To a pigtailed elementary school mystic back in the 50's, spirituality was pretty flavorless and conservative in general, at least in my neighborhood, and completely absent in my chaotic home. Yet I was deeply aware of benevolent energy which was protective and truthful. It was always with me, in the distance yet nearby. It drew closer when I was in danger.

On June 17th, a white man opened fire in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. (“Emanuel AME”) killing nine people including a pastor/state senator during an ordinary Wednesday Bible study. Something about this got me to thinking. In fact, I can't stop thinking about it. But not for obvious reasons.

How empowering is it to know that there are effective and simple ways to elevate the energy of your environment - whenever you want to? No need to hire a swami, a rabbi, priest, shaman or medicine man because you can do this yourself.

“Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for I don't know what exactly, but it is something you don't mind not having at other times.” Kate Bosher Holiday festivities have built in power. Happiness and joy? Yes. Also the power to stir the pot, make waves, get us riled up over the small stuff, pushing buttons we may not be aware of until after it happens. You know what I mean.