As we write this we are at the beginning of December and contemplating the fast approaching end of yet another amazing year and the fact that, impossible as it might seem, we are now just one month away from the beginning of 2012! We have needed several reality checks over this past year but this one is definitely one of the biggest yet.

The energetic patterning that was set in place during November, particularly at the 11 11 11, has created a powerful wave that will take us forward this month and on into 2012. There is a new strength and purpose within this patterning that feels unlike anything we have previously experienced and it seems set to bring forward change on all levels and with increasing intensity as we go forward into the coming year. Change is of course not a new theme for any of us, however with an assortment of planetary alignments supporting change on a grand scale this month it is certainly something we can expect to see more of.

Sagittarian Illumination

During December we come under the prevailing planetary influence of the constellation of Sagittarius, which brings forward the energetic qualities of clear vision, clarity, focus and purpose. Esoterically, Sagittarius rules the higher mind and the intuition as well as inspiring wisdom and truthfulness. As we enter December we are one week into a three-week period of retrograde Mercury, and in between the partial new moon solar eclipse of November 25 and the full moon lunar eclipse of December 10th. 2011 has been an unusual year in many ways, so it will probably come as no surprise to discover that the unusually high number of eclipses that we have experienced this year are an occurrence that will take place only six times throughout the whole of the 21st century.

Eclipses tend to change the way that we perceived things and there is no doubt that this is exactly what we are being requested to do this month, both at an individual and collective level. The illuminating influence of Sagittarian energies will be encouraging us to re evaluate our beliefs and ensure that they are motivationally aligned with the wisdom of our higher truth. Mercury retrograde will further encourage us with this endeavour as it supports introspection, review and reassessment of all kinds. As Mercury turns direct shortly after the full moon lunar eclipse on December 10th be prepared to move forward and take action based on the reorientation and insight that you have gained during this period of review. In the clarity and focus of Sagittarian energy it is likely that it will become extremely clear what needs to be done next whether this is at a personal or collective level.

Endings and Beginnings

Reflecting on all this made us recognise that the moment in time that we are all now experiencing is indeed that time which we have all worked towards for many lifetimes and that we are so very fortunate to have the opportunity to be here making our contribution to the unfolding of the new Earth. There is no doubt that the gift of new Life that we all received at 11 11 11 is there for the taking if we choose to receive it fully into our hearts and minds and allow it to wash away what does not resonate with our highest truth. However, herein lies the challenge for all of us. Since we have free will we must individually and collectively make the choice of how we will respond to the choice we are now offered. New Life means exactly that, a new beginning, however we cannot move forward into the new, carrying ‘baggage’ that relates to the old energy that we have walked in for many lifetimes. In the penetrating focus of Sagittarian energy this month it is likely that we will see with great clarity what changes we need to make in order to align more fully with this great gift of new beginnings. This is not an energy that will encourage or support resistance so whatever comes up for you remember to detach and observe, so that you can chose to make change with grace and ease.

You might also like to check out our Essence Suggestions for December to discover which essences might be most supportive for you this month.

In this Essence Review we have chosen to focus on an essence combination that offers support for some fundamental issues that are prominent for many people right now. As the powerful waves of higher awareness and new potential sweep through our planet, change is being instigated at an extraordinary pace in both our inner and outer realities. The opportunities for personal and collective transformation are currently enormous, but this is also a process that is definitely not without its challenges. In order to recreate ourselves we must choose to let go of the old patterns and learned ways of being that have up to now defined who we are and have perhaps also seemed important for our continuing welfare.

An important fundamental step in this transformational process involves a change in how we see ourselves in relation to others and the world around us. The starting place for this change is the development of balanced personal power and the ability to own our own energetic space as a right. However this is a difficult process for many because for the vast majority of us neither of these important issues have been encouraged or positively modelled for us as we were growing up. Thus we have learned to rely on others energetically and emotionally for our security and foundation in life.

Many of us have grown up believing that it is safer to defer to others who have strong opinions about what is good for us or learned that we can only get our needs met through a process of manipulation. This patterning creates a co-dependant, disempowering tangle of energies within which we effectively loose sight of ourselves until we choose to change it. Often what holds this patterning in place is a complex mix of emotions that include anger and fear as well as lack of self-value and confusion over our right to create positive personal boundaries.

