June Ahern's Blog, page 17
December 31, 2017
SCONES & AULD LANG SYNE
Home baked scones are an important part of the Scottish New Year as is whiskey and coal brought in by the first-footer.
Hogmanay (pronounced hugmene) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year's Eve and Day in the Scottish manner. It is, however, normally only the start of a celebration which lasts through the night until the morning of New Year's Eve and Day.
The ritual of linking arms at New Year's parties at my parent's were both celebrating the new year while saying good-bye to the old one and those who weren't going another year with us. The Hogmanay custom of singing "Auld Lang Syne" has become common in many countries. "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional poem reinterpreted by Robert Burns , which was later set to music. It is now common for this to be sung in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over one another as the clock strikes midnight for New Year's Day. Typically it is only in Scotland this practice is carried out correctly.
People travel to Scotland from all over the world to participate in the country's special holiday.
As a Scottish immigrant living in San Francisco my family celebrated Hogmanay – Scottish New Year with many rituals and special foods. I had to include it in my book, ‘THE SKYE IN JUNE” and here is an excerpt of that chapter: (not present cover of book, but original photo idea. Photo by Jerry Briesach)
Hogmanay in San Francisco
Cathy dunked her cloth into the bucket and stopped washing the bay windows as she meditated over the soapy bubbles and remembered past New Year’s Eves in Scotland. The days before the event were always very busy with giving the house a thorough cleaning, as was the tradition. It was thought that starting the New Year with a tidy and neat house would bring good luck. Besides hauling the carpets downstairs to the backyard for a hard beating to clean them, all bedding and curtains were taken to the steamie, as Laundromats are called in Scotland. On the family’s last Hogmanay in Glasgow, it was decided that Annie was old enough to help out while Granny B watched the young bairns. Cathy and Annie pushed the baby pram[1] crammed full of curtains and linens along the streets, meeting other mothers and daughters on the same journey.
After waiting in line in the December chill they bought a ticket to enter the huge steamy room, smelling of wet clothes and soap. The steamie was full of women and girls, laughing and gossiping as they scrubbed their laundry on the washing board. Piece by piece they scrubbed up and down in big sinks filled with hot water, and then wrung it all out by hand. They hung the laundry on wall racks for drying, and placed larger items in big, hot cupboards that were pulled out of the wall. The gossiping and joking never stopped. The work was hard, but the excitement of the upcoming holiday created a festive atmosphere.
In reflection, Cathy realized how much she missed those times, especially the companionship of her mother and sisters-in-law at the holidays. Still, she as was excited as the girls were about the party. With every wipe of the window, she assured herself that her family would be blessed anew.
Jimmy and Cathy painted the living room and hallway a fresh coat of white paint with deep green on the wainscot and molding.
As the day grew closer to Hogmanay, Cathy along with her friends, Mrs. G and Mrs. G's daughter, Tesia shopped up and down Castro Street for the essential ingredients for the special Hogmanay foods that they would make.
Laughter and gossip erupted anytime the kitchen door opened as the women prepared the feast. When Cathy related funny tales of the steamie, the other women laughed heartily. The girls listened with merry curiosity as the adults reminisced about “home,” each telling her own story about life in Poland or Scotland.
With the cooking underway, Mrs. G and Tesia agreed with Cathy when she said it was good that the girls would learn the proper preparation of the Scottish foods.
“We must not forget our customs,” Mrs. G said adamantly. The other women nodded their heads affirmatively at her wisdom.
When it was time to bake the sweets June helped Annie roll out the dough for the cookies with a large rolling pin that Granny B had gifted Annie, before leaving Scotland.
The girls happily tested the freshly baked buttery shortbread, sugar cookies and the Dundee cake—a Hogmanay special. Mrs. G showed them how to decorate the cookies with sugar frosting by dipping a butter knife into hot water and carefully running it over the top of the frosting to give it a shinny glaze.
The women sipped glasses of sherry that would later be used for making the trifle pudding, which was a favorite holiday dessert made with cake, peaches soaked in wine and boiled custard poured all over it.
The baked goods were stored away and attention was turned to the main courses. Stewed meat with thick brown gravy was placed into deep pans. Annie used Granny B’s rolling pin to make a thin crust for the top of the pans. She then brushed a raw egg across the top so it would bake to a perfect golden brown, just the way Granny would have wanted it.
By the day of the party, steak pies, a large ham, the delicate trifle pudding and other delicious holiday foods lined the shelves in the Frigidaire, ready to be heated up when needed.
With the kitchen work finished, the girls hung colorful streamers throughout the flat, and dangled fun paper party hats from them. Jimmy held Maggie up to hang a piece of mistletoe at the front door. This custom was not for kissing, like at Christmas, but to prevent illness in the household.
It was a fun time in the MacDonald house. Since many of the guests also had young children, the party would start in the early afternoon of New Year’s Day. The girls were so excited they stayed up until midnight, giggling and talking before falling asleep. The next morning they hurried home from the special New Year’s Day Mass to change into their party clothes, readying themselves for the guests arriving at noon.
With the chime of the doorbell, everyone ran off to greet the first guest. They hurried into position, eager to view the first footer waiting downstairs at the door to the building. They were ready for a dark-haired man to walk through the door, signaling good luck in the New Year. What they saw was Sandy’s thinning blonde hair as he stepped over the threshold and into the lobby of the building.
“Sandy! For God’s sake, get out, man!” Jimmy yelled down to him.
The mistake was Mark’s fault.
It had been pre-arranged by Jimmy that the first foot would be Ian, a Scottish friend who was a tall man with black hair. But before Ian could step into the building, Mark had pushed ahead of him. As Sandy reached past Ian to pull his son back, he had stumbled through the door when it opened. As fate would have it, light haired, balding Sandy was the first person with a foot in the MacDonald’s building on Hogmanay.
The girls hung over the banister booing boisterously at Mark as his father backed out, dragging his son by the scruff of the neck. Ian bounded up the stairs. Hoping to smooth over the error, he adamantly protested that he did indeed have the first foot in the flat. He handed Jimmy the traditional Hogmanay gifts.
“Fattie brattie Marky,” said Maggie mockingly when Mark dashed by.
Huffing and puffing, Nancy arrived at the top of the landing and, in her loud American voice, scolded the Scots on how silly they were to be so superstitious.
A stout Scottish woman coming up behind her said, “Wheesht, silly woman.”
At first, guests were a bit sober from the unexpected event but it didn’t last for long. The adults soon had a few glasses of cheer and the party began.
More guests arrived, singing out the traditional Hogmanay greeting, “A good year to you!” They brought gifts of food and spirits—whiskey, malt beer and gin. As the day went on, the story about the blonde first foot made its rounds and the celebrators kidded about what kind of bad luck might befall the MacDonalds in the coming year.
The mood lightened and the singing of Scottish songs became the main activity. Each person had a turn to entertain by singing a favorite tune. Before the party ended, and in keeping with another Hogmanay tradition, the adults and children stood in a circle crisscrossing hands, right over left, and sang the famous Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.” June was bewildered as the adults’ laughing voices changed to sad tones. Some of the women cried openly as they sang together, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne!”
