Author Archives: Victor

About Victor

Victor van Slee is one of the founders of Blue Papaya, President Emeritus of ISIC and a former staff member at Crystal Life. He is also a Reiki Master. Victor is part of the current generation of Crystals (those with extended perceptions) who are now moving into leadership positions in society.

ISIC – Vesica Balance Grid

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For this grid, the intention was to create a tool that could aid in balancing the body’s various systems. The endocrine and lymphatic systems both run throughout the human body either releasing hormones or recycling blood plasma. The duties of these systems are far more complex than this synopsis. However, for the purpose of this blog, it is most important to understand that they play a large role in regulating your daily life.

With a specific physical target, I find it most appropriate to reference a crystal guide like “Crystal Prescriptions” by Judy Hall. The stones listed for the endocrine system that were decided to be most applicable were Fire Agate, Amber, Amethyst, Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Peridot, and Tourmaline. Tourmaline is also listed for the lymphatic system along with Moss Agate, and Blue Chalcedony. There are other appropriate stones, however these are the ones that intuitively “stuck out.” Blue Kyanite also wanted to be included in the group, as it very nicely clears energetic pathways.

As with most grids, there are different components which serve separate functions to complete the greater, complete function. Not only can crystals be used to map out the energies, but also other various items such as Slim Spurling Rings. Here there are two rings overlaid to create a Vesica Pisces. This works to achieve a couple of goals. First, the Vesica design offers an opportunity to analyze each of our sides, masculine and feminine. It then allows us to see our in-between parts, the places where our two sides mesh together. In this situation, with the directional aid of a few Clear Quartz Points, the Vesica is also being used as a figure eight infinity symbol. This creates a constant and balanced flow of energies. Standing with a foot within each side of the Vesica Pisces, the crystal energies follow the programed patterns (Vesica and Infinity) up, throughout, and back down your body and energy field.

 Experiment with logical placements and patterns, and also with intuition and aesthetics. The more beautiful the crystal layout, all the more it will resonate and become beneficial.

ISIC – Breathing for Peace

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breatheMany aspects of life can cause tension throughout the body. This includes the spiritual body as well as the physical. When our muscles become tense, our breaths fall short and shallow, thus reducing the amount of oxygen that is delivered to our vital organs. From an energetic perspective, we are in turn minimizing the flow of chi through the meridians and to the various chakras and energy centers.

Breath control plays a major role in mindfulness practices, including stress management. When in a scenario that leaves you feeling as though you have a vein about to burst, it is simply incredible what one slow, deep breath can do. As you inhale, you are supporting the natural functions that keep you peaceful and relaxed. An exhale releases any stress and negativity you are willing to let go of. Taking a deep breath in a pressing situation will give you a moment to reorganize your thoughts. It offers an opportunity to detach and reevaluate the emotions that may be building up inside.

Outside of an intense encounter, there are also peaceful practices that focus on breath control. Pranayama is the “extension of the life force”, and is used mostly in accordance with Yoga. Various martial arts rely on breath control in order to manage pain tolerance.

There are a couple crystals that assist in understanding the value and methodology of techniques such as circular breathing. Ocean Jasper, also known as Orbicular Jasper, contains small circles that help you to cycle your breaths. Vanadanite is another that assists in this way. It also comforts and grounds the unwilling soul fully into the body.

ISIC – Grid for Boundaries and Abundance

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As we go into the New Year, it is important to maintain clear boundaries in order to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. This is a crystal grid to create a healthy balance between offering help and receiving prosperity.

In this grid there are several shapes working together. The outer most Merkabah is composed of Tiger’s Eye (the upward facing triangle), and Citrine (the downward facing triangle); between each of these are Clear Quartz points. There is a small merkabah made completely of Ruby, and in the center there is a Fuchsite specimen.

Tiger’s Eye is a grounding, protective stone. It also assists in reaching goals by showing you your own available resources. It helps you to pull together scattered details in order to complete a whole. Tiger’s eye opens the users eyes to their own needs as well as the needs of others.

Citrine is a great cleanser and energizer. It attracts prosperity, success, and abundance of all things good. Citrine helps to analyze a given situation, and increases self-esteem. Many people who require professional aid are full of sadness, citrine can offer your clients a bit of sunshine.

Ruby increases drive and motivation. It stimulates and balances the heart. When working as a practitioner it is important to establish boundaries, defining your energy from your clients. Ruby protects the Heart Chakra from being drained in these situations. Also a stone of abundance, ruby helps to maintain wealth and passion for life and pulls negativity to the surface in order for it to be transmuted.