It is now very important that we let go of this old patterning so that we can redefine and empower ourselves to step into the new patterning that is being presented to us in the waves of high frequency energies that are currently pulsing through our world. The old patterning relates to an imbalance in the solar plexus chakra and like all old patterning simply needs recognition, acceptance and a change of perspective in order that it can be transcended.

The Solar Plexus Chakra Combination

We are only too aware that despite our best intentions and recognition of the need to let go of a particular issue or pattern we can all encounter that uncomfortable state of resistance in which the mind offers us its reasons why it is ‘safer’ to stay in the old mode. This is when a well-chosen combination of vibrational essences can be so helpful to move you on. So for anyone who feels in need of support with any of the issues that we have mentioned above this month we suggest a 25ml bottle of our Solar Plexus Chakra combination to assist. This carefully selected blend of essences will help to stabilise and clear the solar plexus chakra as well as helping to release any stuck emotions associated with old patterning. It will also assist you to gain insight and new perspective on the issues that have been keeping you stuck. A few other indications that this combination might be helpful are a tendency to be sensitive to others criticism or strong opinions, easily feeling defensive, needing to justify ones actions, an overly active mind, unbalanced emotions, and issues around responsibility.

* The Solar Plexus Chakra Combination is available in a 10ml and a 25ml size and can be found here

As we look around the world at the events that have unfolded with such speed during the first few months of 2011 it is clear that the collective consciousness of humanity has finally become strong enough for the voice of freedom to be heard on a large enough scale for change to be inevitable. Freedom is very much a quality of the soul and individuals all over the world are responding to the insistent voice of freedom resonating from their own soul connection and taking appropriate action. The same is true in relation to our own individual lives and the current energy flow will particularly support us in hearing the voice of freedom from our own soul encouraging us to release old restrictions and set a new pathway forward for the coming year.

Pisces

As we write this we are bathing in the energies of Pisces and approaching the end of the astrological year. Not only is Pisces the last sign in the annual zodiacal year it is also the sign that has been the prevailing planetary influence for the past 2000 years. At the end of any cycle it is normal for us to find ourselves re evaluating our experiences and taking time to clear away any old ‘clutter’ that has accumulated before we move forward again. We are currently experiencing the magnification of this process on both a personal and collective level as we move from the influence of the Age of Pisces fully into that of the Age of Aquarius. Intense and chaotic though this process might appear on the surface it is immensely important for the coming Aquarian cycle.

The Energy of Pisces

The energy of Pisces brings us the opportunity to re-evaluate the connection between soul and personality and to open to higher levels of consciousness. The glyph that represents Pisces is that of the two fishes swimming in opposite directions while connected together by a thread. These two fish represent the soul and its incarnating personality aspect connected together by the silver cord that is the personality’s lifeline to the soul while it is in incarnation. Pisces energy reminds us that the personality is in reality an aspect of the soul manifest in form and that the fusion of the two is the ultimate goal. It seeks to move our awareness towards the underlying unity behind the apparent duality of our everyday existence.

As we swim in the watery, sensitive energies of Pisces we are encouraged to release those old aspects of personality that keep us in duality mode and to listen for the promptings of soul guiding us towards that which will be important for us as the new cycle begins when the sun enters Aries. Any areas of our lives where the personality is still pulling in the opposite direction to the soul are likely to be highlighted so that we can release and let go into greater freedom. In the powerful high frequency energy that we that has become the norm for us now it is easier than it has ever been to let go of old patterns of the past. All we need do is be willing not to argue for our limitations and to surrender whatever it is to the light of higher understanding, for transformation to take place.

The Voice of Freedom

As we are all know any new pathway that we choose to follow inevitably provides us with challenges to overcome along the way and following the voice of freedom from our soul is certainly no different. The first challenge in this respect is to be able to distinguish the voice of the soul from that of the personality. Often this comes in the form of an inner knowing that is so powerful that it cannot be disregarded, however we must then find the faith, trust, strength and courage to follow through with what is being requested of us. Suddenly we can find ourselves facing what appears to be unknown territory, perhaps a place that we have never been before in any previous lifetime. In this situation the mind is often full of ‘good ideas’ why it will not be possible to do what we know is right in our heart. Often these doubts and misgivings will be echoed back to us from friends and family who pick up on the wobble of uncertainty in our vibration and reflect it back to us. If this scenario seems at all familiar to you, take a deep breath and recognise that it is simply a wonderful opportunity engineered by your soul to help release some old stuck energies and that all is well however it may seem!

