Recently we sat down with Molly of Swan in the Lotus Yoga and Wellness, LLC to learn more about Bhakti yoga and her passion of supporting women who are seeking a holistic approach to healthcare. Molly has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 16. Her regular practice helped manage her chronic anxiety and depression and along this journey she found the strength and resources to move through a life-long pelvic floor condition. Because of this condition, she experienced chronic low back and pelvic pain along with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). As she moved through Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, she learned that she wasn’t alone and many other women had issues with their pelvic floor. It led her to pursue a Wellness Coaching Certification and continue her education with a holistic approach to wellness.
How would you describe Bhakti yoga to someone who is unfamiliar with it and what can they expect from a class?
Bhakti Yoga is the devotional practice of yoga. It is the path that leads us back to love and the disciplines meant to bring one to a state of pure love, of God. It’s the unfolding to bring us back to the natural condition of the soul, an eternal, enlightened bliss. Practices of Bhakti Yoga include meditation, singing, dancing, poetry, art, mantra, chanting, kirtan, self-inquiry, and more. Students can expect classes to include meditations, mantras, internal sound vibration, poetry, and themes that move our asana-based practice to self-inquiry to connect deeper within.
Explain more about pelvic floor conditions, ways to support, and how it affects women's health and well-being.
Approximately 10% of women ages 20 to 39, 27% of women ages 40 to 59, 37% of women ages 60 to 79, and nearly half of women ages 80 or older will experience a pelvic floor condition in their lifetime.
These are most common pelvic floor conditions:
These conditions can disrupt day-to-day functions in women's lives including causing more stress to find a bathroom, physical discomfort, pain, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance, digestive issues, and the list goes on!
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) helps as you work with a therapist to diagnose your condition, find out the cause, and help the muscles come back to balance so you have proper function. As a wellness coach, I help women pre, during, and post therapy to move through road blocks that might come up, develop a mindset to keep motivated, and other holistic practices that they incorporate along with working with a PFPT.
For women with busy schedules, what is that one thing they should incorporate into their routine that would help balance, center, and reduce stress in their lives?
The most powerful practice that women can incorporate into their routine is Diaphragmatic Breath! It helps strengthen and release the pelvic floor, relieve stress, and fills the body with fresh air to feel more nourished.
Diaphragmatic breathing expands and opens all the breathing support muscles
and organs that you need to breathe on a daily bases.
What is your favorite yoga pose, mantra, or mudra, and why?
My favorite mantra is Uma Parvati Ananda Ma. It reminds me to connect to the Goddess of Love and Devotion and find the bliss within even when the path feels hard. This mantra helped me through my pelvic floor healing and reminded me to love myself during the process. It also reminds me to remember love and turn to the voice of love within us all.
Thank you, Molly, for sharing and inspiring women to feel empowered about their heath and physical body. Check out Molly's upcoming classes here at Angelic Roots.
Your home is your sacred space, so naturally you want the energy to feel the best that it can! We often get asked for recommendations on protecting or gridding a home or property. Here are our best tips and tools!
Crystals
Our favorite crystals for cleansing and protection are Selenite and Black Tourmaline. Selenite (Satin Spar) brings in a positive, protective energy that promotes a peaceful space and is the ideal crystal for all types of energy clearing. It has the ability to clear, protect, and shield your energy body as well as clear the energy of your other crystals and home. Selenite quickly unblocks any stagnant or negative energy to create a smooth flow of positive energy. Placing Selenite sticks above the door jams in your home, especially the front door, cleanses the energy as it comes in and goes out.
Tourmaline is the most powerful protection crystal, carrying an extremely high-vibrational grounding energy. It absorbs negative and harmful energy, and it cleanses and removes energy blockages from your home. By creating an energetic shield around you, it defends your auric space. The combination of Selenite and Tourmaline builds a powerful shield of positive and protective energy, especially when you grid your home by placing a piece of each crystal in all four corners of the property or home.