•••••••
To learn about my books and me at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June - City of Redemption, The Timeless Counselor, How to Talk With Spirits
Hogmanay (pronounced hugmene) is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year's Eve and Day in the Scottish manner. It is, however, normally only the start of a celebration which lasts through the night until the morning of New Year's Eve and Day.
The ritual of linking arms at New Year's parties at my parent's were both celebrating the new year while saying good-bye to the old one and those who weren't going another year with us. The Hogmanay custom of singing "Auld Lang Syne" has become common in many countries. "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional poem reinterpreted by Robert Burns , which was later set to music. It is now common for this to be sung in a circle of linked arms that are crossed over one another as the clock strikes midnight for New Year's Day. Typically it is only in Scotland this practice is carried out correctly.
People travel to Scotland from all over the world to participate in the country's special holiday.
As a Scottish immigrant living in San Francisco my family celebrated Hogmanay – Scottish New Year with many rituals and special foods. I had to include it in my book, ‘THE SKYE IN JUNE” and here is an excerpt of that chapter: (not present cover of book, but original photo idea. Photo by Jerry Briesach)
Hogmanay in San Francisco
Cathy dunked her cloth into the bucket and stopped washing the bay windows as she meditated over the soapy bubbles and remembered past New Year’s Eves in Scotland. The days before the event were always very busy with giving the house a thorough cleaning, as was the tradition. It was thought that starting the New Year with a tidy and neat house would bring good luck. Besides hauling the carpets downstairs to the backyard for a hard beating to clean them, all bedding and curtains were taken to the steamie, as Laundromats are called in Scotland. On the family’s last Hogmanay in Glasgow, it was decided that Annie was old enough to help out while Granny B watched the young bairns. Cathy and Annie pushed the baby pram[1] crammed full of curtains and linens along the streets, meeting other mothers and daughters on the same journey.
After waiting in line in the December chill they bought a ticket to enter the huge steamy room, smelling of wet clothes and soap. The steamie was full of women and girls, laughing and gossiping as they scrubbed their laundry on the washing board. Piece by piece they scrubbed up and down in big sinks filled with hot water, and then wrung it all out by hand. They hung the laundry on wall racks for drying, and placed larger items in big, hot cupboards that were pulled out of the wall. The gossiping and joking never stopped. The work was hard, but the excitement of the upcoming holiday created a festive atmosphere.
In reflection, Cathy realized how much she missed those times, especially the companionship of her mother and sisters-in-law at the holidays. Still, she as was excited as the girls were about the party. With every wipe of the window, she assured herself that her family would be blessed anew.
Jimmy and Cathy painted the living room and hallway a fresh coat of white paint with deep green on the wainscot and molding.
As the day grew closer to Hogmanay, Cathy along with her friends, Mrs. G and Mrs. G's daughter, Tesia shopped up and down Castro Street for the essential ingredients for the special Hogmanay foods that they would make.
Laughter and gossip erupted anytime the kitchen door opened as the women prepared the feast. When Cathy related funny tales of the steamie, the other women laughed heartily. The girls listened with merry curiosity as the adults reminisced about “home,” each telling her own story about life in Poland or Scotland.
With the cooking underway, Mrs. G and Tesia agreed with Cathy when she said it was good that the girls would learn the proper preparation of the Scottish foods.
“We must not forget our customs,” Mrs. G said adamantly. The other women nodded their heads affirmatively at her wisdom.
When it was time to bake the sweets June helped Annie roll out the dough for the cookies with a large rolling pin that Granny B had gifted Annie, before leaving Scotland.
The girls happily tested the freshly baked buttery shortbread, sugar cookies and the Dundee cake—a Hogmanay special. Mrs. G showed them how to decorate the cookies with sugar frosting by dipping a butter knife into hot water and carefully running it over the top of the frosting to give it a shinny glaze.
The women sipped glasses of sherry that would later be used for making the trifle pudding, which was a favorite holiday dessert made with cake, peaches soaked in wine and boiled custard poured all over it.
The baked goods were stored away and attention was turned to the main courses. Stewed meat with thick brown gravy was placed into deep pans. Annie used Granny B’s rolling pin to make a thin crust for the top of the pans. She then brushed a raw egg across the top so it would bake to a perfect golden brown, just the way Granny would have wanted it.
By the day of the party, steak pies, a large ham, the delicate trifle pudding and other delicious holiday foods lined the shelves in the Frigidaire, ready to be heated up when needed.
With the kitchen work finished, the girls hung colorful streamers throughout the flat, and dangled fun paper party hats from them. Jimmy held Maggie up to hang a piece of mistletoe at the front door. This custom was not for kissing, like at Christmas, but to prevent illness in the household.
It was a fun time in the MacDonald house. Since many of the guests also had young children, the party would start in the early afternoon of New Year’s Day. The girls were so excited they stayed up until midnight, giggling and talking before falling asleep. The next morning they hurried home from the special New Year’s Day Mass to change into their party clothes, readying themselves for the guests arriving at noon.
With the chime of the doorbell, everyone ran off to greet the first guest. They hurried into position, eager to view the first footer waiting downstairs at the door to the building. They were ready for a dark-haired man to walk through the door, signaling good luck in the New Year. What they saw was Sandy’s thinning blonde hair as he stepped over the threshold and into the lobby of the building.
“Sandy! For God’s sake, get out, man!” Jimmy yelled down to him.
The mistake was Mark’s fault.
It had been pre-arranged by Jimmy that the first foot would be Ian, a Scottish friend who was a tall man with black hair. But before Ian could step into the building, Mark had pushed ahead of him. As Sandy reached past Ian to pull his son back, he had stumbled through the door when it opened. As fate would have it, light haired, balding Sandy was the first person with a foot in the MacDonald’s building on Hogmanay.
The girls hung over the banister booing boisterously at Mark as his father backed out, dragging his son by the scruff of the neck. Ian bounded up the stairs. Hoping to smooth over the error, he adamantly protested that he did indeed have the first foot in the flat. He handed Jimmy the traditional Hogmanay gifts.
“Fattie brattie Marky,” said Maggie mockingly when Mark dashed by.
Huffing and puffing, Nancy arrived at the top of the landing and, in her loud American voice, scolded the Scots on how silly they were to be so superstitious.
A stout Scottish woman coming up behind her said, “Wheesht, silly woman.”
At first, guests were a bit sober from the unexpected event but it didn’t last for long. The adults soon had a few glasses of cheer and the party began.
More guests arrived, singing out the traditional Hogmanay greeting, “A good year to you!” They brought gifts of food and spirits—whiskey, malt beer and gin. As the day went on, the story about the blonde first foot made its rounds and the celebrators kidded about what kind of bad luck might befall the MacDonalds in the coming year.
The mood lightened and the singing of Scottish songs became the main activity. Each person had a turn to entertain by singing a favorite tune. Before the party ended, and in keeping with another Hogmanay tradition, the adults and children stood in a circle crisscrossing hands, right over left, and sang the famous Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.” June was bewildered as the adults’ laughing voices changed to sad tones. Some of the women cried openly as they sang together, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne!”
•••••••
To learn about my books and me at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June - City of Redemption, The Timeless Counselor, How to Talk With Spirits
HOGMANAY CELEBRATION
Happy Hogmanay All!
Some rituals:
The first-foot to cross your threshold in at midnight as you walk into the New Year is to be a tall, dark haired man to herald in good luck for the rest of the year. Beware of a red-headed person crossing the threshold first - threatens the year will have bad luck.
