As a child I can remember going to Coronado Island as my father had lived on the island, when he was a small boy.  His father was a Naval Pilot and stationed at North Island before his death prior to World War II.  I can remember the sea turtles coming up on the beach and the site of them.  They were huge!
 
The hotel has always been a landmark to me and the history and the glamor that went along with the hotel’s reputation.  Guests such as Charles Lindbergh, Hollywood stars and starlets, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Ester Williams, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon, and Marilyn Monroe, just to name a few and not to mention the legendary tale said to be the ghost of Kate Morgan.
 
It is said that she still resides at the hotel where she had spent the last five days of her life.  Being recently married on their trip to the Del Coronado it is said that she and her husband had argued on the train.  He had disembarked from the train in Orange, California and Kate continued to the hotel alone.  After waiting for him to arrive, on the fifth day she was found and the bottom of the stairs leading to the beach from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
 
It is reported that the guests that stay in the room where she had spent her final days experience unexplainable activity in their room.  Bedding is pulled down, eerie drafts in the room, television turning on and off as well as lights flickering for no apparent reason.
 
We had a wonderful stay at the Del Coronado hotel only capturing a few orbs here and there.  Our stay was incredible and well worth it.  I would love to plan another weekend at the Del and experience its grandeur once more.

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​The above two pictures on the left where taken on my very first visit to the Whaley House.  I was unaware of this museum being one of the most haunted places in America.  As I was there for the interest of genealogy research for a family member who is a Whaley.  It was only a short time before I had my first experience as I stood in the Courtroom of the home and there was an overwhelming aroma of cigar smoke in the air, which I came to discover that it was a common experience from what is believed to be from Thomas Whaley making his presence known.  

The picture on the lower left has what appears to be a man’s face looking inward from the right side of the glass pane of the window.  Can you see him? 
 
The two photos on the right were taken more recently as you might be able to tell if you have ever been to the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego.
 
Since my first visit, the house of the Whaley family home has been updated and refurbished but never disappoints.  We have always come home with personal experiences and stories to share.  A wonderful day or weekend trip with quaint shops and restaurants to please the palate. 

 A cold February night exploring Old Town San Diego led us to the El Campo Santo Cemetery.  You will notice when you visit that an area of this cemetery lies beneath the paved roadway where small markers indicating a burial below the pavement. 

Our visit and overnight stay aboard the Queen Mary.  It was an exciting get-a-way and something that I had always hoped to explore and enjoy an overnight stay on this historic ship.  From a luxury liner in the mid 1930's to transporting over 800,00 troops during the war.  I can recall my first impressions that made an imprint on my mind from the past.  I could see happy young children running and playing on deck dressed in 1930/1940 attire.  I also felt great sadness on this ship, heavy heartfelt sadness which seemed to be residual from serving during the war era. 

Here is a photo of our cabin along with an orb being captured in the shot.  As we scoured and toured the ship and yes, even took the tour.  The reflective surfaces of all the decorative ornate wood hindered any clear shots of activity aboard the ship.  Also, there is a lot of plexiglass used for areas portraying scenes of rooms on board and how they would have been used back in the day, from the infirmary to the war rooms.  All in all, it was a lovely experience and I will honor the impressions of the past and respect the history.

The term ghost is described as the disembodied spirit of the dead, appearing as a pale or shadowy apparition.  Many human beings believe in the afterlife, a place somewhere beyond our physical world and that ghosts or spirits can reenter the physical world after death.  Some people feel that all ghosts or spirits are trapped souls, souls of the departed who have unfinished business while some may be attached to the material world, or may not realize that they are physically dead and without a physical body, especially in the cases where a sudden unexpected or violent death has occurred.

When ghosts are seen, they are often described as being a filmy white or misty, transparent figure.  They can be seen with a full body or partially formed body.  People have described seeing a clearly formed body appearing to be of physical flesh and dressed in period clothing, while others may appear to the living as a ghostly apparition, transparent and floating above the ground.  These spirit entities may have the ability to communicate verbally or by gesturing and may have the ability to interact with the living or they may be completely unaware of those in the physical world.

There is no dominating pattern to a haunting.  A haunted location or area is usually the former home of the deceased or the place where one has died.  A haunted location could also include a place where the deceased had visited often during their physical lifetime.  Paranormal phenomena can often be experienced in areas of violent attacks and battlefields.  The activity can happen at a location or area periodically, or on the anniversary of a tragic event, while others can occur continually.
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Through today’s technology and efforts of those in the field of investigation and communication with these paranormal entities, has brought about the opportunities of documenting and recording these haunting events.  And can offer undisputable evidence that the spirit of the departed does live on after physical death and communication along with interaction is indeed possible.