Sound Vibrations
Placing wind chimes outside the home is said to be protective and to ward off low lying energies. Its whimsical, playful notes brighten up your space and are harmonious with sounds of nature.
Evil Eye & Hamsa
Using the Hamsa and evil eye symbol on windows or as a wall hanging will deflect any low lying energies and bring in an soothing atmosphere of peace.
Archangels
Calling on Archangel Michael for protection is another useful tool. Connecting with him is as easy as asking for his guidance and protection. Settle into a meditative state and request his presence, asking for a white light of high vibration to surround the home and for him to cut any energetic cords attached to the home which are no longer in alignment with the people living in it. Asking with gratitude increases the vibration of the request and resonates strongly across the ethers. For example: "Thank you Archangel Michael for keeping me and my family protected and safe in our home and property."
Sacred Geometry
Sacred geometry can be a tool to use for protection as well. Metatron's Cube is well-known for its ability to heal, manifest, and protect. It can be used to build a crystal grid or as a decorative piece to invite in positive energy. Place it in the center of the home, bedroom, or in areas where televisions, computers, video games, and other devices are used.
Essential Oils
Diffusing essential oils in your space can remove stagnant energy and invite in optimism and peace. Some of our favorites are White Sage, Rosemary, Sweet Orange, and Bergamot.
Home Protection Grid
Before gridding your sacred space, be sure to do a thorough cleansing with Sage or Palo Santo. Once you have cleansed and placed your protection crystals throughout your home, find a central location where you can set your intention. Find yourself with a relaxed and focused energy, then visualize the crystals connected with an energetic white light, forming a powerful and protective energy shield around your home. Say an affirmation and give gratitude to your space for safety and protection. You should cleanse the crystals once a month or when you feel that the energy is heavier than it should be.
Taking necessary steps to ensure a positive and uplifting environment can create a harmonious and energetically protected home with our Home Protection Crystal Grid Kit.
When it comes to spiritual energy, the concept of the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and harmony. These energies are not gender-specific but rather represent different aspects of the universal energy that exists within all of us.
What is the Divine Masculine?
The Divine Masculine energy is associated with qualities such as strength, action, logic, and assertiveness. It represents the active, outward, and yang energy that drives us to achieve our goals and make things happen. This energy is essential for setting boundaries, taking risks, and providing structure in our lives. Some of our favorite crystals for tuning into this energy are Tiger Eye, Labradorite, Smoky Quartz, and Garnet.
What is the Divine Feminine?
On the other hand, the Divine Feminine energy embodies qualities like intuition, nurturing, compassion, and receptivity. It represents the passive, inward, and yin energy that allows us to connect with our emotions, creativity, and intuition. This energy is vital for fostering relationships, practicing self-care, and embracing vulnerability. Some of our favorite crystals for tuning into this energy are Azurite, Flower Agate, Moonstone, and Rose Quartz.
Why is Balance Important?
It is essential to maintain a balance between the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine energies within ourselves to achieve inner harmony and spiritual growth. When these energies are in balance, we can tap into our full potential, make decisions from a place of wisdom, and cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness.
How to Cultivate Balance
One way to cultivate balance is by practicing mindfulness and self-reflection. Take time to connect with both masculine and feminine qualities, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses. Engage in activities that nurture both aspects of your being, such as meditation, journaling, or creative expression.
Another way to cultivate balance is by honoring the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine in relationships with others. Recognize and appreciate the unique qualities that each person brings to the table, whether they embody more masculine or feminine energy. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, one can create harmonious connections based on equality and acceptance.
The Power of Integration
Ultimately, the goal is not to favor one energy over the other but to integrate both the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine within ourselves. By embracing the full spectrum of our being, we can experience a profound sense of wholeness and alignment with the Universe. Remember, the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine are not opposing forces but complementary aspects of the same Divine energy. Embrace both energies within yourself and witness the magic that unfolds when you achieve a harmonious balance between the two.This integration allows us to live authentically, express our true selves, and manifest our deepest desires with grace and ease!