Gifts to Bring a Scot on New Year: A Coin, Shortbread, Black Bun, Salt, Coal, and Whisky,
which represent financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth, and good cheer respectively
The Chapter from my book, The Skye in June, below will give some other rituals the Scots do at the end and beginning of the New Year. In it you will learn how the MacDonalds continue their special rituals and celebrations in their new countries.
Read more about the story at june ahern dot com. Available in eBook and paperback. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, order from your favorite bookstore.
Chapter 15
HOGMANAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
THE MACDONALDS PLANNED to host their first party in America on New Year’s Eve, 1955. The family worked together to spruce up their flat in the weeks before the gathering.
Cathy busily washed the bay windows with June at her side, trying to be helpful. The soapy water dripped down the girl’s arms and into her rolled-up sleeves.
“We have to make the house nice and clean for all the people coming. Is that right, Mommy?” June asked.
“That’s right, my wee clootie dumpling,” Cathy said. She watched June’s determined face as she carefully scrubbed at the glass. Her mind drifted back to when the idea of having a party on Hogmanay first arose.
****
When it came to June, she prayed Granda and Granny B would visit for Christmas. Her wish brought up a conversation during dinner about past holidays in Scotland. Jimmy said how much fun the Scottish New Year was. Annie, who was old enough to remember, reminded her father that in Scotland, the New Year celebration was called Hogmanay.
“What a holiday it is! We have special things––traditions, like paying off debts before the first of January,” Sandy told the children in seriousness.
“We won’t have to worry about that tradition, eh, Jimmy?” Cathy said. Her husband didn’t believe in accumulating debts and lived frugally, day-by-day. He prided himself in being able to send weekly payments to Granda B for the money he had loaned them to make their move to America possible.
“Mommy, what were the parties like at Hogmanay?” June said, crucifying the name the Scots called New Year’s Eve and the days following. It sounded like she said, “Hug many.”
The adults laughed so cheerfully that she joined in, thinking how happy everyone was with her question.
They began to reminisce about Hogmanay. The descriptions of the holiday spilled out across the dining table as Jimmy, Sandy and Cathy related their stories about Scotland’s most popular holiday, which was celebrated as though it were a religious event.
When Jimmy said the streets of Glasgow were busy with people going from house to house starting on New Year’s Eve, visiting and bringing gifts, June gathered that Hogmanay was like Halloween night.
“What kind of gifts?” she asked.
Annie piped in, “Granny always baked special things like holiday oat cakes and black buns.”
“Whiskey cake and her famous shortbread. Oh yum!” Cathy jumped in, winking at her daughters as she licked her lips and made a wide circle on her belly.
“Good whiskey,” Jimmy added.
Sandy told a story about the time they went bathing in the Clyde River, just to see who could endure the cold water the longest. “It was so bloody frigid. If it hadn’t been for the whiskey keeping my blood moving and Cathy’s brother, Peter, jumping in to pull me out…”
Nancy interrupted the story with a sharp, “Sandy! That’s not a good example for the children.”
“Right dear. We were silly boys then. It’s a very dangerous thing to do,” he said seriously.
Cathy covered her smiling lips with a napkin and made big eyes at her daughters.
“Tell us more, Mommy,” June said, enjoying the cheery conversation.
Her mother clasped her hands and placed them on the table in front of her, her blue eyes glittering in the candlelight. Everyone sat still and listened as Cathy’s soft Scottish voice told the story.
“There’s a very special ritual on Hogmanay that begins at midnight on New Year’s Eve, acted out in the homes across Scotland. It’s customary that the first guest, called the first foot, enters a home shortly after midnight. It’s tradition that the first foot is a dark haired man who comes bearing gifts. It’s usually a lump of coal to keep the host’s home warm through the long cold winter and a bottle of Scotch to warm their souls.”
Jimmy interrupted, “Ye hope it’s a dark haired man who enters first, because then you’d have good luck throughout the upcoming year.”
Cathy kept talking, “Girls, your Granda B was a most welcomed guest as the first foot because he was tall and had black hair.” She was looking dreamily into the candle flame. “Until his hair turned white, that is.” Although she said it lightly, June sensed sadness in her mother’s voice.
“Aye, he was always the life of the party, getting everybody to sing and the ladies up for a dance. It’s his favorite holiday,” Jimmy said nostalgically.
The room quieted as the storytellers became lost in their own memories. June didn’t want the enchanting Hogmanay tales to end and she asked, “Can we have a party?”
Her sisters cheered the idea loudly.
Jimmy and Cathy looked at each other across the table. She hesitated, fearful of letting down the girls if she took a spell of depression.
“No a bad idea,” he said enthusiastically.
Looking at the girls’ excited faces staring at her, it was hard not to give in to them. Cathy decided that celebrating Hogmanay in America would start a family tradition in their new country.
* * *
more about the party with the other Scottish immigrants continues in the book.
What are your traditions on New Year's Eve and day?
Interview: https://mercedesfoxbooks.com/meet-aut...
Read more about June Ahern and her books at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
City of Redemption
How to Talk With Spirits
The Timeless Counselor
Some rituals:
The first-foot to cross your threshold in at midnight as you walk into the New Year is to be a tall, dark haired man to herald in good luck for the rest of the year. Beware of a red-headed person crossing the threshold first - threatens the year will have bad luck.
Gifts to Bring a Scot on New Year: A Coin, Shortbread, Black Bun, Salt, Coal, and Whisky,
which represent financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth, and good cheer respectively
The Chapter from my book, The Skye in June, below will give some other rituals the Scots do at the end and beginning of the New Year. In it you will learn how the MacDonalds continue their special rituals and celebrations in their new countries.
Read more about the story at june ahern dot com. Available in eBook and paperback. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, order from your favorite bookstore.
Chapter 15
HOGMANAY IN SAN FRANCISCO
THE MACDONALDS PLANNED to host their first party in America on New Year’s Eve, 1955. The family worked together to spruce up their flat in the weeks before the gathering.
Cathy busily washed the bay windows with June at her side, trying to be helpful. The soapy water dripped down the girl’s arms and into her rolled-up sleeves.
“We have to make the house nice and clean for all the people coming. Is that right, Mommy?” June asked.
“That’s right, my wee clootie dumpling,” Cathy said. She watched June’s determined face as she carefully scrubbed at the glass. Her mind drifted back to when the idea of having a party on Hogmanay first arose.
****
When it came to June, she prayed Granda and Granny B would visit for Christmas. Her wish brought up a conversation during dinner about past holidays in Scotland. Jimmy said how much fun the Scottish New Year was. Annie, who was old enough to remember, reminded her father that in Scotland, the New Year celebration was called Hogmanay.
“What a holiday it is! We have special things––traditions, like paying off debts before the first of January,” Sandy told the children in seriousness.
“We won’t have to worry about that tradition, eh, Jimmy?” Cathy said. Her husband didn’t believe in accumulating debts and lived frugally, day-by-day. He prided himself in being able to send weekly payments to Granda B for the money he had loaned them to make their move to America possible.
“Mommy, what were the parties like at Hogmanay?” June said, crucifying the name the Scots called New Year’s Eve and the days following. It sounded like she said, “Hug many.”
