How to Be More Radiant in Your Own Skin

We all have been created perfectly with divine intention, which means we don’t need to change or refine or even overcome a crappy past to be totally awesome. That perfection has already been made. To live it is our birthright. 

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ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Be True To Yourself

HOW TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

Written By: John Scardina     Photo Credit: Joicy Muniz

How to Be True to Yourself

How to Be True to Yourself

As entrepreneurs we wear many hats in order to create our brand, our ideal client, and become successful by whatever means. We also sometimes lose sight of who we are and what we have become along the way. It becomes so easy to lose track of the actual reason why we all created a business plan and started on the entrepreneurial journey. 

As business owners we take on so many tasks, each one that brings us into multiple directions daily. Let’s be honest here, these tasks happen every second everyday repeatedly until we drain ourselves of all good energy within us. This is the moment when we change who we are, and become someone or something else if only for the need to acquire clients or take a shortcut to get approval in business. 

I have seen so many entrepreneur’s and practitioner’s get frantic and try to become something they are not. This at first might seem the path to follow but in the long run becomes an overwhelming venture that creates stress and will actually reduce your business income. I’m speaking about business owners that offer multiple programs, products, or classes similar to a restaurant that has a 27-page menu. You do not need that large of a menu, you need to provide what is that whole part of your being.

If you are a practitioner whatever modality, be that practitioner, be a Reiki Master, be an Iridologist, or be that one thing that you are the best you can be at. If you are a coach, then coach, if you are an artist, then create, and if you are just plain crazy (but recognized for that) then just be plain crazy. Be who you are remain your true self, after all you are not the practitioner or coach that you see on the other side of town, you are you! Stay the course and do not deviate from who you are, you are the one with the knowledge, the drive, and stamina to get things done in a manner the resonates from you and spreads a positive energy throughout your business. You started off as you and should remain your true self, your clients deserve this!

I have seen many practitioners and business owners become so many things that clients have difficulty trying to figure out who you are or what you have become. Don’t let this confusion lead to clients searching for other practitioners or coaches. I have done this; I’ve spent many years trying to become something I’m not due to the fact I never felt good enough to provide just one modality or service. I felt the need to be like others. I went bat shit crazy trying to offer all and everything to my clients and my business suffered completely. We all learn as we grow, and we all grow in different ways. 

Stay who you are, be the best you can be as you are, your clients will appreciate the fact that they can trust in you as your true self. Your energy will be well accepted and loved if you maintain your true self!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Practice More Self-Love (Part 2)

HOW TO PRACTICE MORE SELF-LOVE (PART 2)

Written By: Tracy Elizabeth Roman
Photo Credit: Dasha + Mari

more-self-love-now

Self-Love Nugget # 4

Let go. Look around at your physical space. Where you live has a vibration/energy all its own and if you are doing everything right but seeing no improvement in your thoughts and actions, take a look around. What are you holding onto? Old clothing? Unused/unflattering makeup or skincare? Broken furnishings? Toxic neighbors? When we don't care for ourselves we tolerate situations and people that are detrimental to our wellbeing. Unsupportive relationships, clutter, old makeup and clothing that we will never use but we keep because we "spent money on it". Toss that shit. It is contributing to your lower level energy. Spend 10 minutes daily purging your physical space of what you don't need and haven't used in the past 12 months. You will be amazed at how quickly your energy and mood lifts.

Self-Love Nugget # 5

Re-examine your relationships. This is a tough one because we love our friends and family and, let's be real here, we are afraid of being judged by them as stuck up or snooty. This is your life and the one thing I can pinky swear is true, people will think what they think about you REGARDLESS of what you do. So, choose whom you associate with. If your parents or siblings are negative, limit your exposure to them until you can maintain your higher level of awareness (and composure) in their presence.

And when you are tempted to backslide because you feel misunderstood by your family, remember that they are on their own individual journey and may choose to stay unconscious, reactive or unaware. You cannot take on their spiritual growth for them, so you must be willing to move forward on your own path rather than stay miserable in a relationship that does not support your personal evolution. I'm not saying this is easy.

I, too, still have difficulty in this area. Just know that there is absolutely no need for you to pick up sticks and move to another state—be gentle with yourself, keep putting one foot in front of the other and know that you'll get where you need to go at the right time.

I suggest that you read this article at least 3x. I find that when I re-read or re-listen to something multiple times, I pick up even more bits of wisdom that I had previously missed.