Ancient Lemuria of Atlantis was a highly advanced civilization renown for its spiritual enlightenment and wisdom where all lived as high vibrational beings in harmony. While it's shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the idea of a place and culture of peace and deep spiritual knowledge persist. Some believe Lemuria to have been a physical continent on planet Earth, catastrophically lost or destroyed and the survivors transcended to higher dimensions, leaving behind their physical existence on Earth. There has long been speculation some of the survivors inhabit Mt. Shasta in California in a hidden city called Telo ("the ancient city of light"), which can be accessed by energetic portals, automatic writing, deep meditations, and channeling. While this is a legend dating from the late 1880's, the high vibational energy and sacredness of Mt. Shasta is undeniable. It has also been strongly connected to the energy of the Pacific Ocean, and the Hawaiian islands in particular. Others consider Lemuria not be an actual place or land but a race, a realm of other worldly beings, or a state of high vibrational consciousness.
Humans have discovered past lives as Lemurian beings while undergoing past life regressions (QHHT®) or accessing their Akashic records. They have described a deep knowledge of healing, particularly sound and energy, and an extensive understanding of herbalism and plant medicine. Lemuria has also been described as an egalitarian society where everyone had a voice, challenges were solved in a peaceful manner, and resources were equally distributed.
Lemurian crystals can be found all over the world. These beautiful high vibrational crystal pieces are encoded with the divine messages of Lemuria and placed in a grid-like pattern all over the Earth waiting to be unveiled. Their unique striations or grooves are said to be sacred messages.
Tune into these during deep meditation to uncover and decode messages from the Universe. When you work with Lemurian’s high vibrational energy, gently rub your fingers across the grooves and open your mind to decoding its hidden messages. You will also find the ancient encoded wisdom that can help you down your spiritual path. Lemurians can be used in energy healing sessions, to strengthen intuition and the connection to the Higher Self, and to align the Chakras and open up the Crown Chakra. Using these intentionally can encourage introspection, connect one with Source or Divine consciousness, and support one along a spiritual path.
The idea of a utopian society where beings coexisted in harmony is a powerful reminder of what humanity can achieve when everyone comes together with love and compassion! Check out our amazing collection of Lemurian crystals and jewelry.
One of June's birthstone is Moonstone and it's also one of our most requested and collected crystals in our shop! We love it for its calming energy that helps to balance out emotions, but it has so many other benefits, too.
As the name suggests, Moonstone can connect to the energy of the moon, including the different moon cycles. During the Full Moon it can help release emotions and energies that no longer serve your highest good. New Moon energy can deepen your connection to realizing your true potential and bring in new beginnings and newly aligned intentions. Use Moonstone on your altar or in your moon ceremonies, particularly if you work with moon goddesses such as Selene, Isis, and Luna.
Moonstone helps you attune with the Divine Feminine, the capacity for infinite compassion, empathy, and ability to nurture and sustain life. When the Divine Feminine is in balance, standing in your power and speaking your truth leads to a pathway of spiritual consciousness of authenticity.
Moonstone can balance and align the Third Eye and Crown Chakras. Opening up our Third Eye (located in the center of the forehead) can enhance our intuition, promote spiritual communication, and open up the creative mind. The Crown Chakra (located above the head) brings you closer to divine consciousness allowing for a greater sense of unity, inspiration, and connection with our Higher Self.
Besides women or those seeking to connect with the Divine Feminine or Moon Goddesses, people who work in healthcare, educators, childcare, creative arts, and mental health professionals can benefits from the nurturing energy of Moonstone. Embrace the mystical energy of Moonstone and let its spiritual properties guide you on your journey. Whether you wear it as jewelry or simply admire its beauty, Moonstone is sure to bring a touch of magic into your life!
Check out our large collection of Moonstone crystals and jewelry and our Divine Feminine essential oil roll on blend which features a Moonstone crystal.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is one of our favorite oils for blending or using on its own. It blends beautifully with almost every oil but especially with other citrus oils, floral oils, and warm, woodsy scents. It's usually cold-pressed from the rind of the fruit that grows on bergamot orange trees. Most Bergamot oil is produced and grown in Italy, but can be found in warmer climates around the world.