Staying Grounded

No matter what issues present themselves to us for transformation, there is no doubt that we are best equipped to deal with them successfully if we are able to stay centred and grounded in our own energy. Many people still unconsciously associate being grounded with old painful memories from the past that make them reluctant to fully connect with the earth in this current incarnation. The consequent lack of adequate grounding means that there is no anchor for the personality self and no foundation for the soul’s light to flow into, making it very difficult to keep a consistent soul connection. With this in mind here are a few suggestions for essences that would provide support with this issue; Base Chakra combination (Chakra Essences), Earth Star Lightbody Essences) Be Here Now (Inner Child Essences) or Earth Connection (Pure Vibrations Spray).

All true change takes place in the quantum space beyond the linear reality of the left-brain. It is therefore important that we find ways of engaging with this space on a regular basis each day. Meditation is the traditional way of doing this, however using our creativity or walking in nature are also equally good for some people. This space is where we engage with the present moment and where new choices can be made that change our everyday reality. The current energy flow is very supportive of this expanded consciousness but we must be willing to detach from the everyday mind that keeps us in the past or future in order to make best use of it. Essences that would provide support here are; Inner Harmony (Divine Harmony Essences) or Stillness (Inner Child Essences) for those needing help to calm an overactive mind, and Inner Focus to enhance and support meditation. Inner Wisdom, Soul Connection (Divine Harmony Essences) and Energetic Alignment (Pure Vibrations Spray) can all offer support for those seeking to engage more fully with the quantum field of expanded awareness.

While the idea of unlimited freedom resonates perfectly with the Soul, it can sometimes feel a scary proposition to our personality especially during times of heightened transformation. For anyone needing a little support to move quickly and easily through a patch of fear we can thoroughly recommend our Strength & Courage Spray (Pure Vibrations Sprays).

With that peculiar elasticity that seems to mark our relationship with time these days the first month of 2011 disappeared into history leaving us with the confusing sense that it has been simultaneously both a long and a short month. On the one hand it is hard to believe that the beginning of the year was just one month ago. On the other hand, what happened to that month and how did it slip past without our noticing? If you are feeling a little disconcerted by this changing relationship with time it might be comforting to recognise that you are not alone, we are all experiencing it in one way or another.

Living More in the Now

Our ability to remember is directly connected to the magnetic fields of the earth that have, up to now acted as an anchor for our memories. Over recent years the earth’s magnetic fields have decreased in power and are currently continuing to do so. This is now affecting our ability to remember and hold onto the past as well as changing our perception of time. It is an invitation to us to live more in the now and also a wonderful opportunity to let go of any old emotional baggage that we might still be carrying around.

Aquarius

The prevailing influence for the month of February always comes to us from the constellation of Aquarius. Although February is the month in which we can expect to experience the magnification of this energy, the Aquarian influence is also a very potent force field of energy that will continue to be a consistent influence on Earth over the next 2000 years as we move through the Age of Aquarius. Essentially the Aquarian influence highlights the spiritual values of unity, sharing and universal brotherhood. By its very nature it stimulates expansion of consciousness and transference of attention from the purely personal to those things that are for the collective good of humanity as a whole.

The Point of No Return

It is this Aquarian energy that is the stimulating force for the many changes that we are currently seeing in the world and also experiencing within ourselves. These are changes that are long overdue and it seems to us that we have recently reached a kind of ‘tipping point’ from where there is simply no going back. Change cannot be delayed or suppressed any longer and is consequently erupting on all fronts, both personal and collective.

Reflecting on this ‘point of no return’ we are aware of a sense of inner excitement tempered by the recognition of the enormity of the change required in order that freedom, equality and universal brotherhood can become the predominant life experience for all here on Earth.