Fuchsite offers insight on relationships with other people. When in “Doctor Mode,” it helps to channel the most efficient holistic remedy. Fuchsite makes it easier to access knowledge regarding health matters and overall well-being. It works to reverse martyrdom, releasing the need to offer everything possible even when doing so compromises healthy balance. Fuchsite helps us to stand by and allow others to learn the lessons that they need to experience.

Finally, Clear Quartz points outward connecting all of the different levels of this grid. The points allow energy to freely flow in and out. It amplifies the energies of the other stones present in the grid, making each of them more affective. Quartz knows when and how to adjust to the vibrational level of the person needing healing, then tuning the persons energy back into it’s most perfect state.

ISIC Best of 2012 – Practitioner’s Tool Box

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All this week we are bringing you our most popular blogs of 2012! Enjoy!

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As a practitioner, the issues of your clientele are obviously going to vary. The tools and information required to help them along will depend on their needs. Working with crystals is not an exception. Each crystal has a list of properties, and they are not always going to apply to the work you are doing. On the other hand, there are stones that just about everyone can use. Here are three stones have been found to be of assistance in any situation.

Firstly, let review Selenite and it’s uses. This crystal brings down the purest of white light energies. It works with the Crown Chakra and other higher Crown Chakras, offering peace and higher access to a higher consciousness.  Selenite is fossilized salt water, so it can work to purify a nearby water table, or correct the flow of a vortex created by underground water in motion. The high frequency at which selenite resonates will dissolve any negativity in the energy field. This can easily be achieved by using it to “comb” the aura. It also will help to align the spinal column when placed along the vertebrae.

Blue Kyanite is another great stone with an energy that everyone can use. Like selenite, it does not require clearing. These two crystals also connect the light-body to the physical body, grounding higher consciousness and high vibrations. Each person has energy blockages, and kyanite breaks right through them. It aligns and clears the meridians, chakras, and subtle bodies. It also relieves physical pain. Being a Throat Chakra stone, blue kyanite opens the throat, assisting in self-expression and cutting through fears that reside in this area. Additionally, kyanite replenishes life force energy, and aids in realizing the cause of any issue.

Finally, Black Tourmaline completes this trio. Tourmaline has the ability to purify and transform dense, imbalanced energy into lighter, high vibrational energy. When it is actively working in the energy field, negativity passes through rather than sticking to the aura. This allows the user to learn from a negative situation, but not to be directly affected by it. Black tourmaline also removes blockages, connects the chakras, and balances the meridians. Being a Root Chakra stone, it helps to understand yourself as well as others. It increases vitality, and offers a clear thought process. Black tourmaline is also a great tool for alleviating the effects of EMF pollution.

In the above photo are the three suggestions displayed. The uppermost setup is intended for a work space. This could be your office, home, or business. If you have a practice that requires that your client lay down, this would be perfect underneath the table. The large specimens reach out, covering a moderately vast area. On the bottom left, there is a pocket size version of the three stones. This could be placed in a pouch to wear, carried with you, or maybe on a desk. If you are the crafty type, I recommended trying to replicate the item on the bottom right. This is a wand, and originally where this triad comes from. The selenite has a fine point, a surgical point if you will. The kyanite lays on the side assisting the selenite in removing blockages. The black tourmaline is on the end of the wand, placed to protect the healer from any negative energies that the client may be releasing. If you choose to do this, copper wire, leather, and silk are all great ways to hold stones together. A little Gorilla Glue wouldn’t hurt either. Have fun!

ISIC – The Mirror People

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Originating from the oneness of Source, every being on earth is a reflection of one another. The illusion of separation and duality allows for people to experience an abundance of magnificent life lessons. Some of the most beneficial and trying experiences can be those spent looking into a mirror.

Recall a period that you may have been disappointed in yourself for one reason or another. For instance, maybe there was a time when you hurt a close friend only because you were in a bad mood. We all know how hard it can be to face our own reflection during such times. It can be a daunting task to achieve. Now apply this concept to social interaction. If someone reminds you of a characteristic in yourself that you like, how are you going to act towards them? Typically these two people would “hit it off” and form a wonderful rapport based on their commonalities. So what happens if it is a characteristic that you are not particularly fond of? What would you anticipate your feelings to be towards them? Critical? Impatient? We quickly realize that it is far more simple to be upset with someone rather than to take a moment and face our issues.

Take into account the people who upset you on any level. Since it may be easier to see, perhaps focus on the people who are able to push you to your wits’ end. Forget about any emotion involved, because emotions are irrelevant at this time. Analyze the situation. What is it that the person says or does that upsets you? What quality is it in them? Now speculate whether or not other people have upset you for the same or a similar reason.