Therapeutic and Energetic Properties
Bergamot is a natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. It can be incorporated in a massage blend to relieve soreness and soothe the nervous system. Combine it with oils such as Eucalyptus, Frankincense, or Grapefruit when recovering from an illness or in need of a fresh start. Its gentle ability to be calm, restorative, and balancing can help lessen times of worry. The Sacral Chakra can be balanced and aligned with the bright scent of Bergamot. It instills feelings of positivity and helps to release repressed emotions that may be contributing to feelings of sadness or lack of motivation.
Bergamot is phototoxic (heightens your skin sensitivity in the sun) and direct sunlight should be avoided for up to 12 hours after application.
How to Incorporate Bergamot into Your Daily Routine
Bergamot essential oil is a must have in our our aromatherapy toolkit! It can be used to calm and relax nervous feelings, support the immune system, and relieve sore muscles, or used alone for its refreshing and uplifting scent. We love the notes it adds to our Eclipse Manifestation Mist Spray, Lemurian Light Oil Blend, Lemurian Light Spray, and Synergy Oil Blend.
The soft, sweet energy of Rose Quartz can bring in a sense of peace and harmony. It's one of our most popular and requested crystals for healing, self-care, and supporting matters of the heart.
Rose Quartz is often called the "stone of unconditional love" as it promotes compassion, forgiveness, and empathy. It opens the Heart Chakra, allowing you to freely give and receive love. The flow of energy through the Heart Chakra connects to the Divine Feminine within which in turn awakens your intuition and nurtures the soul. It can also help release negative emotions, such as fear and self-loathing, and heal emotional wounds, making it a powerful tool for self-love and acceptance.
Rose Quartz paired with Apache Tears can bring comfort to those experiencing grief or loss. It shines light in the shadows and connects the soul for deep healing. Work with it to honor a loved one or when the heart feels heavy.
There are many ways to incorporate Rose Quartz into a daily routine. Meditate with it to connect with its loving energy and promote emotional healing. Using Rose Quartz in a bedroom routine can create a peaceful and loving atmosphere, perfect for promoting restful sleep and sweet dreams. Rose Quartz jewelry, necklaces, rings, bracelets, or earrings is a simple way to keep its energy close to the body and stay connected to its loving vibrations.
Whether you're looking to attract more love into your life, heal emotional wounds, or simply create a more peaceful environment, Rose Quartz can be valuable in your spiritual journey. Embrace the gentle, loving energy of this beautiful crystal and watch as it transforms your life from the inside out!
Check out our selection of Rose Quartz crystals and jewelry to bring in its soft and loving energy!
Breathwork is a practice that involves a series of breathing techniques to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We recently sat down with Christina of Calm Peaceful Life, RN and certified Breathwork and meditation facilitator, to learn more about Breathwork and its benefits. Her search for tools to help cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, related to her demanding job in Orthopedic trauma surgery, led her to Breathwork and meditation. She's been practicing daily for seven years and was called to complete a teaching certificate and share her gifts with the community.
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is consciously altering your breathing pattern to produce a positive physical, emotional, and energetic state. It is an active meditation which gives you an anchor to focus on. It's a fun way to meditate!
What are the benefits of practicing Breathwork?
We can do so much with just our breath! Improved sleep, anxiety reduction, pain management, and increased energy are just some of the benefits. Studies show that mindful breathing techniques activate the amygdala (the emotional regulation center of the brain), reducing negative emotions and stimulating positive changes in mood and cognition. Stress reduction occurs as we switch from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest or the body's ability to relax). This is done by stimulating our vagus nerve (the main nerve of the parasympathetic system) with slow deep breaths, which in turn slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Utilizing diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breaths) we can improve our digestion and stimulate our organs to improve function. Always consult your doctor about starting Breathwork with preexisting conditions, such as heart and lung disease. Some health issues (especially increased pulmonary pressure) may make some breath holds unsafe. And always listen to your body if you experience discomfort.