Standing by the basic human rights of equality, freedom and justice will not necessarily be easy. It will test to the full our ability to honour the essential unity of life and challenge us to share our personal and collective resources from that perspective. As individuals we will need to be willing to find the courage to allow the love of the soul to release limitation and show us the way in which we can best contribute to the great Aquarian team effort that is now in process. In the hustle & bustle of everyday life it can be all too easy to forget that we are each a tiny part of an enormous group consciousness and that in each moment we are contributing to that consciousness through our actions and thoughts. Taking a few moments each day to check back on the motives and intentions behind those thoughts and actions is a simple but effective means by which we can each ensure that we are aligning with those all-important Aquarian principles to the best of our ability.

Working with our Unconscious Patterns

We all have many inbuilt and often unconscious patterns that preclude our ability to see ourselves as a unit of wholeness interconnected with the greater whole. One of the biggest and most damaging of these patterns is related to our tendency to judge everything as right/wrong, good/bad etc. With its attendant energies of criticism and intolerance, judgement, if indulged in will provide us with an instant manifestation of separation and hold us firmly in polarity consciousness. We have now reached the point where we must each lovingly allow ourselves to transform our ‘inner critic’ in order that we can be free to be our true self. Since this is such an important issue here are a few essence suggestions to help with this issue. Perhaps the best starting place for most people is the Inner Freedom combination (Divine Harmony Essences). We have found this to be a wonderful combination to help banish judgement, criticism and intolerance and help us attain that expanded place of awareness from which we can more easily recognise and let go of old mindsets and perceptions. Other combinations that might also be helpful to work with this issue are Heart Chakra (Chakra Essences), Self Acceptance, (Divine Harmony Essences) Forgiveness (Divine Harmony Essences) or Love (Inner Child Essences).

If we are to truly contribute to the creation of equality and fairness in the world we must first recognise ourselves as being equal. This is still a challenge for many who struggle with feelings of inferiority and lack of self-value so here are a few suggestions for anyone seeking support with this issue; Feeling Worthy (Divine Harmony Essences), Self Worth (Inner Child Essences) or Solar Plexus Chakra.

Lastly since fear is an underlying issue for many we will just remind you to check out the Strength & Courage Spray (Pure Vibrations Spray Collection) anytime you need some help to keep you moving forward. We find it a wonderful support if we are having a little difficulty facing up the need for change in some area of life.

For us September seems to have rushed sped past in a whirlwind of business and activity that has at times challenged our ability to stay focussed and detached. There has also been a general air of change and movement around over this last month that has been unsettlingly reflected in the weather as we moved from the warmth of Indian summer sunshine to howling gales and pouring rain, often from one day to the next. It is as though Mother Nature is showing us clearly how the pendulum of balance will swing from one extreme to another in our outer world if we do not take the opportunities being presented right now to choose greater balance and harmony within ourselves.

October Energetics

Balance will be very much the flavour of the month for October since the prevailing energetic influence comes to us from the constellation of Libra, long associated with balance, equilibrium, right judgement and relationship. Libra is related to the element of air and as such will also bring a focus on the mind and an opportunity for us to carefully weigh in the balance the choices we have so far made, with a view to making any appropriate changes. In a nutshell the energies of Libra will be encouraging us to find the ‘middle way’ or the path of balance in everything this month, both as individuals and as a collective.

The Equinox and the very powerful full moon that accompanied it last month brought a flood of new energy onto the planet that will be continuing to build in intensity up to the 10 10 10 gateway later this month. This pulse of energy is one of many, designed to help us expand our consciousness as we attempt to negotiate this intense period of transition and change. These incoming pulses of energy will build further in intensity over the next few years as we approach the pivotal point of the 12 12 12 gateway. If we can successfully ride the waves of change that they bring, these energy pulses will provide immense opportunities for growth and new choice on all levels. Just like riding a giant ocean wave on a surfboard they can lift us high and carry us exhilaratingly far provided we stay balanced.

Add to this energetic mix, four retrograde planets; Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune & Venus and October looks set to be an energetically intense month for all of us. Certainly the recent influx of new energy has already left many people feeling distinctly challenged as the Libra spotlight illuminates sensitive areas of their lives that need further review or re balancing.

The search for greater balance

As we see it the key to successfully using the current transformational energies of change lies in the perspective that we choose to take on the issues that inevitably arise for each of us at such a time. If we can remember that whatever appears to be presenting itself to us is ultimately an opportunity to find greater harmony and balance within ourselves, then we will be able to extract the gift from the situation and move on. If instead we choose to see ourselves as a victim of circumstance then we are stuck until such time as we choose to take a different view.