When you experience the loss of a loved one, you may find yourself questioning the possibility of life after death.  After all, there is no physical body to hold, see or touch, the voice is no longer heard and their scent has faded away, leaving you only the memories of their existence.   But often we deny or dismiss the continuing signs of our loved ones and their contact with us through our own lack of acceptance and understanding or our religious beliefs.

When you come to understand that the spirit of the soul, the character of that spirit and the love that emanates from that spirit, it cannot be destroyed.  The essence lives on and there is a perfect quote that says it so simply “you don’t have a soul, you are a soul, you have a body” by C.S. Lewis.  Love for another does not cease to exist; it is as present as it ever was.  The bond that you share with another through love is unbreakable.  When a parent loses a child, it is the most difficult loss to experience because as a parent you expect your children to out-live you.   Loving relationships remain after death, as a soul cannot be destroyed or die and therefore the love lives on.  Our loved ones, who have passed on beyond this physical plane, can and do communicate with us, giving us the signs that they are near and still very dear to us.

Those in spirit can and do communicate with you telepathically.  When you’re inspired to turn the radio on or maybe change the channel for no apparent reason, and there is a special song playing that was “your song” understand, that this wasn’t just coincidence but inspired telepathic guidance.  Your loved one may also visit you in a dream and this too is classified as a visitation.  You may find a feather, a coin, a flower, etc.  There have been documented accounts of those in spirit materializing to their loved ones, and even leaving a familiar scent or sharing a gentle touch and these are indeed signs from above, signs from your loved ones.

Young children will often see those who are in spirit because they have not fully adapted to using only the physical senses.   They retain their spiritual sensitivity until they become fully accustomed to relying only on their physical senses in this physical world.  However, for each human being there is a spiritual being, that is operating that physical body.
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For those of you who have grieved and doubted that your loved ones are still near to you, I would recommend the book Hello from Heaven by Bill Guggenheim and Judy Guggenheim.

​How many of you have heard the phrase “my grandmother read tea leaves”?  I must say that many grandmothers indeed read the tea leaves in days’ gone by, even my own Grandmother.  So, I thought you might like to have some of your own insight into reading the tea leaves.

The best type of cup to use for reading the tea leaves would be one that is wide and shallow with a plane white interior.  The saucer should also be free of any patterns.  This makes for a clearer view of the tea patterns and symbols created by the leaves.  After all, just think of the interior of the cup as the canvas to your life questions.

The areas of the cup represent certain aspects of your life.  The handle represents you, your home environment and close family members.  The opposite side of the cup across from the handle represents the work or business issues in your life.  While the sides and bottom of the cup represent certain time frames.  For instance, the rim area would reflect the very near future, such as a few days or weeks, the sides of the cup would reflect the more distant time frame as in a few months or so, while the bottom of the cup would reflect off in the distant future.

When reading the tea leaves, remember to use a good quality, large loose-leaf tea (no tea bags) as this will give you a clearer reading.  Once you have prepared the tea by placing a tablespoon of tea in a pot and covering it with boiling water.  Pour it into a cup with saucer (a mug is not suitable).  As you drink from the cup, being in a calm pleasant space, think of a question that you would like guidance or understanding to.  Make sure that you leave approximately one teaspoon full in the cup.  Holding the cup in your left hand while focusing on your question, swirl it in a counterclockwise motion.  Place the saucer on top of the cup and turn the cup and saucer up-side down for approximately one minute or so until the liquid has drained from the cup and onto the saucer.  Turn the cup over and examine your inner canvas.

For Example:  One of the images or symbols which you may see happens to be a dove near the rim of the cup just above the handle area.  This may reveal that your life may soon find the affection that you have been hoping for or you may also see a wavy line near the opposite side of the cup which may indicate emotional ups and downs with work or business situations.  However, there is what appears to be a bell which follows representing some happy news or positive changes are soon to follow.
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These are only examples and you may discover that the more you work with your own symbolisms and meanings, the clearer your readings will become.  It might be helpful to you to invest in a book of meanings or symbols as these may give you additional insight to your readings of the tea leaves.

Creating your Sacred Space is something that benefits you on many levels.  It is creating a sanctuary, a space to find peace and oneness. The Sacred Space is about the allowing, honoring the sacredness of you, taking the time to attune and align yourself with the God self, to be in that union of Harmony and Grace.  It’s a place where you can find healing and guidance.  This is a place where you can go to find comfort and love. It is a place of prayer. It is a place of just Being.
 