In my life, I have found it rather difficult to get along with a friend. His inability to accept my interest in the metaphysical has left me frustrated and angry, even discouraged at times. Recently I had an epiphany. What bothers me is not the fact that he will not accept the metaphysical, that would be an unreasonable expectation, but rather it is his inability to accept and respect my ideology. Once I was able to realize that this was the underlying issue, I was able to identify this quality in myself. In the past I have had a low tolerance for people who did not think the way that I did. I could not understand why I became so easily frustrated with people who would not understand me. Since this realization, I have found peace in these situations. Now when I feel frustrated in conversation, I am able to recognize that the feeling is my issue, my intolerance.

When someone or something bothers us, it is our intolerance that causes friction. In the case of conflict, rather than pointing a finger at another person, remember to take partial ownership. Realize that others are reflections of yourself, and that you are a reflection of them. Consider that what they say or do may not be received the way that they intended it to be. Often when interpreting the words and actions of our peers, we confine ourselves to a comfortable box of perception. We sometimes only allow ourselves to see through our own eyes, through our own perspective. There is a need to step outside of our ego and see what the situation is, and all possible ways it can be interpreted.

We as humans have a tendency to hide from our flaws. Some find it unbearable to admit that they are imperfect. Let me fill you in on a little secret. If you were perfect, you would not be on earth reading this blog. We are here to learn how to perfect ourselves. We did not come to this place to live perfectly. We are here to educate ourselves. So relax, be patient with yourself, and love yourself for the beautiful person that you truly are. Most importantly, remember that everyone in your life is a part of you. They are not just a part of your life, but a part of your soul. If you track back far enough on the family tree, it all leads to Source.

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If you enjoy reading about metaphysical topics, please join us at our ISIC Facebook site. ISIC sponsors a monthly get together for alternative practitioners in the Geneva, IL area and a quarterly energy workshop for the public; you can see our schedule in Crystal Life’s Events area.

ISIC – A New Existence

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It is known that the Earth exists within a very fluid flux of frequencies. There have been introductions and integrations of an uncountable number of energies throughout the Earth’s lifespan. During our blip of existence, humans have learned the ways of the Earth, and the mysteries of our Source.

The many indigenous traditions have given society a variety of energy maps that can guide us along many of the routes of this planet. Through their connection to the Earth Mother, these traditions have shown us many ways to manifest and work with Earth energies. Working with stones and crystals to achieve an empowered intent is a modality discovered by our earthly ancestors. A close connection with nature has provided humans with many resources from which to benefit. Understanding the separate parts of our planet – stones, animals, plants, and weather – has played a crucial role in the maturation of the human race.

The Eastern traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, have shown us many ways to connect to the higher vibrations of the Universe. Esoteric practices like chanting mantras and spiritual meditation are examples of tools that humans have used to connect to Source frequencies. As time progresses, relying solely on this methodology can result in a disconnect from the Earth.

The Earth acts as a nutrient source that is integrated with the element of life, which is provided by the Sun. From an astronomical perspective, planets are a dense collection of diverse elements. The Earth is the clay, where the Sun is the breath of life. Existence, as we know it on the Earth Plane, depends on the interaction between these two counterparts. Our central Sun, Sol, is our solar system’s source of masculine energy. A Central Star supplies its orbiting planets with the energy that they require. The masculine energy of the Sun offers an opportunity to move from a stagnant position into a place of action. Think of each star as a portal. On the internet, this would be like a link you click on to go to another web page. These Sun Portals are a direct connection for Source, or God energy to be delivered. For the physical aspect of Earth, this would be things like heat, Vitamin D, etc. From an esoteric perspective, this would be the presence of light that harmonizes with the dark, the Yin Yang.

As we are approaching December 21, 2012, we have entered the point in which we are learning what it means to balance these practices, and thus discovering the resulting beauty. Now is a time for a new existence. What is the interaction between the Sun (Source) and the Earth? Blossoming life is the result of integrating these energies. As trees spread their leaves in the summer toward the Sun, the human body is a vessel that fuses the Sun and Earth together.

ISIC – Power of Words

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The ability to speak is something that most take for granted. Though most of modern societies have forgotten what words really represent, there are many cultures that still embrace the power of words.

