Tools for Tranformation: Hypnosis, Reiki, Tarot & Astrology

A client asked if we could do hypnosis by phone - what if they dropped the receiver? First, yes, one can do hypnosis sessions via phone. One doesn’t actually fall asleep in sessions, so there’s no fear of dropping the phone, although headsets and speaker phones are great too. Instead, you just go into a deep, comfortable trance, much like a long drive home, engrossed in an interesting conversation. But the truth is you are always in control, are always at the wheel, and at any time can just open your eyes to break the trance. Your mind feels fully occupied with the exercises I guide you through, allowing you to come up with the exact right solution to your situation. One client came to me with a phone phobia - interestingly enough, she had recently got a job as a tele marketer. We would do phone sessions, but I have also found phone sessions effective for distance healing, relieving stress, and support while quitting smoking.

Some folks actually do an “open eyed trance” during sessions, but most find it more comfortable to close their eyes, and to be in a quiet space. The advantage of phone sessions is exactly that - being in your own space, feeling comfortable in your surroundings, and not having to travel home afterwards means you can spend some more time in that peaceful place, like taking a nap after a good massage.

I like Skype sessions because then I can see you, watch your breathing, small facial movements that indicate where you are in your process and how to guide you deeper. If you are set up for video you can record the sessions for future review or reinforcement.

Smoking is an interesting habit- people quit smoking for as many reasons as they started smoking, and absolutely hypnosis is helpful in changing any habit. Hypnotherapy allows you to discover the deeper purpose behind smoking and how to fulfill that purpose in a new, healthier, deeply satisfying way. Because all of this is happening in your own imagination, it is always the perfect right solution for you.

Some interesting facts: In breaking smoking cycle, it takes 3 days for the nicotine release; 21 days for the emotional release; and almost 2 years for the plaque build up to clear your arteries. Hypnosis is helpful for the immediate withdrawal symptoms; for processing the release of emotional toxins over the mid range; and for managing/decreasing stress in the long run.

I do a minimum of three sessions over one week to quit smoking for good. The first session is the “getting to know you” session, My intake includes looking at what is your main motivation, your 3 strongest reasons to quit; past success with quitting; support systems in your life; and what affirmations are you making now. Some examples: “I smell fresh”, “ I reach for health” and a personal favorite, “Every breath is a gift”.

During the first session I teach a simple, one minute self hypnosis technique that effectively anchors the feelings of whatever it is that smoking brings you into a part of the body. Repeating the technique while tapping that part of the body instantly brings you to that place, circumventing the need for an actual cigarette.

The second session is almost completely done in trance, and is to quit smoking entirely. This can include imagining all the future situations where you would be tempted to smoke and seeing yourself as a permanent nonsmoker. It also includes visualizing releasing all your smoking paraphernalia, from ash trays to lighters to packs or cartons of cigarettes. This reinforces your self-programming, especially when combined with your anchor.

The last session is a goodbye ritual, acknowledging how Father Tobacco has served you in life, and honoring Spirit of the Plants. I combine reiki in my sessions, using the energy to further dissolve any stagnation. According to chinese medicine, grief is stored in the lungs, and often folks who smoke are stuck in some sort of grief, and hypnosis allows for a symbolic death, mourning, and most importantly, moving on to reaffirm life.

Some folks feel it’s about having enough will power, but really I see it as changing wishful thinking into willful thinking. Feel the difference in saying out loud, “I wish I could stop smoking” and “I WILL stop smoking” When you say, “I will” your brain says, “How?” and is all excited to participate. The simple truth is: You will know when it is time to quit. I had one client come to quit smoking, which she did in 3 days, after over a year of weekly hypnotherapy sessions to address the real reason behind her smoking: stress (the proverbial smoke screen). Once she had built up the internal resources to manage her emotions and discovered ways to release her stress in a positive way, she was ready to let go of her smoking habit. Allow yourself all the time you need, and remember to embrace change as a doorway to a more peaceful existence.

I hope this is helpful. Call or email for an appointment when you are ready to quit smoking  for good!

Tap into the celestial tides to enhance your souls journey on your chosen life path. Let this be the gift of usable energy in any way that is beneficial to you now. Take in any information that resonates with your current situation, and simply disregard the rest. Click here for last month's astrochat. Blessed Be.

When the Moon is in the seventh house

and Jupiter aligns with Mars.

Then peace will guide the planets

and love will steer the stars

Sun in Aquarius Aquarius is the sign of self knowledge & wisdom. We are six weeks away from Spring Equinox, the sap is rising, the light returning. Stand up now and speak for your cause - miraculous possibilities are sparkling all around.