The adults laughed so cheerfully that she joined in, thinking how happy everyone was with her question.
They began to reminisce about Hogmanay. The descriptions of the holiday spilled out across the dining table as Jimmy, Sandy and Cathy related their stories about Scotland’s most popular holiday, which was celebrated as though it were a religious event.
When Jimmy said the streets of Glasgow were busy with people going from house to house starting on New Year’s Eve, visiting and bringing gifts, June gathered that Hogmanay was like Halloween night.
“What kind of gifts?” she asked.
Annie piped in, “Granny always baked special things like holiday oat cakes and black buns.”
“Whiskey cake and her famous shortbread. Oh yum!” Cathy jumped in, winking at her daughters as she licked her lips and made a wide circle on her belly.
“Good whiskey,” Jimmy added.
Sandy told a story about the time they went bathing in the Clyde River, just to see who could endure the cold water the longest. “It was so bloody frigid. If it hadn’t been for the whiskey keeping my blood moving and Cathy’s brother, Peter, jumping in to pull me out…”
Nancy interrupted the story with a sharp, “Sandy! That’s not a good example for the children.”
“Right dear. We were silly boys then. It’s a very dangerous thing to do,” he said seriously.
Cathy covered her smiling lips with a napkin and made big eyes at her daughters.
“Tell us more, Mommy,” June said, enjoying the cheery conversation.
Her mother clasped her hands and placed them on the table in front of her, her blue eyes glittering in the candlelight. Everyone sat still and listened as Cathy’s soft Scottish voice told the story.
“There’s a very special ritual on Hogmanay that begins at midnight on New Year’s Eve, acted out in the homes across Scotland. It’s customary that the first guest, called the first foot, enters a home shortly after midnight. It’s tradition that the first foot is a dark haired man who comes bearing gifts. It’s usually a lump of coal to keep the host’s home warm through the long cold winter and a bottle of Scotch to warm their souls.”
Jimmy interrupted, “Ye hope it’s a dark haired man who enters first, because then you’d have good luck throughout the upcoming year.”
Cathy kept talking, “Girls, your Granda B was a most welcomed guest as the first foot because he was tall and had black hair.” She was looking dreamily into the candle flame. “Until his hair turned white, that is.” Although she said it lightly, June sensed sadness in her mother’s voice.
“Aye, he was always the life of the party, getting everybody to sing and the ladies up for a dance. It’s his favorite holiday,” Jimmy said nostalgically.
The room quieted as the storytellers became lost in their own memories. June didn’t want the enchanting Hogmanay tales to end and she asked, “Can we have a party?”
Her sisters cheered the idea loudly.
Jimmy and Cathy looked at each other across the table. She hesitated, fearful of letting down the girls if she took a spell of depression.
“No a bad idea,” he said enthusiastically.
Looking at the girls’ excited faces staring at her, it was hard not to give in to them. Cathy decided that celebrating Hogmanay in America would start a family tradition in their new country.
* * *
more about the party with the other Scottish immigrants continues in the book.
What are your traditions on New Year's Eve and day?
Interview: https://mercedesfoxbooks.com/meet-aut...
Read more about June Ahern and her books at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
City of Redemption
How to Talk With Spirits
The Timeless Counselor
December 13, 2017
FREE EBOOK HOW TO TALK WITH SPIRITS
READ ALL ABOUT IT! THE AFTERLIFE
How to Talk With Spirits: Seance, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
by June Ahern June Ahern
It s an informative exploration into an often controversial and sensitive subject: Life after death
FREE till Sunday, 12/17/17 - Amazon Kindle
Please read and leave a review or a comment at your favorite book selling site.
The book answers many questions from the curious living about life after death, ghosts - why and where? Vampire entities, talking to the spirit of your departed pet - + much more!
Also available for purchase in paperback on Amazon or through june ahern dot com
Holiday Special: purchase 3 books receive a psychic reading from me. Ends 12/31/17. Details june ahern dot comhttp://www.juneahern.com
Amazon readers say: read more at Amazon & Goodreads.com
starsThis book is easy to read. August 1, 2017. This book is easy to read. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. I have often felt my relatives around me but not sure how to understand what they wanted to tell me. Page 133 was my answer, learn to be quiet and listen. This book has brought me peace of mind.
5.0 out of 5 starsBRAVO. How to Talk to Spirits is rooted both in goodness and good advice.July 9, 2017. Years ago, June Ahern was an important teacher for me regarding intuitive spirituality. BRAVO on her practical, in-depth and highly personal book about spirit communication. It is rooted in both goodness and good advice. June shares her experiences with a focus on comfort, insight, protection, and understanding ourselves through the unique lens of a spirit-filled world. It's a practical book that gave me a depth of insight into the wondrous facets of my own Christianity, something I didn't expect. Yet there are definite tie-in's into the concepts of self-evolution, atonement, release and joy. BUY THIS BOOK NOW.
5.0 out of 5 starsHer book gives wonderful insight and understanding about a topic that many people ...June 27, 2017 While I've always had an interest in people who have psychic abilities, I've also been very fearful of the supernatural. I had the opportunity to listen to June speak about her experiences. Her book gives wonderful insight. After meeting June and reading her book, I came away with a sense of peace and hope in regards to the recent passing of my mother and even one of my pets. Ahern is very straightforward and also has a sense of humor and a positivity about the afterlife that is comforting. It is well worth the read if you are curious about what is it that psychic mediums do and how they can help others. Thank you, June!
How to Talk With Spirits: Seance, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
by June Ahern June Ahern
It s an informative exploration into an often controversial and sensitive subject: Life after death
FREE till Sunday, 12/17/17 - Amazon Kindle
Please read and leave a review or a comment at your favorite book selling site.
The book answers many questions from the curious living about life after death, ghosts - why and where? Vampire entities, talking to the spirit of your departed pet - + much more!
Also available for purchase in paperback on Amazon or through june ahern dot com
Holiday Special: purchase 3 books receive a psychic reading from me. Ends 12/31/17. Details june ahern dot comhttp://www.juneahern.com
Amazon readers say: read more at Amazon & Goodreads.com
starsThis book is easy to read. August 1, 2017. This book is easy to read. Once I picked it up I could not put it down. I have often felt my relatives around me but not sure how to understand what they wanted to tell me. Page 133 was my answer, learn to be quiet and listen. This book has brought me peace of mind.
5.0 out of 5 starsBRAVO. How to Talk to Spirits is rooted both in goodness and good advice.July 9, 2017. Years ago, June Ahern was an important teacher for me regarding intuitive spirituality. BRAVO on her practical, in-depth and highly personal book about spirit communication. It is rooted in both goodness and good advice. June shares her experiences with a focus on comfort, insight, protection, and understanding ourselves through the unique lens of a spirit-filled world. It's a practical book that gave me a depth of insight into the wondrous facets of my own Christianity, something I didn't expect. Yet there are definite tie-in's into the concepts of self-evolution, atonement, release and joy. BUY THIS BOOK NOW.