​Whatever your beliefs are, honor them, be true to them, embrace them.  But as you do that, remember to honor yourself by creating and taking the time for yourself to embrace your beliefs actively.
 
So, often you may find yourself making the time for others and their needs, which is a beautiful and considerate thing to do.  But what I am asking you to think about is “do you take the time for you?”  If you feel lost, overwhelmed, or just need to be in a safe place, create your Sacred Space.
 
Find a special place that you feel drawn to or connected to in some way.  This may be in a certain room of your home, or in a special corner or nook area that might even be off the kitchen.  It could be somewhere in your own backyard.  What is important about this area is that you are drawn to it.  Pay attention to your inner guidance and feeling towards it.
 
The next thing to do is to allow yourself to be inspired by this area.  Be creative with it, clean/cleanse it, smudge it, as this will dissipate any old or stagnate energies in the area.  Have a place where you can sit comfortably, a chair, pillow, whatever works for you.  You might also choose to have a small table where you can place a candle, incense, books, crystals, statuary, and writing utensils’ if you like.  You may choose certain symbols or pictures to have hanging on the wall.  You might enjoy having an inspirational book or two on your table.  Have soft meditative lighting and music.  These are just ideas that you might consider or be drawn to in creating your Sacred Space.  Whatever you choose to make sure that it’s inspiring to YOU!
 
After you have created your Sacred Space, take the time to be within this Space and Honor the Sacred Self.  Leave distractions and interruptions behind.  This is for you.

​There are many definitions to the meaning of the name Raphael, however, through all defining meanings, you will find that each encompass the term of “Healer”.  Archangel Raphael helps humans as well as animals who are in need.  Raphael is also known to be the guardian of travelers.

Archangel Raphael can guide all healers and practitioners of medicine including physicians, surgeons, and research scientist.  It must be noted that when absent or distant healings are directed to others and Archangel Raphael has been called upon to assist and serve as the Divine Healer, Raphael will not interfere with one’s free will.
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The ray of green which resides within the prism of white is associated to Archangel Raphael as it correlates with the heart chakra.  Raphael can serve to bring harmony and balance into one’s life, past or present as well as physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Raphael will assist those who seek truth, guidance and understanding as they journey within.

Throughout the century’s flowers have always carried a message.  The color of an individual flower, along with the type of flower transmits a unique energy.  There is a drawing of energy between the flower and the person, the giver as well as the receiver.  Therefore, there is an energy and message given to the receiver of such a gift.

The energy of the Buttercup helps us to see our self-worth and value.  While the Pink Carnation represents encouragement and strength.  A bronzed colored chrysanthemum would help us to express our emotions of friendship while the red chrysanthemum would imply a reciprocated love.
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It’s also important to notice the structure of the flower.  Does the flower stand apart from other buds or blooms, if so, this may represent a sense of independence?  If the flower is grouped among many, this would give the sign of dependency.  A flower that appears strong and healthy would signify the strong and healthy character of the person who chose the flower.  If a yellow sunflower or goldenrod is chosen, one might be choosing to stimulate their memory along with inviting a bright cheerfulness into their life.  Pastel colors offer insight through the brilliance of the flower.  Pink might signify the gentle compassionate side of the giver while the deep red might represent the fiery, passionate nature of the individual.
 
Example of Colors associated to the energy of the flowers:
Blue – Restful & Calming                                             Purple - Dramatic
Green – Caring, Home, Nature                                   Red - Assertive
Orange – Optimism, Imagination                              White – Pure, Innocent
Pink – Gentle, Calm, Nonthreatening                       Yellow – Joy, Cheerfulness
 
Example Meanings associated with the energy of flowers.:
Aster – Afterthoughts                                                   Hawthorn - Hope
Begonia – Warning                                                        Hyacinth – (blue) Devotion
Bluebell – Constancy                                                     Hyacinth – (white) Admiration
Buttercup – Radiance                                                    Hydrangea - Changeable
Carnation – Encouragement, Love, Affection          Iris – Restless, Transition
Chamomile – Fortitude                                                 Jasmine -          Elegance
Cherry Blossom – Increase                                          Lavender - Opposition
Cornflower – Delicacy                                                  Lilac – (purple) First Love
Crocus – Joy, Youth                                                      Magnolia - Fortitude
Daisy – Temperance                                                     Pansy – (white) Thought of love
Daffodil – Refusal                                                          Poppy – Holding back
Evening Primrose – Silent devotion                         Primrose – Dawning love
Forget-me-not – Remembrance                                Rose – Expression of love
Gardenia – Sweetness                                                  Tiger Lily - Passion
Gladiolus – Pain                                                             Violet - Modesty