Full Moon in Leo on Monday, February 9, 2009. Harvest the thought: How do I show my emotions? How do my emotions show me what I need? Shed your ego of the past & take pride in your friends and family.

New Moon in Pisces on Wednesday, February 25, 2009: Seed thought: How do I transcend my past limitations? What seeds of truth do I plant now?


Mercury in Capricorn/Aquarius, stationary direct on Sunday, February 1. 2009. How can you increase your communication skills? Do you need to write more, listen more, or be silent more? After a long retrograde feeling like the great wind up, Mercury feels like being slung out of a wrist rocket at times. Buckle up & enjoy the ride.

Venus in Aries on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. 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.

Mars in Aquarius on Thursday, February 5, 2009. Our desire for new knowledge impels us to seek out new information in unusual and eclectic ways. Expect to feel electrical charges and lighting flashes of insight. Take a chance and see what happens at the Masquerade ball.

Jupiter in Aquarius exaggerates Mars energy, making us all put on our detective hats and get out our magnifying glasses. While self examination is always a valuable experience, do not over confabulate your symptoms like a first year med student suffering from all diseases.

Saturn Retrograde in Virgo is opposing Uranus in Pisces.We are being challenged now to step off of the crucifix of suffering, and to change our internal structures to be more like the cross of a kite. There are times to fly free and times to reel in - who is holding the end of your particular string?

Neptune in Aquarius emphasizes collective humanitarian movements and the co-creation of social justice. Pay attention to your dreams, both night- & day-dreams. Start a dream journal - write or sketch your visions, coloring and embellishing upon them. Feed your imagination and try to use new eyes everyday.

Pluto in Capricorn since December 25, 2008. Well, I've already mentioned that little goat, climbing mountains, seeing new ones. But to get to that other mountain, you need to go down into the valley. But guess what? It's not all dark and treacherous down there - in fact, it's well worth the journey. Just go slow, my sure-footed one...

Chiron in Aquarius The wounded healer offers us the opportunity to heal the schisms that have separated us for so long, beginning with the original separation of self from source. Speak your truth and you will find the connection & empathy you have been for which you have been longing. You are home in your heart - Your heart is your home.


Kayla Garnet Rose has been studying the esoteric art of Astrology since 1990. She is available for online astrology readings with Skype. Call or email to set up your appointment for some astrochat with Kayla.

Today's ritual:

I went to a baby shower for a friend last fall, and one of the hostess gifts was a packet of seeds - Sweet peas in Cupid Pink, to be exact. They have been sitting in a dish on one of the around the house altars for awhile, gathering energy, if not dust. Fairy dust, of course.

Sun & New Moon are conjunct in Aquarius today, thus begins the Chinese New Year, Year of the Ox. The Ox, like Taurus the Bull, is a tenacious & thorough beast, gentle, patient, strong & full of determination (Obama is a Metal Ox). Tapping into this energy, I cupped my hands around the seeds and began a prayer:
Let these be
The Seeds of Change
The Seeds of Peace
the Seeds of Love
The Seeds of Hope
(and everyone's favorite)
Seed Money
Now...
Blessed Be.
I then proceeded to plant five seeds in each of my Feng Shui power stations, starting in Child/Creativity, perfect for this is also the time of Brigid, Goddess of Inspiration. I take a moment to pull out some weeds, my negative thoughts, creating space for new life to grow.

I moved on to Helpful People. This corner of my yard touches my neighbor Jim, who has always been helpful to me. May I be helpful in return. I might not be able to do anything about the war in the Middle East, but I can reach out to my immediate neighbor. May the seeds of peace flourish between us.

I planted the five seeds in containers on my front deck & along my front path for Career/Lifepath, reflecting upon both the limits of the vessel for growth and the ease to nurture & tend to those seeds as a result, and how to apply to my own profession now.

The Self-Knowledge corner kisses my other neighbor's Helpful People spot. A rambling rose grows from my yard, through and along the fence, into their yard. Let my wisdom be helpful, rambling rose that I am.

I move to the backyard, along the fence which hosts Family/Ancestors, and before pushing each round seed into the dark moist earth, I take a moment to say each my grandparent's names, and my dearest Aunt who still lives in Italy, inspiring me with her adventuresome travels despite going blind.

Moving into Power/Wealth, the prayer seems more potent. I plant the seeds in between the Sweet William & the Primula (my little winter cabbages, as I like to think of them), which are looking quite perky after the recent rains, deep fuscia & burgundy blossoms with a touch of yellow at the center. I name my five intentions for my business, visualizing their growth over the next year.