5.0 out of 5 starsHer book gives wonderful insight and understanding about a topic that many people ...June 27, 2017 While I've always had an interest in people who have psychic abilities, I've also been very fearful of the supernatural. I had the opportunity to listen to June speak about her experiences. Her book gives wonderful insight. After meeting June and reading her book, I came away with a sense of peace and hope in regards to the recent passing of my mother and even one of my pets. Ahern is very straightforward and also has a sense of humor and a positivity about the afterlife that is comforting. It is well worth the read if you are curious about what is it that psychic mediums do and how they can help others. Thank you, June!
December 6, 2017
WHAT YOU WANT FROM ME?
I'd like to address something of interest to you. The Timeless Counselor wishes to serve your requests - within limits of course.
Am planing to write blogs with more about spells, the days, time and about planet energy and how to use words to create your own spell/affirmation/prayer.
Also, I'm going to write about exorcism and who, why and what. But not the latter in this Holiday Time. I'm an optimistic, keep moving person.
Hit me up with your thoughts and questions. What interest you in the psychic, paranormal realm that isn't (or might have been) answered in my blogs?
Remember! USA take advantage of my Holiday Book Special as seen at www.june ahern dot com - purchase page - buy three of my books mailed in USA for only $35 PLUS a psychic reading from me - a psychic/medium with over 40 years experience. How good is that?
What's your 2018 plans? How will you put it into action? See my www.sfcoaching.com Ask the Coach page for some ideas.
My intention is to offer tarot and other classes via video. To teach and lecture more so - that is already a growing action.
Happy, Merry, Joyful, Peaceful to you and yours.
Am planing to write blogs with more about spells, the days, time and about planet energy and how to use words to create your own spell/affirmation/prayer.
Also, I'm going to write about exorcism and who, why and what. But not the latter in this Holiday Time. I'm an optimistic, keep moving person.
Hit me up with your thoughts and questions. What interest you in the psychic, paranormal realm that isn't (or might have been) answered in my blogs?
Remember! USA take advantage of my Holiday Book Special as seen at www.june ahern dot com - purchase page - buy three of my books mailed in USA for only $35 PLUS a psychic reading from me - a psychic/medium with over 40 years experience. How good is that?
What's your 2018 plans? How will you put it into action? See my www.sfcoaching.com Ask the Coach page for some ideas.
My intention is to offer tarot and other classes via video. To teach and lecture more so - that is already a growing action.
Happy, Merry, Joyful, Peaceful to you and yours.
December 5, 2017
PSYCHIC READINGS/BOOKS/TAROT & SPELL UNIQUE YOU
Most of you who follow me know after forty + years it's rare I give private psychic readings.Rather, I focused on my paranormal investigations (YouTube The Haunted Bay), writing, and my great love, teaching.
I love the tarot cards as a symbol toward enlightenment and guidance.
It's so much fun to teach ESP development and gratifying to share the formula of coaching (see sfcoaching page)
BUT and THEN AGAIN! Since I made the Holiday Special Offer (see purchase page) I've been doing email readings and loving it!! My psychic energy continues to vision and once I latch onto that question sent me the visions and messages become stronger and I just have to share.
Although mostly retired it's as an artist, creating is an energy an a vibrational force that has to be acted upon. So glad I decided to do this.
What talent or ability do you posses that no matter what you just have to act upon?
Excited to act upon this goal in 2018.
Update - 2018 June Goal: Teaching Class on-line.
Due to so many out of my region requests I've been looking into and getting advice how to do teach on-line. I think Skype might be best for me. My classes can include national and international in my native tongue, English.
I'll start with the tarot as steps to achieve a goal. Been doing it with students since April & August and they are truly moving forward successfully to achieve goals.
Interested? Leave a comment or email me at june@sfcoaching.com
Author of Four Books: two novels, two non-fiction. Check them out june ahern dot com
Spell to Claim Your Uniqueness:
Do this spell during a waxing moon, which is considered to be when we 'grow things' - getting brighter and closer to the full moon of celebration.
A few things about casting spells; harm to none, don't do spells that harm others, let karma take care of that; don't look back - don't focus on the spell, let things happen; things will come up that can be uncomfortable or even a big bummer that's because in order to fulfill we have to clean away the outworn, outdated, useless acts and thoughts keeping us from getting.
Got it?
Your altar has a larger than other candles, a white one, add another candle of your favorite color, a flower in water, and an object near and dear to you as well as a photo or drawing or image of you, a happy time. Burn incense if you wish
Enjoy your altar. Sit quietly, breathe, relax, image yourself sitting in the sun, feel the light, feel the warmth and now say aloud:
In the warmth and energy of the sun
I see clearly my unique self
(whatever that is)
I see my strengths, my passion(enjoy this image, feel the power return to your whole being)
I am part of the Universal flow,
The power of the Cosmic energy
(Breathe in this image and feeling.
Let it run through your body)
I claim my power.
With harm to none and for the better good of Earth
I invoke the power of myself to fulfill my life.
So Mote it be.
When you are ready snuff out your candle. Keep your flower, dry it out if you can and in the full moon time, light your candles and enjoy the changes and clarity received from this spell.
November 24, 2017
HOLIDAY GIFTS W/SPECIAL PSYCHIC READING OFFER & SPELL/PRAYER
A book is a gift you can open again and again. ”- Garrison Keillor
In the Holiday Spirit of Gift Giving please consider purchasing three of my books- any combination for $35 mailed within the USA and receive a one question psychic email reading from me. Purchase good up until January 1st, 2018.
Read further to enjoy a Holiday Ease Spell/Prayer.
The books (listed below) are paperbacks. The offer does not include purchases outside of my website. To order and further details please go to june ahern dot com.
Novels: The Skye in June and City of Redemption,
Non-fictions: How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts, and in original form with artwork titled, “A Professional Psychic Reading as Alternative Counseling” limited edition (now titled "The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading", (ebook under this title is not included in the offer.)
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful time.
Enjoy this healing spell/prayer to lighten up your mind, feelings and body and during this holiday season:
Sit in a darkened room with a candle or dim light. Have a bowl of water in front of you.
Calm your mind and body through breathing in and out through your nose. Pay attention to your breathing. If any thought enters your mind release it by saying, "Breath in, breath out." Do this for at least 3 minutes.
Then say aloud:
"I cleanse my mind of all negative thoughts that rob me of peace of mind. I willingly release and open to new positive and progressive thoughts."
With one hand dip your fingers into the bowl of water and place them on your forehead. Take your hand away.
"I cleanse my heart of feelings that rob me of a sense of serenity and joyfulness, love and laughter. I am worthy of and willingly accept love."
Dip your fingers into the water and touch your heart. Take your hand away.
"I cleanse my body of pain and unease that keeps me from feeling energetic and well.
Dip fingers from both hands into the water and touch your body where you are pain or dis-ease or illness, stress and tension. Stop here and sit quietly to mentally see yourself in good health. Take your hands away.
"I trust in my ability to create a happy holiday time in line with my enjoyment of celebrations. So Mote it Be."
Sit for as long as you wish and when ready, snuff out the candle. Come back and do this when you feel out of sorts during this busy, and often for many, sad time.
November 7, 2017
SPELLS, PRAYERS, AFFIRMATIONS,
Spells, prayers, creative visualizations and affirmations are similar.
They are all forms of communication - mental and spoken and telepathic messages.
In what way, you might ask.
When we speak aloud and at times silently a spell, prayer, or affirmation we are making a statement or a request to someone or something outside ourselves or to the inner self. For instance one might say, "I pray I have enough strength to continue with ___________."
