s and early 50s are experiencing their Chiron return - The Wounded Healer. Now is an opportunity to transform your deepest wounds into your greatest gift.

Come learn how to use astrology and other holistic tools to tap into Chiron's profound transformative, healing energies.

Women's Networking Group (WNA) 

Wednesday, June 1st

Museum of Art & History (MAH) 

705 Front Street, from

 9am to 10:30 am

Free!

Kayla Garnet Rose, Ph.D.
Certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master
www.KaylaGarnetRose.com
(831) 435-5182
Click here to book your appointment online!

Mystical Wisdom Cards

 It is Beltane, May Eve. The last quarter moon is hidden in the fog that covers all of Carmel, where I am on a retreat at the Highland's Inn. Smoke from chimneys combine with the grey mist, all is still, even the ocean sounds are muffled and distant. After spending the day in the thermal waterfalls at Refuge, we now curl up by the fireplace and begin to feast on The Mystical Wisdom Card Deck. In direct contrast to the somber tones around us, the cards burst with rainbow colors, dazzling details, and an overall feeling of entering into an enchanted realm, like stepping into a fairy tale of your own making.

Written by Gaye Guthrie and illustrated by Josephine Wall, The Mystical Wisdom Card Deck has just been published by US Games Systems. The set includes 46 cards, printed on glossy heavy stock that are pleasing to both the hand and the eye. Accompanied by a booklet with both card layouts and meanings, there is both comfort and wisdom to be found in the short passages which include a mantra.

A veritable smorgasbord of angels, fairies, unicorns, mermaids, animals, flower devas and other guides run the gamut in this deck. The art is simply beautiful, and would appeal to young women who are just discovering oracle decks. The writing is short and sweet, and completely non-dogmatic. For example, in writing about the Celtic Cross spread, the author states, "Please be aware that you have the power to change the outcome of your reading if you desire. Nothing is written in stone."

The soft sound of shuffling cards blends with the quiet crackling of the fire. After a simple breath blessing, I take a moment to set my intentions, both for the reading and in what will unfold over the year. The first card I pull is "Face Your Fears: Release the Power of Fear". A blindfolded woman appears to be dreaming, cradling a golden rose, her body merging into a horse's, while planets, comets and stars fill the sky. "Fear has a subtle way of showing you the dark side of yourself...Fear can also show you that something is worth fighting for..."

The second card is "Knowledge". Infused with golden light, this image shows a young woman reading a book from which swirling clouds with small figures spill. Fairy tales, myths, legends and lore are a part of the teaching here, a sense of weaving stories with imagination to gain insight and understanding. Certainly knowledge will support me in facing my fears. The mantra reads, "Knowledge brightens my horizons for the future."

 The last card is "Friendship: Nurture Your Relationships". Three feminine beings gaze over a lush green valley with a peaceful river flowing through it. One being is blue, with feathers for hair, several birds on her shoulders and even nesting in her hair. One is golden yellow, with butterflies as her coiffure. The third is a soft mauve, with an abundance of flowers instead of tresses. Each is unique, yet they blend well together. "The value of friendship is expressed by mutual understanding, compassion and the ability to comfort each other for emotional support." I take a moment to feel the deep love and gratitude for my friends, and all the ways that they have contributed to my knowledge and helped me face my fears, and I hope I have done the same in return.

The Mystical Wisdom Card Deck is a great set for anyone who considers themselves a dabbler in the mysteries. "The cards offer you choices and options. It is up to you or the seeker to determine what is right for you at the time of the reading." Like the grey fog now slowly lifting from the Carmel Valley, revealing the true colors of the crashing sea, I feel my mind lifting the veils and reconnecting with a deeper sense of hope and optimism.

Blessed be.

Thoughts on Turning 50 and Re-Creating the Crone

 "Work is love made visible." - Rumi

I've been doing art projects that have been on my mind for years, including painting this statue from Philippa Bowers, which was part of a Goddess fountain when I had my cafe back in the 90s. About two foot tall, glazed in a matt green, cradling a large vibrant purple amethyst cluster, We named her Hypatia after the greek mathematician, who was killed by having her flesh flayed with oyster shells.

We would add a few drops of bleach each week to the fountain water, to keep down bacteria. After a dozen years, bleach deposit both built up and began to decay parts of her face and body, as well as loosening the crystals in her belly. After I closed Herland, Hypatia came to live in my garden, along with an assortment of other broken nosed and gently damaged goddesses.

Being flayed was a feeling I related to, and during those dozen years I got over a dozen tattoos.

Much of this was a reclaiming of my body, my beliefs, and my standards of beauty. A way to be comfortable in my skin. Everyone has scars on the inside - mine are on the outside, and they are pretty, colorful, and make for good stories.

Now approaching 50, I'm experiencing a new body image issue, that of becoming the crone, the hag, the elder. What does it mean to age gracefully? What does it mean to express my authentic self? I am questioning dying my hair, working to accept my buddha belly (now I know why it's called "middle" age), while pondering the delight in creases, folds, and wrinkles.

So I decided to paint Hypatia, to reclaim her as a symbol of my croning. Her hair is silver white, with a crown of pearls and roses. I will begin detailing more of her face and body next. I'm also painting a wooden stand to a marble table that she might sit on, and a ceramic cat from my daughter's garden. I like working like this, on a few projects at once, since as the paint is drying on one thing I can paint another one.