Everything is made of various frequencies. Words and sounds are no different. When exploring language from a metaphysical perspective, it is crucial to keep in mind just how much thought/intent and speech are interconnected. When introduced to a frequency, a feeling is created. This feeling is transformed into thought, and then delivered by speech or body language. The frequency of each of these stages is more or less the same. What changes is the mechanism that the frequency is being carried out through. The underlining “theme” remains the same. Emotion, thought, and speech (as well as the remaining senses) are simply translators of frequency. This means that energetically each word you speak carries all of the emotion attached to your message. Some people are very good at hiding their emotions, but if you are sensitive to frequency you will be able to pick up these subtle energies.

Various cultures around the world have utilized the power of words in their practices for ages. When reciting a mantra, or a string of words that carry an intent, many traditions will use a string of beads, or mala, to enhance the thought form they are creating. They are well aware of the vibration they are creating with their ability to form words. Creating sound through thought is bringing the frequency into the physical plane, it is a form of manifestation. Every time you speak you are practicing alchemy, you are transmuting thoughts and feelings into sound.  Another application would be monks singing hymns in a cathedral. The movement of energy by a chorus is easily experienced by the physical body, in addition to the emotional and energetic bodies. Modern psychologists even acknowledge the impact of personal affirmations on the human psyche. They have found that the brain believes what you tell it to. If you sulk about your life, your brain (also the engineer behind the grids of energy that constitute as your field) is going to create the hormone that correlates with your thoughts. Likewise, if you insist on being positive, the outcome of a situation is much more likely to result in your favor.

We must be aware of what we speak. To others and to ourselves. Our words have to be kind. If you are irritated, bite your lip. Lashing out at someone not only affects them emotionally, but it also bombards them with the frequency you are resonating at. Your words have power, so use them wisely.

ISIC – Cords, Anchors, and Intrusions

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Many energy workers are well aware of the energetic structures that drain energy. While there are positive lessons to come from their presence in your life, it is wise to ensure that your energy field is clear of these obstructions after observing the lesson at hand. If you are unable to learn from them, they will continue to pose a issue in your life. As with anything in life, once you are conscious of the reasoning, the problem will be resolved.

There are many ways to interpret energy being drained. Sometimes this manifests as a cord. Cords come in all shapes and sizes. They can be described as tentacles that extend from the auric field, and burrow deep into the field or energetic body of the person being drained. Typically someone who you have a close relationship with is attached to you by a relatively thick cord. If you have an acquaintance that happens to drain energy from you, the cord would be much smaller than someone dear to you. This can be attributed to the length of your relationship, and how much you are willing to give up for this person. Most of the time, being energy workers, we are unconsciously willing to offer our energy for the benefit others. We must leave behind the martyrdom and decided to take care of ourselves. When “cutting cords”, a handy tip it to visualize not only the cord being severed, but also cauterized so that they may not reattach. It may also be helpful to silently offer a distance healing session to this person, or perhaps a prayer that they, in addition to yourself, may be wrapped in healing energy.

Anchors (or “Hooks”) are a slightly more aggressive form of cords that appear in people’s energy field. These require a bit more visualization and intent to remove. Before doing any energy work, it is crucial to keep in mind that you CAN do whatever you intend, and that it WILL work. Intent is where your power lies. After removing any form of cord, the hole in the field must be patched up. Depending on the strength of a given energy field, this may require a range of attention. Visualizing the gap being filled with white light (therefore restructuring the grid) should do the trick.

Much like a leech, an intrusion is a small being that feeds off of the light body. Usually these are not associated to another person, but rather they are independent. Intrusions also come in a variety of embodiments. They can show up like a worm, a cluster of tiny specs, or a spiked ball. There is a vast amount of different kinds. Salt baths, in addition to visualizations will get these out of your field. You may ask that they be joyfully returned to their source after expressing your gratitude for the lessons they offered to you. Sound healing like Singing Bowls, Tingshas, or humming certain notes associated to the Chakras are great techniques for disrupting dense negative energy that is difficult to manage with only visualization.

We all must remember that a majority of the time these cords and anchors are not intentionally sent out. They are, in a sense, a call for help. We must also remember to cut and remove the cords that we are sending out to others. Most people do not want to admit this, but I’ll be the one who says it, we all do it. Until we are fully conscious of our energy fields, there will be unintentional cords coming into and out of us. Let it go and cut the cords. Likewise, until we take control of the stability of our energy field, many energies are able to enter without our knowledge. One may say that the general purpose of these experiences would be to strengthen our awareness of ourselves and our varying energies.

ISIC – Live in Peace

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In American tradition, it is customary to wish that the deceased may rest in peace. While this is a wonderful intention, why not apply this to life? Why do we not find it customary to wish people to live in peace? There are many stresses that a person may take on in this day and age, anything and everything from relationships, to work, to the spiritual journey. Many of us forget that life is easily as peaceful as we allow it to be.