In that statement of intention there is no called upon deity, it is more to self. See?
The mental imagery, telepathic messages to, again a deity or the universe, are occurring. What you think so be it.
All three have common components: a desire or need, a focus outside themselves to attain the desire or need and faith in the power and that the plea, creation and intention is heard and in the progress of manifesting. Of course they all use the power of words.
As a writer (four books later) I understand the power of words, how to present to paint a picture, to engage another to hear (read) for further interaction, or catch that though and/or emotion of another.
Words are powerful. Learn to chose positive, powerful, and descriptive words that convey and paint a true picture of what you are thinking and hoping to manifest in your might, be it words that are poetic, magical, straight forward, but be careful of how you pose those words.
(Please note: these archives can be available upon request: To hear more about the topic listen to my May 6, 2014 radio show)
A spell is direct in wording and intention - this is what I'm creating through the power of myself, the clarity of my mind, the help of the universe (planets, Divine sources as in goddess and gods) and the energy from above, below and all around.)
Those who cast depend upon their own ability and self-power along with the energy/vibrations surrounding them as in the universe, to manifest their dreams, visions, wants, needs etc.
They cal in the power of energies from the four directions, east (air -mental clarity); south (fire- action, energy, passion); west (water - dreams, visions, spiritual connections) and north (earth - results, products, practicality) to support and enlighten them to create. They will also call in the energies from above (heavens) and below (the earth).
Before casting a spell it is advised do everything humanly possible to attain whatever one wants. Actions: have your actions followed your thought? You want a a good paying job? What prep work have you done before the job?
Just don't go cast a spell without first thinking what will it mean to your life and the life of those of others? Is it really what you want? Beware of what you ask for idea.
Once you have completed your spell don't look back. Give it time to work. Don't cast it again for at least thirty days or longer. That's unless you're doing a three, seven or nine day spell consecutively or have decided to do it once a week twice or thrice.
Prayers are asking for many things. I pray each and everyday. I'll often say the Hail Mary.
Some people pray by asking for little things, as in let me pass this test, let my team win the game (really? Like God or whichever deity is thinking yeah, beat someone else and let them feel badly); show me a sign he or she loves me or like me I pray too often for St. Anthony to find lost items (I'm cutting back on that.) Of course, sometimes we pray for big things like for a miracle in a dire medical situation or world peace.
Prayers can have too many words. Rambling thoughts. Desperate, pleading words for God, Allah, whomever, to fix whatever. Certainly in those worst moments of life, in dire times, we are desperate for a relief of our situation, our pain. Often we use words from prayers learned rather than prayers from your heart. People often go on and on, talking to their Divine Connection, pouring out emotions, making deals, reminding God etc how they are good people, worthy people or unworthy and now they see the error of their ways.
Most people learn to pray by being dependent upon an entity greater than and outside of themselves to provide a hopeful successful outcome to a need, want and/or dream. They ask permission from this source. They give their power to this entity to receive if the entity deems them worthy. There are those who bargain, if you give me this then I will do this_______.
If you are praying for an outcome of a rather serious need, remember to stop praying/talking and listen for your Divine Being. Then you can hear or realize the response, the message. Praying is talking, meditating is listening. Have faith. Believe
Their faith can often be focused outside of themselves whereas one who uses spells, depends upon her or his inner faith.
Creative Visualization - Goal setting and practical applications followed by an affirmation: Creative Visualize is powerful for it is the images, symbols and all created in the mind. To be most successful at creative visualization take time to be clear. Check what you are thinking (what mental wording is floating through your). Have a talk with yourself to clear up any negative and/or fearful thoughts about what it is you wish to create in life, different from what you have now. I suggest you write what you are planning on creating. Once you've done that go through what you wrote and rewrite it in simple sentences, no more than three. Does it sound reasonable? Are the words in line with the picture in your mind?
When you do this you are in a better place to start creating. A bit of both inside and outside yourself is taking place - direct focus and placing faith in another occurs. For instance you understand that you will take action to fulfill your goal while realizing you are pulling in the assistance of a source outside your present conciseness. I.e. " I'm also dependent upon the support of another or others to fulfill this goal."
Of course a goal setter can also cast a spell as well as pray. See Ask the Coaches (sfcoaching.com ask) for some goal setting and achieving advice.
Affirmations: I like affirmations no matter how I'm manifesting and/or praying for. An affirmation is a simple, one sentence thought to create a feeling, a power, and/or a situation. Positive (and negative) wording mentally, written and spoken aloud create an energy. "I create loving people in my life to support my goals." - Nice and simple, no? Simple wording you can remember, your brain can absorb and following your thoughts, your actions will support.
Write an affirmation at least three times a day 3 or 9 times (you decide) for twenty-one days then put down your pen and let it all happen. Chances are, it's already occurring before the twenty-one days are over. Pay attention to the often subtle signs, the steps leading you forward. Trust me on this one. Sometimes it seems, like in prayers and spells as though you're not getting what you want. If done properly, it is in the process.
I do all to fulfill my valuable goals and live authentically my purpose and mission in life. Blessed be you and your dreams and goals this year.
Which do you prefer and what is the outcome? Which have you not used and are willing to do now?
My books, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to A Successful Reading, How to Talk with Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts and novels, The Skye in June and City of Redemption see june ahern do com or Amazon.
They are all forms of communication - mental and spoken and telepathic messages.
In what way, you might ask.
When we speak aloud and at times silently a spell, prayer, or affirmation we are making a statement or a request to someone or something outside ourselves or to the inner self. For instance one might say, "I pray I have enough strength to continue with ___________."
In that statement of intention there is no called upon deity, it is more to self. See?
The mental imagery, telepathic messages to, again a deity or the universe, are occurring. What you think so be it.
All three have common components: a desire or need, a focus outside themselves to attain the desire or need and faith in the power and that the plea, creation and intention is heard and in the progress of manifesting. Of course they all use the power of words.
As a writer (four books later) I understand the power of words, how to present to paint a picture, to engage another to hear (read) for further interaction, or catch that though and/or emotion of another.
Words are powerful. Learn to chose positive, powerful, and descriptive words that convey and paint a true picture of what you are thinking and hoping to manifest in your might, be it words that are poetic, magical, straight forward, but be careful of how you pose those words.
(Please note: these archives can be available upon request: To hear more about the topic listen to my May 6, 2014 radio show)
A spell is direct in wording and intention - this is what I'm creating through the power of myself, the clarity of my mind, the help of the universe (planets, Divine sources as in goddess and gods) and the energy from above, below and all around.)
Those who cast depend upon their own ability and self-power along with the energy/vibrations surrounding them as in the universe, to manifest their dreams, visions, wants, needs etc.
They cal in the power of energies from the four directions, east (air -mental clarity); south (fire- action, energy, passion); west (water - dreams, visions, spiritual connections) and north (earth - results, products, practicality) to support and enlighten them to create. They will also call in the energies from above (heavens) and below (the earth).
Before casting a spell it is advised do everything humanly possible to attain whatever one wants. Actions: have your actions followed your thought? You want a a good paying job? What prep work have you done before the job?
Just don't go cast a spell without first thinking what will it mean to your life and the life of those of others? Is it really what you want? Beware of what you ask for idea.
