Spirituality
The Oxford definition of the word Spirituality is “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” Someone who is Spiritual will have an awareness that there is something greater than self, and that we are a part of something greater, a divine connection if you will. If we asked one hundred people what Spirituality is, you would probably get one hundred different answers. A lot of people confuse being Spiritual with being religious. Religion is something that is man-made and follow a set of beliefs and practices, whereas Spirituality is more fluid and alludes to a more personal journey. We all have a different understanding so the most important thing we should ask is what it means to us. Hopefully this blog will help!
Spirituality and Me
My journey into self-development and learning about psychic abilities began with a love of books about magic and witches when I was very young. I’ve lost count of how many times I read The Worst Witch book series by Jill Murphy! Through further reading, and watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer, I started learning about Wiccan practices. It fascinated me, and over time I collected crystals, candles, tarot cards and had a small altar. However, anybody reading this who has ever had a home with toddlers in it will understand the challenges of having anything on display as it will more likely be at the peril of prying little hands! So the altar came down, most of my crystals ended up stashed away, only to see the light of the full moon to recharge - on the rare occasion that I remembered!
I also started visiting Mind Body Spirit fairs, in the hopes of meeting like-minded people, learning how to deepen my psychic abilities and basically trying to satisfy that feeling. You know that feeling. That feeling that there’s something more, that feeling that something inside you is stirring, whispering, asking questions, but you don’t fully understand it so instead of looking inwards you look outwards. A lot of people in Facebook groups and at these fairs seem to push that the answers will lie in a book, in a crystal, in a deck. And when I got into conversation with them, it felt more like a bragging contest of who has the most decks, the biggest crystal collection and the most intense often obscure cleansing practices for homes and auras etc. The final straw came for me when one lady said to me, “I refuse to get out of bed of bed in the morning till I’ve grounded myself, opened my chakras and set my intentions with my Guides for the day” and was disgusted that I didn’t come out of the house with a protective bubble around myself and my son, who was on toddler reins straining to get his paws on a set of wind chimes.
First of all, there’s nothing wrong with having a collection of tarot and oracle decks, or having a morning routine that involves meditating, grounding, or a prayer. It’s a beautiful thing to do, and starting the day in a meditative state is a wonderful self care practice. But to imply that you’re better than somebody else because you do these things is where the problem lies. If, like me, you’re a Mum with young children, trying to get in to a Zen state whilst hearing “Mum! Mummy!” and then a resounding crash is not how you want to start your day! A little flexibility and patience is often needed for those leading busy lives! For me routine is out the window, I find my moments to reconnect with my Soul whilst cooking dinner, making a cup of coffee, going for a walk or simply sitting on those rare occasions where I can truly bask in a quiet space!
Materialism
There was a post in a Facebook group recently with the title “How Spiritual am I?” and below was a list of items, such as cauldrons, candles, dream catchers etc. For each item you possessed you got a number of points. I tend to just scroll past things that I don’t like, but it did make me feel sad. Sad that people don’t really understand what being Spiritual is. Sad that people like me when I was young felt the pressure to go out and spend a fortune on crystals because I thought it would somehow improve me, or my life. A lot of these items have hefty price tags, and it shouldn’t feel like you HAVE to have them to be able to meditate, to explore your psychic and mediumistic abilities or to grow your Spiritual understandings.
Ethically sourced crystals do have a vibration, and crystal healing is something that has helped many people, so it makes perfect sense that many people are drawn to them to help for various reasons. And I wouldn’t be where I am today without my practice with Tarot and Oracle cards! I gave away most of my decks during lockdown in the hope that they inspire more people, although I held on to my trusty Rider-Waite deck and my favourite Oracle deck, Earth Magic by Steven D. Farmer. There are items that can help you on your journey (I will never stop raving about the power of a good book!), but remember this: They are only objects. Their power comes from the intention in which you use them, what they ignite or inspire within you is where their true value lies. You have everything you need to learn about Spirituality or Mediumship within you already, and it’s a journey that shouldn’t cost you the Earth!
Spirituality and You
So what does Spirituality mean to you? For me, it’s an ongoing journey about exploring my awareness and connection with the Divine and with those around me, deepening that understanding that we are all Souls having a human experience. More and more people are developing more of an awareness that we’re a part of something bigger, which I think is truly wonderful! The sooner we all realise that we are all equally of the Divine and we all have a place and a purpose on this Earth, the World will most certainly become a better place.