Our awakening as individuals, and collectively, is not an accident. It is a Divine plan and one which your soul agreed to when it [re]incarnated as you. Lack of self-love is but one way in which we keep ourselves from reaching our full potential out of fear. There is a plan for your life. But, in order to experience it, you must loosen your grip on what is, trust in your soul's guidance and operate from faith—not blind obedience—but a solid understanding of who you are as a soul and the evolutionary journey that is yours and yours alone.

Believe in yourself, believe in the dream in your heart and be open to the promptings of your soul.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

How to Practice More Self-Love (Part 1)

How to Practice More Self-Love (Part 1)

How to Practice More Self-Love (Part 1)

HOW TO PRACTICE MORE SELF-LOVE (Part 1)

Written By: Tracy Elizabeth Roman

You can't help but notice that self-love is trending. Everyone wants to know if it is the culprit behind their problems, what the heck is self-love anyway and why should they care.

Loving or valuing ourselves is a delineator between those who have happy, meaningful lives and those that don't. Lack of self-love plays out in every area of our lives. It determines whether we get the job, promotion or raise. Whether we get to date the guy we really want or *Mr. Eh, he'll do for now.* Whether we're jazzed when we wake up in the mornings or we hit snooze 7x before reluctantly crawling out of bed. Most importantly, it determines whether we give ourselves the same care and compassion that we would give to someone we love dearly.

In short, not loving ourselves sends a message out into the Universe that we are not deserving of everything we want for ourselves, and that's a difficult realization to accept.

What can we do to start bringing in all that we desire to turn our lackluster life into one that lights us up like a 4th of July celebration? First, you must recognize that Tinkerbell is not going to wave a magic wand over your life and materialize all of your dreams in an instant. Action is a required component of this equation and there's no getting around that. Your soul incarnated as you to experience life, and that experience comes from doing, not sitting around wishing and hoping.

Below, I share a few nuggets of wisdom to help you start creating the life of your dreams:

Self-Love Nugget # 1
What are you avoiding? Self-love begins with self-knowledge. What emotions have you been unwilling to feel? What situations are you ignoring instead of dealing with them? This is key. Because you are creating your life from the level of consciousness (or awareness) that these suppressed emotions resonate at. My suggestion: get a massage. I find that when I go to the spa and have a restorative massage, I am more willing to look deeply within myself at the areas of my life I have been avoiding. Massage relaxes your muscles and your mind and allows your soul to reveal things to you that you would otherwise never know. Bring a journal with your and after your massage, sit in the spa's relaxation room and pour it out on paper.

Self-Love Nugget # 2
Daily rituals are not an indulgence; they are a requirement. We are bombarded by information at an alarming rate. You must find time, daily and preferably first thing in the morning, to spend time alone with your soul. Our soul speaks to us in the quiet moments, when the din of our thoughts is lowered. Try out different methodologies to see what works best for you: chanting, meditation, journaling, tapping, candle gazing, prayer, the list is endless. Find what suits you and then do it. Every day.

Self-Love Nugget # 3
Pay attention to what you are thinking. We habitually think the same self-defeating thoughts day in and day out. Become an observer. If you are reactive and negative, stop, inhale deeply, exhale and relax your shoulders. Then ask within: what am I thinking to cause this reaction? Allow the thoughts to flit across the blank canvas of your mind and observe them with curiosity rather than judgment, and a sincere desire to know yourself better. This is when awareness, aha's and self-understanding show up.

More Self-Love Nuggets await in Part 2 of How to Practice More Self-Love?

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Tarot Reading: Six of Pentacles in Reverse

TAROT READING:
SIX OF PENTACLES IN REVERSE

Reading by Yeshe Chodron  
Photo Credit: Ready Gypset Go
Magazine: Issue #11

Six of Pentacles in Reverse

Six of Pentacles in Reverse

The message of this month’s card, the six of pentacles in reverse, can be likened to breathing. It calls our awareness to giving out, and bringing in, and giving out, and bringing in. When we breathe out, most of us don’t fear that there may not be enough air for the next breath in.

We simply use that exhalation to move our bodies forward, to speak, to make room for that next inhalation. We trust. In this way, the shining pentacles (or coins) that appear on this card remind us that they are ours to give out...completely. And we must offer them out, to move our lives forward, to express ourselves, to create a reason or a space for that next coin to come into our lives. We can trust, says this card’s presence. 

Now, add to this vision, the idea that pentacles or coins on a tarot card represent money--material wealth and abundance. Think of how you give and spend money.

Do you offer it freely, trusting that the next inhalation will be there?