Once you have completed your spell don't look back. Give it time to work. Don't cast it again for at least thirty days or longer. That's unless you're doing a three, seven or nine day spell consecutively or have decided to do it once a week twice or thrice.
Prayers are asking for many things. I pray each and everyday. I'll often say the Hail Mary.
Some people pray by asking for little things, as in let me pass this test, let my team win the game (really? Like God or whichever deity is thinking yeah, beat someone else and let them feel badly); show me a sign he or she loves me or like me I pray too often for St. Anthony to find lost items (I'm cutting back on that.) Of course, sometimes we pray for big things like for a miracle in a dire medical situation or world peace.
Prayers can have too many words. Rambling thoughts. Desperate, pleading words for God, Allah, whomever, to fix whatever. Certainly in those worst moments of life, in dire times, we are desperate for a relief of our situation, our pain. Often we use words from prayers learned rather than prayers from your heart. People often go on and on, talking to their Divine Connection, pouring out emotions, making deals, reminding God etc how they are good people, worthy people or unworthy and now they see the error of their ways.
Most people learn to pray by being dependent upon an entity greater than and outside of themselves to provide a hopeful successful outcome to a need, want and/or dream. They ask permission from this source. They give their power to this entity to receive if the entity deems them worthy. There are those who bargain, if you give me this then I will do this_______.
If you are praying for an outcome of a rather serious need, remember to stop praying/talking and listen for your Divine Being. Then you can hear or realize the response, the message. Praying is talking, meditating is listening. Have faith. Believe
Their faith can often be focused outside of themselves whereas one who uses spells, depends upon her or his inner faith.
Creative Visualization - Goal setting and practical applications followed by an affirmation: Creative Visualize is powerful for it is the images, symbols and all created in the mind. To be most successful at creative visualization take time to be clear. Check what you are thinking (what mental wording is floating through your). Have a talk with yourself to clear up any negative and/or fearful thoughts about what it is you wish to create in life, different from what you have now. I suggest you write what you are planning on creating. Once you've done that go through what you wrote and rewrite it in simple sentences, no more than three. Does it sound reasonable? Are the words in line with the picture in your mind?
When you do this you are in a better place to start creating. A bit of both inside and outside yourself is taking place - direct focus and placing faith in another occurs. For instance you understand that you will take action to fulfill your goal while realizing you are pulling in the assistance of a source outside your present conciseness. I.e. " I'm also dependent upon the support of another or others to fulfill this goal."
Of course a goal setter can also cast a spell as well as pray. See Ask the Coaches (sfcoaching.com ask) for some goal setting and achieving advice.
Affirmations: I like affirmations no matter how I'm manifesting and/or praying for. An affirmation is a simple, one sentence thought to create a feeling, a power, and/or a situation. Positive (and negative) wording mentally, written and spoken aloud create an energy. "I create loving people in my life to support my goals." - Nice and simple, no? Simple wording you can remember, your brain can absorb and following your thoughts, your actions will support.
Write an affirmation at least three times a day 3 or 9 times (you decide) for twenty-one days then put down your pen and let it all happen. Chances are, it's already occurring before the twenty-one days are over. Pay attention to the often subtle signs, the steps leading you forward. Trust me on this one. Sometimes it seems, like in prayers and spells as though you're not getting what you want. If done properly, it is in the process.
I do all to fulfill my valuable goals and live authentically my purpose and mission in life. Blessed be you and your dreams and goals this year.
Which do you prefer and what is the outcome? Which have you not used and are willing to do now?
My books, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to A Successful Reading, How to Talk with Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts and novels, The Skye in June and City of Redemption see june ahern do com or Amazon.
October 31, 2017
Halloween Meditation Ritual
Dear Friends,
I invite you to read and hopefully do this most lovely Halloween Meditation Ritual (an excerpt I'm sharing) to communicate with your loved ones who passed and honor your ancestors.
Halloween - Hallow Eve or Holy Eve- is a time to reflect, to play and to understand the importance of this sacred time.
If you've lived long enough and loved deeply you understand the grief when a loved ones passes away, or as a Rosicrucian AMROC says, "Transitioned".
You need not be of any particular religious faith to enjoy a moment of silence, you can make it a simple shortchanged time to reflect or as in the ritual I share, a beautiful but longer time.
Please go to http://tinyurl.com/yb2ty67n and read it.
if that link doesn't work try:
http://witchgoddesses.blogspot.com/20...
My books - four in all - can be found on Amazon, Createspace, or through me juneahern.com
Thank you, and enjoy this season of magic.
June Ahern
I invite you to read and hopefully do this most lovely Halloween Meditation Ritual (an excerpt I'm sharing) to communicate with your loved ones who passed and honor your ancestors.
Halloween - Hallow Eve or Holy Eve- is a time to reflect, to play and to understand the importance of this sacred time.
If you've lived long enough and loved deeply you understand the grief when a loved ones passes away, or as a Rosicrucian AMROC says, "Transitioned".
You need not be of any particular religious faith to enjoy a moment of silence, you can make it a simple shortchanged time to reflect or as in the ritual I share, a beautiful but longer time.
Please go to http://tinyurl.com/yb2ty67n and read it.
if that link doesn't work try:
http://witchgoddesses.blogspot.com/20...
My books - four in all - can be found on Amazon, Createspace, or through me juneahern.com
Thank you, and enjoy this season of magic.
June Ahern
October 27, 2017
PROTECT YOURSELF BEFORE PSYCHIC INTERACTION
You know when you get that “kick in the pants” reminder?
Well, I got mine good and hard when I didn’t take time to protect my mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and psychic energy before embarking on a ghost tour.
Last blog I said I’d share self-protection spell if asked; someone asked.
I had planned to write it while on holiday. Too bad, said the hands of fate, all good plans of mice and men go awry.
My first day at a lovely, quiet place I learned family and friends’ lives and homes were threatened by a raging Northern California fire (worst in the states’ history). In the midst of contacting family an offer to teach a workshop set for early November and I had to send a proposal immediately. Internet connection was down.
Rather than come home refreshed I was mentally and emotionally drained from worry and planning for the workshop.
To top it off I was part of The Haunted Bay’s San Francisco Ghost Tour going back to a place I had previously investigated (see link below). This time I was punched in the head and pushed by an unseen entity. “Oh no! This doesn’t happen to me!”
Then why did it? Worn done mentally and emotionally, I did a brief protection ritual without much focus.
Funny how fate will slap you with one hand while with the other offers redemption.
The next day at my “Wellness” class the teacher went through self-protection techniques, some I’ve forgot and another learned.
I share from the class and from my book, “How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts” (free on Kindle until 10/28/17 - See link below:)
Before and after interacting with others in spirit, ghostly, and healing way, or at any potentially unpleasant meeting, cleanse your energy.
Mentally clear your space before channeling and receiving psychic information. You can pray, chant and/or sing - all raises positive vibrations in and around you
Imagine sitting in a clear white bubble. It can also be a pastel blue or pink.
Smudge with a smudge stick or encircle yourself with incense if you wish.Ground yourself by visualizing your feet (or go outside and stand barefoot on the earth) standing firmly connected to the earth. Say, I am safe.