In relationships, no matter the origin, it is inevitable for some form of friction between two people to arise. It is natural for things like this to surface, as most people believe “it is impossible to get along with everyone.” This friction does not have to be exacerbated. If we find peace in ourselves, with who we are, things that may cause tension are able to roll off of us like beads of water. Don’t take things personally. Ever. There is purpose behind every interaction that we share with others. It is our conscious decision to make our interactions positive or not. If someone offends you, analyze why this may be. Simply “not liking” someone is not the answer. It is because they jabbed you in one of your “soft spots”. These soft spots are not only emotional, they are very much energetic, and can be healed with energy work like visualizations, Reiki, or crystals.

Work is probably the most common cause of stress. When things get busy, we tend to lose ourselves, we give ourselves to the stress. How can we avoid repeatedly falling into that vicious cycle? The solution is a simple concept, it is remembering to apply it to your daily life that makes it difficult. If work starts swirling around you, be still, breathe, peacefully sit on top of the situation. The stress is not going to take over your life unless you let it. Remember that you CAN manage the work load, and that accomplishing a challenge is very rewarding. Look at what is making the situation a challenge. Are extra tasks being handed to you? Ask for help, or maybe an extension on your deadline. Are you spacing out, making it difficult to focus? Analyze why you are spacing out. Take a moment to re-center yourself. Find a reasonable solution to your issue, it is there.

On the Spiritual Journey, we become aware of the energetic waves that we are riding. When life comes crashing down on you, remember that you have made it through everything else thus far. What makes this situation any different, any more stressful than the rest? The answer is nothing. It is an illusion that times are tough. Things may appear overwhelming, but you have complete control. What makes something intense, so much that it seems too much to handle? Your perspective. When life hands you a challenge, accept it with a grin. Gratefully accept, and you will find yourself in a state of peace. True peace is not the calm period between storms. True peace is acceptance of the storm and knowing that this too shall pass. Do not wait for the storm to pass before you allow yourself to achieve this state of acceptance. Create your own bliss. Enjoy everything you experience. Love life for the beautiful journey it is, and you will discover that peace was inside of you all along. It was just a projection of turmoil that you were facing. Instead, project peace from your heart.

ISIC – Defining Your Personal Space

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Defining your personal space can mean a variety of things. Though there are many aspects to personal space such as self-esteem, and communication, ultimately it is a matter of energetic stability.

Many people are prone to saying, “Yes,” in a pressured situation. While they may have good intentions, this can cause issues to arise. Setting clear boundaries in a relationship is key to achieving the higher good for all parties involved. Most of us want to please each other, and are willing to put ourselves on the line in order to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. While the effort is respectable, this not only hinders a person’s ability to enjoy their work, but can also waste time or resources for the one asking for the task to be completed. Why is this? If you are reluctant to do something, are you really going to invest your all into it? Commonly the answer to this is, “No,” whether you are aware of it or not. Eventually it is draining to do something that your heart is not in. We must be honest with ourselves and with each other, otherwise no one wins.

Another aspect of defining your space is in the physical sense. Each of us have our limitations on what we feel is a comfortable way to communicate, as well as perspectives on what is appropriate and what is not. When you allow someone to act or speak in a way that you see is non-conducive to a given situation, the problem is only exacerbated. The behavior will continue, and only cause more friction. You are not saving anyone’s ego by remaining silent. It is impossible for the other person to know that they are overstepping boundaries if you have not clearly established them. This requires that you speak up for yourself. Do not be afraid of offending someone else, so long as you speak and act from the heart.

Lastly, and perhaps ultimately, there are energetic boundaries that require attention and maintenance. This is your aura, your energy field. If your energy field is stable, balanced, and well defined, you are likely to have a much deeper sense of peace than others. Your energy field is a great field map of interactions. What occurs out there, manifests physically in your body or in your relationships. If your field is weak and malleable, it is easy to be thrown off center, and for others to take advantage of you.

So how do we ensure that our energy field is strong and healthy? If you are in a position of poor health, start there. Diet is something that greatly affects the quality of life. If your imbalances manifest emotionally, start to examine these issues. Evaluate what can be released, what can be shifted. In addition to these physical means of strengthening your energy field, use your knowledge of energy work. Breathing exercises and visualizations are great for defining your energy field. There are many crystals that support the aura such as clear quartz, labradorite, and black tourmaline. Crystal Life carries various tools such as Slim Spurling rings, the Flower of Life pendants, and energy jewelry that also assist in this endeavor.