Do you spend in ways to move yourself forward, knowing that there is no question as to whether or not there is a next breath of wealth? ...of abundance? Are you free of doubt, to the extent that your joy knows no bounds, regardless of what’s in your wallet? Unless you are able to say ‘YES’ to these queries, the card this month encourages you to address the beliefs that back up your story of why you cannot.

Employ the assistance of a guided mediation, a coach, a trusted mentor, a wise friend, a divination tool, or your spirit guides. Lift the rug and see what’s piling up underneath. Inner integrity is paramount, here--be honest with yourself about which beliefs are moving you forward and which ones are like quicksand. Moving into the dark corners with the assistance of a light source, removes the darkness; and, reveals the nuggets of gold! So, do what needs to be done; and, move into the darkness to receive your gold. Then you can go ahead and freely exhale. 

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Starting Over After Divorce

STARTING OVER AFTER DIVORCE

Write Your Divorce by Igniting Your Imagination

Write Your Divorce by Igniting Your Imagination

Article by Camille Ditele
Photo Credit: Victor of Valencia
Magazine: Issue #17

Keeping a personal journal through your divorce process is one of the healthiest things you can do.

Scientific studies have consistently shown that the process of committing our deepest thoughts to paper is the start of the healing process. James Pennebaker, one of America’s most distinguished research psychologists, says that the simple act of expressing your thoughts and feelings about emotionally challenging experiences on paper is proven to speed your recovery and improve your mental and physical health. His findings are published in his book Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovery From Trauma and Emotional Upheaval. 

Divorcees who have embraced journaling as therapy report setting aside a specific time each day, often later in the evening when the house is quiet and they are unlikely to be interrupted.

Some write while sipping tea or wine; some have classical music (Bach is preferred) playing softly in the background, and some enjoy writing with a scented candle burning. 

Many combine all three in their writing ritual. Somehow, as the anguish, despair, frustration and fear pour out of their hearts and onto the page, they find themselves lightened. Over time, an interesting thing happens. The story starts naturally to change.

First they change perspective. Instead of seeing themselves as the victim of the divorce, they consider if they could have instigated it. Instead of seeing divorce as the worst thing that could possibly happen to them, they start to see that it could be a blessed relief from a relationship that had run its course.

Some women we have talked to say they found they were repeating the same story night after night and they made a conscious decision to change their story. If you are journaling and want to change your story, resolve that for the rest of the month, you will write about one new thing each night that has nothing to do with divorce. You may spend a half hour writing about what an inspiration Maggie Smith is in Downton Abbey. You may talk about a hummingbird that stopped by your backyard feeder, or a perfectly accessorized outfit you saw in a store window on your way home. Write about a country you want to visit, a picture you want to paint, a perfect romance you want to have.

By pushing your mind to new ideas and igniting your imagination, you may find your new story spills over your pages and into your new life. The next time a friend asks how you are doing, you may be able to share that you have started to make a quilt, something you always wanted to do, or that you have purchased a little puppy.

Changing your story is the first step to changing your life.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

You've Been Lied To: 4 Steps to Finding Your Truth

YOU'VE BEEN LIED TO: 4 STEPS TO FINDING YOUR TRUTH

Article by Jentana Lee Dabbs
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #31

You've Been Lied To: 4 Steps to Finding Your Truth

You've Been Lied To: 4 Steps to Finding Your Truth

What child during his/her growing years ever says, “when I grow up, I want to be broke, struggling and unhappy in life?” Most children dream about the limitless possibilities of their future.

What is it that happens when we grow up? What is the roadblock that suddenly stands in our way of living the life we dream about as children? 

The answer is “misinformation.”

What does that mean?
It means that when we were growing up, most of us were given a ton of misinformation about whom we are, what we should become and how we should function in this world. For example, our school system develops its main tests and curriculums for a certain learning style and those children who function at a different learning style other than what the school system says is “normal” are often punished, put in a “special” class for problem students, or they get put on psychoactive meds.  

The lies we’re taught
Throughout our most formidable years of learning who we are and about developing self-acceptance, we often become disconnected from who we really are, developing a feeling of low self acceptance and even self hatred, because we were constantly given punishing lies of “not being good enough” or of “being a bad student” because perhaps we forgot to finish an assignment, we had trouble keeping up with some of the homework load, our test scores were too low, we didn’t make the team, the assignment was done sloppy and so on. We became fearful of any “normal” mistake that we made, because we were programed to believe that we must be perfect 100% of the time and that the occasional failures, mistakes and falling on our face were “unacceptable”, so we grow up believing that are unacceptable, unless we can reach perfection.