As we have said the Libran influence this month will tend to highlight those internal polarities that we have so far not been able to bring to a point of equilibrium so that we can ‘walk the middle way’ between the two extremes of a polarity with ease. We experience these polarities in every aspect of life, especially in our relationships. This is of course not only in the relationships we have with others but also in the all-important relationship that we have with ourselves. In fact it is in the internal relationship between self and Self that we may well encounter the biggest focus of illumination and consequent opportunity for greater balance this month. The fundamental choice that the new energies are offering to each of us now and for the next few years is that of fully embracing our spirituality through the final balancing of the polarity of self and Self. This has profound implications for our future as a collective since a critical mass of individuals achieving this balance will promote a radical overhaul of the way in which we currently perceive our world and the choices that we have collectively made as a consequence of this restricted view of reality.

So the energies this month will be nudging us to find a greater degree of balance in every aspect of life, however this also means that we could first find ourselves experiencing a period of what feels like imbalance, before we find the inner equilibrium that we seek. Under these circumstances we find that it helpful to remember that we cannot create balance in a polarity by choosing to ignore the aspect of it that we do not like. Inevitably this will simply mean that the pendulum will swing to the other polarity rather than settle in the middle in the desired place of balance. When this happens the rejected aspect of the polarity will show up as a reflection in those around us, often in difficult and painful ways, to make sure that we get the point. Balance is only achieved by taking responsibility and ownership for both sides of the polarity without judgement. There is then nothing left to trigger the swing of the pendulum. Easier said than done we know so here are a few suggestions for essences that might support your process this month.

See also our Flower, Gem & Crystal Essence Suggestions for October

It seems to us that what we are being asked to do right now is to become more aware of how the patterns that we carry impact the world around us and to take responsibility on a daily basis for our energetic contribution to that world. This requires a process of constant awareness and focus as well as an ability to be emotionally detached. For many of us the issue of emotional detachment is still difficult especially where our friends and family are concerned. However with a little introspection we can see that if we become over identified with others painful situations we are then unable to contribute the uplifting energies that would truly help them to see the bigger perspective and to move on. In other words we simply become a part of the problem rather than a part of the solution. With this in mind we thought that we would focus on some essences this month that will help with emotional balance & detachment.

Difficulty with emotional detachment inevitably means that we have some unresolved emotional issues that are easily triggered off, so simply becoming more aware of what those triggers are will be extremely helpful, so lets start with the Emotional Balance combination (Divine Harmony Essences). This is an invaluable combination for anyone who finds that they are easily caught up in a roller coaster ride of powerful, all encompassing emotions that they then have difficulty detaching from. This sounds very dramatic and in its extreme form it can be so, however you do not need to be experiencing this state in its extreme form to gain benefit from this essence. It will support anyone who wants to gain greater understanding of their emotional triggers to achieve more emotional balance and detachment. Emotional detachment is also a solar plexus issue so many people will find that a Solar Plexus Chakra combination (Chakra Essences) will also be a very valuable support.

In our experience it takes time and patience to work through the layers of emotional patterning that we have all collected so be gentle with yourself and take it one step at a time. When you feel that you have worked through quite a few layers and have reached a reasonable state of equilibrium, then that is a good time to take an Emotional Body essence (Lightbody Essences). This is a very powerful combination that will help you to dig deeper into any layers that are still as yet uncovered.

Our new Pure Vibrations Collection sprays are proving very popular and we can thoroughly recommend the Harmony & Tranquillity, Auric Protection & Positive Vibrations sprays to provide instant support for those working with emotional detachment issues this month.

The only way we can become fully aware of the patterns we carry is to be very grounded and aware in each moment, however many of us have a tendency to evacuate our bodies rather than feel our emotions. This unconscious reaction obviously makes it more difficult for us to deal effectively with our emotions, so for those who would like support with this we recommend either a Being Present combination (Divine Harmony Essences) or an Earth Connection spray (Pure Vibrations Collection) to help.

See also the Service and Detachment post.

Vibrational essences are of course a wonderful way to work on old unconscious patterns and the fragmented parts of yourself that are in need of love and reintegration. The correct essence combination can very quickly adjust your vibrational frequency and help you to recognise any issues that are blocking your way forward.