As I painted her white hair, fine wrinkles, smile lines, tattoos, and scars, I thought of Ani DFranco's line, "I got highways for stretch marks, see where I've grown". I think about all the ways to love a body that is half a century old, the ways to treat myself with tenderness and respect. Just like my old car, this body needs more regular tunings, more quality fuel, and more lubricant.

How will you re-create yourself today?

Blessings,

Kayla

Re-Creating MySelf

I have just begun a 4 month course, "The Creatress Project", hosted by Narayani Gaia and Marya Stark. My main intention is to be in an accountability group, and to both give and receive constructive criticism, general encouragement/support, and possible long termnetworking/collaborations. My focus will be on writing and creating art, specifically to publishing my own tarot deck and book, although I also have a host of other projects I would like to see published. My goals for these 12 weeks are:

• Cultivate/return to a daily creative practice: writing or making art
• Connect with women on weekly basis as part of my spiritual practice
• Birth a long term project that has been gestating for years

The first step was to find time, of course. I realize I spend at least an hour a day playing games on the computer, particularly in the mornings, which is my personal prime time. I like to do a crossword puzzle and a jigsaw puzzle, which feels like a nice brain warm up, and balanced between left and right brain activities. Simply deciding to do these games in the evening as part of my relaxation meant I freed up my morning hour without feeling like I was denying myself something that I enjoy.

Especially since I do enjoy both writing and making art. The resistance comes from that little perfectionist voice that says "it's not good enough". Well, the only way to get good is to develop that daily practice, but starting from that place of joy and wonder, of beginner's mind, the delight of the child playing with colors.

Angel of Time - Aquarius

An angel came to me with this message:
Always remember your time is precious.

Take the time to hone your craft,
Take the time to sing and laugh.
Go out and sit by the waterfall,
Dance With Love at the enchanted ball.

Take all day to contemplate your life,
Take a minute to let go of your strife.
Spend an hour walking in the forest shade,
Meditate upon the life that you have made.

Invest in your own self reflection,
Allow your deep desires to be resurrected.
Waste not a moment on worry or fear,
Focus instead on all that you hold dear.

Always remember this little rhyme,
There is nothing more valuable than your time.

Blessed Be.

Capricorn - The Surfer

She is comfortable in her skins,
Knows how to ride the waves of her emotions,
Always ambitious, gliding through shark infested waters,
Walking on the wind and feeling exaltation in her bones.

She is intimate with the tides,
And respects the workings of the moon.
Confident, hard working, she loves to teach
Others the mysteries of the waters.

Disciplined, she knows her limits.
Has excellent boundaries.
Paradoxically is limitless and boundless,
Deep within her core.

She struts her stuff,
Enjoys sand between her toes,
And no matter what beach, what ocean,
She is always at home.

Holiday Specials - The Gift of Insight

Give the Gift of Insights

An Experience They will Always Remember

$30 Off

Any 90 minute session

(Reg. $125 - Special $95)

Limit 1 per person - Expires 12/31/2015

Gift Certificates can be used for any modality. Invite your loved ones to experience insights for personal growth and transformation this holiday season, a gift that they will treasure for a lifetime.

• Shamanic Journey: Meet Spirit Guides
• Past Life Regressions
• Chakra Balancing
• Change New Year’s Resolutions into Long-Term Solutions
• Deep Relaxation with Reiki
• Tarot Readings
• Astrology: Birth Charts, Relationship Readings and Transits

Gift Certificates can be mailed to you or directly to the recipient

Warm wishes for the holidays,

Kayla

Kayla Garnet Rose, Ph.D.
Certified Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master
www.KaylaGarnetRose.com 
(831) 435-5182

Click here to book your appointment online!

Sagittarius - The Truth Seeker

Soothsayer, Truth sayer
Tell me what you know
Seeker of knowledge
Show me where to go

Scholar of the earth
In touch with your fire
Teach me how
To harness my desire

Centaur woman
With your animal side
Won’t you please
Take me astride

She takes the time
To show me what to do
Focus, pull back,
and really follow through

Spilling lava of the volcano
Erupts after long dormancy
Creates new vistas
Escapes complacency

Sacred Kingfisher
Brings halcyon days
California Poppy
Commemorate her ways

Soothsayer, Truth sayer
Teach me the higher mind
Perpetual student of life
The philosopher who is kind.

The Destroyer of Sadness - Scorpio

"You can be addicted to a certain kind of sadness." - Goyte

I am she who dwells on the threshold,
I offer you salvation from that which claims your soul.
Are you willing to look in the mirror, see what holds you back?
Are you willing to accept your abundance as well as what you lack?

What do you really want, what will you sacrifice?
Are you willing to be real, not just being nice?
I am in touch with my power, blessing and curse,
I can bring out the best, I can bring out the worst.

I'm here to help end your fruitless searching,
Liberate your power, destroy what isn't working.
Remember you are a hero, not a victim,
Rebirth is here, honor your self creation.

"Oh Destroyer of Sadness, Come make me Whole." - Astarius

The Trapeze Artist - Libra

I am she who flies above the crowds,

I amaze, delight and thrill to the "wows!"

I seem to be dancing high in the air,

Without a single fear, worry, or care.

In this moment of sublime suspension

I am applauded, showered with attention.

I am bright and colourful, attractive and gay,

I make it look easy, but I practice each day.

Dressed in satin and ribbons of gold,

I know I am stunning, balanced, and bold.

I'm here with a purpose, a story to tell,

I love center stage, and I perform very well.

I develop my talents, my skills, and my art,

I will always be the trapeze artist at heart.

Blessed Be.