Using water to clean more than the body: Cup the water and let it dribble up your arms as you move to the crown of your head, now wipe down your arms and out through your fingertips, flicking off as though riding yourself of all negative thoughts and feelings.
Protection Spell
Sit in a quiet space with a white candle lit and incense and flowers if you wish. You might add a crystal and/or a serene image. Enjoy the beauty of that space. Pay attention to your breath, regular breathing, in and out, calming and easy. Do this for about five to ten minutes or longer.Then visualize a safe space, a circle of light colored energy surrounding you.
Say aloud:
Only good can enter herein.
Call in the Divine One whom you connect to: guardian, angel, guide, God, Jesus, Goddess, Buddha, or Allah - you chose:I call in _______ to be with me.
Together we create energy to empower my spirit and protect me from all that can potentially harm me.
I do this with confidence and pureness of intention with harm to none and only for the greater good.
I wear this shield of protection whenever needed.
So Mote it Be. Therefore it is.
Sit for as long as you like enjoying the positive energy around you. Snuff out your candle before leaving.
Book on Amazon.com Any problem with link? Search June Ahern Investigation, Great Star Theatre, Chinatown, San Francisco, Youtube: https://youtu.be/coyG_KTb9YY
Well, I got mine good and hard when I didn’t take time to protect my mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and psychic energy before embarking on a ghost tour.
Last blog I said I’d share self-protection spell if asked; someone asked.
I had planned to write it while on holiday. Too bad, said the hands of fate, all good plans of mice and men go awry.
My first day at a lovely, quiet place I learned family and friends’ lives and homes were threatened by a raging Northern California fire (worst in the states’ history). In the midst of contacting family an offer to teach a workshop set for early November and I had to send a proposal immediately. Internet connection was down.
Rather than come home refreshed I was mentally and emotionally drained from worry and planning for the workshop.
To top it off I was part of The Haunted Bay’s San Francisco Ghost Tour going back to a place I had previously investigated (see link below). This time I was punched in the head and pushed by an unseen entity. “Oh no! This doesn’t happen to me!”
Then why did it? Worn done mentally and emotionally, I did a brief protection ritual without much focus.
Funny how fate will slap you with one hand while with the other offers redemption.
The next day at my “Wellness” class the teacher went through self-protection techniques, some I’ve forgot and another learned.
I share from the class and from my book, “How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts” (free on Kindle until 10/28/17 - See link below:)
Before and after interacting with others in spirit, ghostly, and healing way, or at any potentially unpleasant meeting, cleanse your energy.
Mentally clear your space before channeling and receiving psychic information. You can pray, chant and/or sing - all raises positive vibrations in and around you
Imagine sitting in a clear white bubble. It can also be a pastel blue or pink.
Smudge with a smudge stick or encircle yourself with incense if you wish.Ground yourself by visualizing your feet (or go outside and stand barefoot on the earth) standing firmly connected to the earth. Say, I am safe.
Using water to clean more than the body: Cup the water and let it dribble up your arms as you move to the crown of your head, now wipe down your arms and out through your fingertips, flicking off as though riding yourself of all negative thoughts and feelings.
Protection Spell
Sit in a quiet space with a white candle lit and incense and flowers if you wish. You might add a crystal and/or a serene image. Enjoy the beauty of that space. Pay attention to your breath, regular breathing, in and out, calming and easy. Do this for about five to ten minutes or longer.Then visualize a safe space, a circle of light colored energy surrounding you.
Say aloud:
Only good can enter herein.
Call in the Divine One whom you connect to: guardian, angel, guide, God, Jesus, Goddess, Buddha, or Allah - you chose:I call in _______ to be with me.
Together we create energy to empower my spirit and protect me from all that can potentially harm me.
I do this with confidence and pureness of intention with harm to none and only for the greater good.
I wear this shield of protection whenever needed.
So Mote it Be. Therefore it is.
Sit for as long as you like enjoying the positive energy around you. Snuff out your candle before leaving.
Book on Amazon.com Any problem with link? Search June Ahern Investigation, Great Star Theatre, Chinatown, San Francisco, Youtube: https://youtu.be/coyG_KTb9YY
October 6, 2017
DO YOU WANT A PROTECTION SPELL?
Protection before communicating with spirits and/or ghost hunting
In my book, How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts, I let readers know the importance of how to secure your environment and self before opening up to communicating with spirits or going on a paranormal ghost investigation.
Why? The spirit you wish to communicate with might not be the one you do communicate with. Again, in my book I write how "vampire" type entities can pose as nice spirits and invade your psyche then finally your mind and body. If I hadn't experienced this myself I'd be super like 'oh yeah?'. As I have said over and over I'm a rather skeptical psychic medium.
The facts are important and for my The Haunted Bay (also in my book) youtube series the producer Ying Liu does a good job at finding available historical facts. Watch them for the many San Francisco and Calistoga investigations.
Back to protection. I learned the hard way never to forget to do a protection time before and after your paranormal work. (Read my blog about Attachments) and see this video about a ghost that followed the producer of The Haunted Bay home.
First ask yourself why are you wanting to do this? What do you wish to gain? Whom do you want to communicate with?
Set your mind to it, be clear. In my book I offer suggestions how to protect yourself and you've most likely read or heard before, surround yourself with White Light, incense (but what kind is best?), pray (I'm big on that one), and other ideas.
What I'd like to offer are a couple of spells and if you, my reader, are interested please comment and then I'll conjure up a protection spell.
So Mote it Be.
Read more about me and my books (4 in total) at june ahern dot com. During the month of October and November I will include a note about a spirit that surrounds you when you order directly from me for a personally autographed copy of any of my books. Mailed in the USA only unless extra postage is included.
Purchase through me, Amazon.com, Createspace.com, Smashwords.com or order through your favorite bookstore.
In my book, How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts, I let readers know the importance of how to secure your environment and self before opening up to communicating with spirits or going on a paranormal ghost investigation.
Why? The spirit you wish to communicate with might not be the one you do communicate with. Again, in my book I write how "vampire" type entities can pose as nice spirits and invade your psyche then finally your mind and body. If I hadn't experienced this myself I'd be super like 'oh yeah?'. As I have said over and over I'm a rather skeptical psychic medium.
The facts are important and for my The Haunted Bay (also in my book) youtube series the producer Ying Liu does a good job at finding available historical facts. Watch them for the many San Francisco and Calistoga investigations.
Back to protection. I learned the hard way never to forget to do a protection time before and after your paranormal work. (Read my blog about Attachments) and see this video about a ghost that followed the producer of The Haunted Bay home.
First ask yourself why are you wanting to do this? What do you wish to gain? Whom do you want to communicate with?
Set your mind to it, be clear. In my book I offer suggestions how to protect yourself and you've most likely read or heard before, surround yourself with White Light, incense (but what kind is best?), pray (I'm big on that one), and other ideas.
What I'd like to offer are a couple of spells and if you, my reader, are interested please comment and then I'll conjure up a protection spell.
So Mote it Be.
Read more about me and my books (4 in total) at june ahern dot com. During the month of October and November I will include a note about a spirit that surrounds you when you order directly from me for a personally autographed copy of any of my books. Mailed in the USA only unless extra postage is included.
Purchase through me, Amazon.com, Createspace.com, Smashwords.com or order through your favorite bookstore.