By now the cats have noticed I'm in the yard, and have abandoned the gopher posts to assist me in circumnavigating the garden. There is no doubt as I take the time to pet & pamper my sweet familiars, right there in Fame/Reputation. I will always be known as a cat lover...
I reach Love/Union/Marriage. I audibly sigh as I reflect upon all the good work I have done in this power spot. It has been more than nine months since I last had any interest in a partnership, let alone dating & mating, and I find myself rededicating myself to my lost goddess, Aphrodite. I am ready to love again. I chuckle to myself as I contemplate watering & nourishing my beloved seeds - here's one place maybe I do need some Miracle Grow.

Let these be
The Seeds of Change
The Seeds of Peace
the Seeds of Love
The Seeds of Hope
and Seed Money...

I complete my circle, I come to the center, and find myself in a patch of pale winter sunlight, the dark rain clouds laughing in the background. It is Lunar Imbolc - 6 weeks from Solstice, six weeks til Equinox. I am this sharp edge of shifting light, and I find myself laughing - laughing with delight.

May all your heartfelt wishes blossom.

Blessed Be.

Tap into the celestial tides to enhance your souls journey on your chosen life path. Let this be the gift of usable energy in any way that is beneficial to you now. Take in any information that resonates with your current situation, and simply disregard the rest. Blessed Be.


Sun in Capricorn since Sunday, December 21, 2008. Capricorn is the sign of the goat. The goat sees the mountain, climbs it, then sees another mountain. What are your ambitions? What are your three wishes for the New Year? What if, instead of saying “I wish...” you said, “I will...”

Full Moon in Cancer on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Seed thought: How do I nourish my emotions? How do my emotions nourish me?

New Moon in Aquarius (Lunar Imbolc) on Sunday, January 25, 2009: Seed thought: How am I a unique individual? What is my contribution to humanity as a whole?

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius on Sunday, January 11, stationary direct on Sunday, February 1. 2009Review, review, review. Retrogrades are the Universe’s reminder to review the lessons recently learned in order to apply them to your life later on. Back up your computers, wait on those big ticket items, read the fine print three times, and remember a good book for all those unexpected delays.

Venus in Pisces since Sunday, January 4, 2009.

When I find myself in times of trouble,
mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom,
let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom,
let it be.

Let it be, let it be, .....

-Beatles

Mars in Capricorn since December 27, 2008, reminds us: do we control our desires, or do our desires control us? Desire has a bad rap - from Christian guilt to Buddhist suffering, but the truth is, without desire we would never have evolved from being amoebas. Start shedding the guilt and use desire as the way you want to improve upon life: improve your health, improve your wealth, improve the economy. improve your communication, improve your sex life. Little horny goats like to rut, remember?

Jupiter in Aquarius since January 6, 2009. Now is the time to wake up to humanitarian calls. Where can you volunteer? How much can you tithe? Get out of debt & depreciation & step into financial management & appreciation. What you give returns threefold, and now is the time to quench your thirst for new knowledge. Put on your thinking cap, beginners mind, & get back to school, find your teachers, traditional or otherwise...

Saturn Retrograde in Virgo since December 31, 2008. What are your health goals? What does health mean to you? Emotional, physical, financial, intellectual, sexual, and spiritual health? How will you improve your health? More exercise, better nutrition, different vitamins & supplements?Will you get regular massages, acupuncture, or chiropractic care? Is it time for an exam, mammogram, or blood test? What will rejuvenate you most now? Restructure your priorities and make self-care number one on your list.


Uranus in Pisces direct since November 27, 2008. Sudden shifts in spiritual beliefs, concepts of compassion, and notions of what it means to be emancipated could occur. Uranus has an eccentric orbit, and is the joker, the wild card, Coyote - remember that laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

Neptune in Aquarius direct since November 1, 2008. The last year was been full of disappointments & disillusionment, as Neptune spent much of it’s time retro. Now direct motion impels us to cast off the illusions of the past to create new visions. Remember, all acts of creation are acts of liberation.

Pluto in Capricorn since December 25, 2008. Pluto's message is, “transform or die.” Time to clean house. What needs to die in order for your deeper transformations to occur? Where do you feel you need the most improvements? Remember, the slower the change, the more meaningful & long lasting the results.

Chiron in Aquarius direct since October 27, 2008. Yes, you are different. Thank goodness there was change. We are all different now. Tell me, how have you changed your deepest wound into your greatest gift? Inquiring minds want to know...

Kayla Garnet Rose has been studying the esoteric art of Astrology since 1990. She is available for in person or online astrology readings. Call or email to set up your appointment for some astrochat with Kayla.