Who can benefit from Breathwork?
Everyone can benefit from Breathwork! It's especially helpful for those currently feeling stressed or anxious, experiencing difficulty sleeping, or those in need of emotional balance. Beginning a Breathwork practice can improve your overall health and well-being.
How has Breathwork impacted your life?
Breathwork has completely changed my life! I was feeling very unhappy, stressed, anxious, tired, and struggling to get through my days. Obviously that does not make for a great caregiver. With these methods I have experienced tremendous growth. My spirit is energized and my emotions are uplifted. I learned to create happiness for myself by being present and rewiring my thought patterns. The journey has been beautiful and is ongoing! I use Breathwork to energize myself and clear my mind on the drive to work. I utilize it to wind down to go to sleep. I do intensive deep dives of Breathwork and meditation for big decisions, celebrations, or just for fun! During my classes I ask my students to rate themselves on how they feel when they walk in and when they finish. I am proud to say not one person has not improved their feelings rating!
What is a typical Breathwork meditation experience?
Each class contains an element of mindful presence. We work slowly into different pranayama techniques. I may add gentle movement or a Kundalini Yogic breath to create the energetic state desired. The active breaths are usually around a half hour of the class as it really is work! Then we do a guided meditation for around 10 minutes to seal and ground the energy. There is a short reflection period to share how we feel in the new energy.
What is your favorite Breathwork technique?
I love pranayama Breathwork and Kundalini yogic breath. I'm a results driven woman! Few things bring instant gratification, but with a three minute breath of fire (bellows breath), I can instantly shift myself from crabby and tired to awake and energetic. I have used a 10 count box breath for 10 minutes to halt a panic attack. These are functional tools that I never leave home without! You can do a 4/8 breath to relax anywhere and no one will ever know. I have cleared out all the old stories, stress, and limitations on my life due to Breathwork and meditation. I now have enough space and extra energy to pursue my Holistic Nursing Certification. Through understanding the science behind Breathwork and incorporating it into your daily routine, you can experience the many benefits that this practice has to offer. Breathwork is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance well-being and promote overall health!
Thank you for taking time to share your beautiful insights and journey with us! Check out Christina's upcoming Breathwork offerings here at Angelic Roots!
Meditation is an important part of our daily practice that involves focusing our minds and redirecting our thoughts. The goal of meditation is to cultivate awareness, inner peace, and a sense of presence in the present moment. Regular meditation practice has been shown to reduce stress, calm the mind, improve sleep and concentration, promote emotional well-being, and enhance overall mental and physical health.
We often hear, "I can't meditate, my brain has too many thoughts!" Thoughts are normal and the more you try to push them away, the stronger they seem to become. Try this instead! Get in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and imagine you're sitting near a stream in the forest. As a thought comes in, place it on a leaf that is floating down the stream, and watch it drift away. Accept the thought, place it on the leaf, and continue this exercise until you feel more present and in the moment.
Our Favorite Tools and Tips
Meditation is accessible to everyone. All you need is a few minutes a day and your life will forever be changed! By starting with simple practices and gradually building a routine, you can reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a greater sense of peace and happiness. Find what resonates with you and enjoy the journey. How are you raising your vibration today?
Check out our current meditation offerings!
What is the Root Chakra?
The Root Chakra or Muladhara in Sanskrit (or "root of existence"), located at the base of the spine, is the first of the seven chakras in the energetic body. Its symbol is a lotus flower with four petals and is associated with the color red and the Earth element. It is the physical and energetic foundation in the body and responsible for keeping one grounded and feeling safe and secure.
How to Balance Your Root Chakra
When the Root Chakra is out of alignment, too open or blocked, you may feel unmotivated, anxious, fearful, angry, insecure, stuck, or exhausted. When the energy isn't flowing properly, you'll likely feel disconnected from the earth or emotions of stubbornness and greed may creep in. Feelings of insecurity and shame often stem from childhood or ancestral trauma and these manifest in blockages at the Root Chakra.