Fear is perhaps the most potent energy that we all carry and the one that will most quickly pull us out of a positive vibrational alignment, so lets start with some reminders of essences to help transform our fears. For many people fear and anxiety is an undercurrent emotion that runs through all of their life experiences, often quite unconsciously. Obviously the more conscious you can become of how this energy affects your life the easier it will be to recognise and change its hold over you. In this situation it will be extremely helpful to include Mimulus, Rock Rose, Aspen and Cherry Plum in your Bach Flower Remedy combinations on a regular basis for a while. In addition either Inner Calm (Divine Harmony Essences) or Courage (Inner Child Essences) will be powerfully transformative for deeper levels of buried fear.

Fear is also stored in the base chakra where it contributes to feelings of anxiety and fear around survival and prevents us from being fully grounded and present in our lives. In this case a Base Chakra combination (Chakra Essences) would also be very helpful. Feeling Safe (Divine Harmony Essences) or Peace (Inner Child Essences) might also be very supportive combinations for some working with this issue.

Doubt and lack of self-value, as well as lack of self-confidence will also seriously affect our ability to follow through with new goals and intentions. If you need support with any of these issues then one of the following combinations will be just what you need to reset you vibrational alignment  – Inner Certainty, Feeling Worthy or Confidence (Divine Harmony Essences).

In our experience criticism and judgement, particularly when turned against ourselves, can be extremely disrupting energies. Falling into judgement automatically takes us out of our hearts and into polarity consciousness, where we loose our ability to see the higher perspective of life. For anyone needing support with this issue we can thoroughly recommend a bottle (or two!) of Inner Freedom (Divine Harmony Essences).

We all need help from time to time to keep our hearts open so we thought we would just remind you again of how helpful either a Heart Chakra (Chakra Essences) or Love (Inner Child Essences) can be with this issue.

Last but not least for those who would like to promote greater alignment with their soul then either Soul Connection (Divine Harmony Essences) or Soul Gifts (Inner Child Essences) might be for you.

The Christmas holiday season, now fast approaching is traditionally a time of meeting up with family and friends. It is at these times that we especially get to recognise whether we have resolved the old issues from our past, since so often the families we chose to incarnate into reflect our own patterns to us with unflinching clarity. This can be both a productive and painful experience depending on your perspective, so we thought that we would start this month with a few suggestions for essences to help with healing unresolved family issues. Lets begin with Healing Family (Divine Harmony Essences), an essence combination that will help with releasing old family trauma related to divorce, bereavement & separation. This is such a common experience for many these days, yet so many have painful memories locked away that make it very difficult for them to create a real loving family environment for themselves. Family (Inner Child Essences) is another powerful combination for those who would like to focus on clearing old ancestral patterns and family traumas. Sadly another common theme related to family healing is that of abuse received in childhood. This is a deeply scarring issue and one that has often been perpetuated from one generation to the next. Being brave enough to work with this issue brings great healing for all concerned. Healing Abuse (Divine Harmony Essences) has proved to be a very helpful combination for many over the years. Feeling Safe, Feeling Worthy & Forgiveness (Divine Harmony Essences) are all popular combinations to provide further help with this issue.

This period of deep healing and inner cleansing that we are all currently experiencing means that many old karmic relationships and agreements are now being completed. Very often the final process of detaching from these old ties is one of emotional release and possibly forgiveness so that liberation can be fully achieved. Essences are great for helping with this process so here are a few suggestions. Top of the list for many will be Letting Go (Divine Harmony Essences) or Release (Inner Child Essences), either of which will help with emotional detachment. Wild Iris (Karmic Essences) is an excellent essence for those folk who find it difficult let go of feelings of over responsibility, while Inner Calm (Divine Harmony Essences) will help those who find themselves feeling somewhat insecure and afraid of what the future holds.

For anyone who would like some general help with letting go and releasing the old this month, we can thoroughly recommend a bottle of Violet Flame (Archangels & Ascended Masters Essences). As you take the essence use your focused intention to call in the help of St Germain and the Angels of the Violet Ray of Transmutation – they will be delighted to help you.

Finally, we know that many people like to give essences as gifts to friends and family at Christmas time so we have put together a selection of Christmas Special Offers for you to choose from.