This "stuck" energy can be unblocked through a variety of methods and life style changes.
Maintain Your Foundation
The Root Chakra is like the foundation of a house. If all your energy is focused on maintaining the foundation, other areas of your life may become unbalanced. However, if your energy is concentrated in other areas without a strong base, you could begin to feel instability. Balancing the Root Chakra is essential for overall well-being and allows for the proper flow of energy to other chakras.
To keep the Root Chakra flowing requires work to dig deep. In order to rise, expand, and grow, those old patterns and behaviors need to be released. This type of work takes time and dedication but the reward is living a life of full potential. Understanding and balancing the Root Chakra is essential for creating a stable and secure foundation in your life, allowing for growth and development in other areas.
Symbol: 
Red color, symbolizing strength, stability, and vitality
Lotus flower with four petals
Muladhara
Element: Earth
Color: Red
Location: Base of the spine
May is Women's Health Month, a time to bring awareness to the unique needs and issues of women. One of the ways to nurture and revitalize emotional and physical health is through aromatherapy. Essential oils that are inhaled and used in topical applications can bring in relaxation, focus, and relieve emotions such as fear, anxiety, and stress. Here are our favorite oils for women to consider incorporating into their daily routine to support their physical and emotional health.
Our Three Feathers Apothecary Divine Feminine Oil Blend invokes the wisdom and power of the Divine Feminine with supportive essential oils. The Divine Feminine resides in all of us, in our capacity for infinite compassion, empathy, and ability to nurture and sustain life. Awaken your sacred intuition and your innate ability to connect with the heartbeat of Mother Earth. When you are grounded and balanced in this energy, you can stand in your power and the spiritual consciousness of your true soul's purpose.
Prioritizing self-care and well-being can reduce stress, boost energy, and lead to healthy relationships! Essential oils can be a great addition to your wellness routine. Check out our Three Feathers Apothecary line of oils and sprays.
Known as the angel of love and compassion, Archangel Chamuel is often called upon to help individuals find inner peace, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
Archangel Chamuel is often depicted as a being of pure light and love, radiating a sense of peace and tranquility. Archangel Chamuel's name means "he who sees God," and is believed to help individuals find clarity, purpose, and direction in their lives. He is able to clearly see your path when you are unable to and acts as a guide when you are feeling lost or alone. Archangel Chamuel is also known for helping people heal emotional wounds, cultivate self-love, and foster harmonious relationships with others. He is associated with the colors pink, the white dove, and the rose. These are symbolic of peace, your capacity for unconditional love, and the Divine Light within you. If any of these are a constant in your awareness he may be sending you messages. Take note of the synchronicities that surround you. You may be surprised to find out just how many there are!
To connect with Archangel Chamuel, you can simply call upon this angel in times of need, especially when you seek guidance and support. You can create a sacred space for meditation, focusing your intentions on inviting Archangel Chamuel's loving energy into your life. He is a powerful ally for those who are navigating challenging interpersonal relationships, those who feel isolated, and for working through grief and loss. Working with particular crystals can also deepen your connection to him. Rose Quartz opens the Heart Chakra and is know for its ability to foster unconditional love and infinite peace. Kunzite is the crystal of Universal love. You can use it not just for yourself but also for wishing peace and love to all of humanity, including Mother Earth. Rhodonite can move emotional hurt and wounds to a space of forgiveness and compassion. It also works with the Heart Chakra by allowing space for love to flow.
Archangel Chamuel's presence can also bring a sense of protection and comfort during challenging times, helping you navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience. People who work in mental health, child care, or whose occupation involves issues of law and justice can benefit from the guidance of Archangel Chamuel. By opening your heart and mind to this angel's loving energy, you can invite positive transformation and spiritual growth into your life.
Here at Angelic Roots, we love working the Archangels and we feel their support and guidance daily. Opening up to this Divine energy can bring about profound shifts in your life to help you align with your soul purpose and become your authentic self!