From approval seeking to running away
Why do most people give up too soon? Because we become hooked on the constant search for approval and acceptance in order to keep moving forward and the second we don’t get that approval and acceptance or if it’s taking too long to find it, then our primal survival instinct kicks in from memories of the past of getting punished and hurt, so we choose to give up and run the other way, rather than the face the pain of disapproval.

How to change your misinformation 
The best and quickest ways to delete those lies about yourself is simply by learning about who you are, what makes you tick and how your mind works. For example, I had a mentor who was wonderful at many things; however, one of her flaws was that she only taught in a style that worked for her and not for everyone. Rather than choosing to have patience and understand that my brain style is different, she chose to not only punish me, but also punish me in front of our whole coaching group and make an example of me. Because I had a better understanding about myself, I realized she wasn’t a right fit for me, so I stopped working with her, where in the past, I would have beat myself up, gotten depressed and make every effort to get her approval again.

A client of mine came to me with very low self esteem and carrying a serious burden of guilt on his shoulders about who he is, because he truly believed that there was something wrong with him, he had misinformation about what is considered “normal” and what makes him tick. After working with me, I not only taught him about his personality and brain type, but I proved to him that the issues he went through are actually “normal” but no one ever allowed him to see that. Once he learned more about what makes him tick and how normal he really is, his self-esteem went up and he’s a much happier man.

4 Steps to finding who you are

1| Learn about your learning style: You can go online and take a test to see if you are a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner.  It makes a huge difference in teaching you how you can best absorb information.

2| Do research on your personality type: Find some detailed personality tests to take online, such as the one on Holistic Fashionista or Myers Briggs, to know what makes you tick.

3| Find out your brain organizing type: Feeling frazzled? Rather than beat yourself up for lack of time management, read up on how the brain works. One book I love is called “Organizing for Your Brain Type” by Lanna Nakone, which includes a quiz and gives some great tips.

4| Practice daily rituals: Every day do something that will help strengthen who you are, such as hypnosis, guided imagery, step outside of your comfort zone, make your bed if you never make your bed, eat in a nice restaurant, do anything that makes you feel good and ultimately leads to you having a stronger bond with your true self!

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.

Friends with the Monster: The Time Has Come for You to Live Your Art

FRIENDS WITH THE MONSTER:
THE TIME HAS COME FOR YOU TO LIVE YOUR ART

Friends With The Monster

Friends With The Monster

Article By Nikka Karli
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #30

There you are. Sitting alone in your room. The scariest monster you’ve ever encountered is under your bed, gnashing its hideous teeth and sliding its creepy alien fingers along your bare skin.

But this monster- the one who has you plugging your ears and squeezing your eyes shut so tightly you’re seeing stars- is not, in reality, a monster at all.

This monster is your Ultimate Dream.

And you are so scared by the very IDEA of said dream that you are, at present, curled up into the fetal position sucking your thumb and crying for your mommy. Just wishing someone would come and take your Ultimate Dream away so you don’t have to think about it for more bed-wetting second.

Except- EXCEPT- you know in your heart of hearts that if you actually lost this dream that you might completely fade away from all space and time.

And you know that no matter how scary this dream is, it is your reason for being on this planet, at this time, in this place.

For without this dream your soul would be incomplete. And your life would become a vast wasteland of mediocrity. And carpooling minivans. And boring lingerie that doesn’t even turn YOU on. And ugly Christmas sweater parties where you get to feign laughter at your husband’s boss’s ridiculously inappropriate jokes. And one craptastic vacation every other year. Oh. And, perhaps worst of all, watching other people build their dreams while you sit back and try to remember a time when you yourself had more than just a fleeting memory of your own.

And that version of life? Well, I don’t know about you, but that hot mess of a reality is simply unacceptable to me.

So, what’s a rebel-thought leader-dreamer-creator-world changer to do?
Roll over, play dead, and let the monster have its way with you?
Well. Yes, actually. That’s EXACTLY what you should do.

Because it is only by surrendering completely to your Ultimate Dream that you will ever give it permission to become your reality. It is only when we give ourselves over to the great, big, scary void of creativity that we are capable of not only making friends with the monster, but BECOMING the monster.

What does it mean to become the monster {AKA your Ultimate Dream}?

It means that your life is no longer an unsatisfying accumulation of the mundane tasks and self-limiting comfort zones with which we occupy ourselves to distract us from the fact that we are not living our art.

It means that your name will be forever written along the magical ley lines of the Soul of the Universe.

It means that you- yes you- will have faced your demons, nourished them with love and gratitude, and chosen to embrace them in spite of your fears. You will have not only accepted your monster, you will have become the walking, talking, breathing embodiment of your divinity. For our creativity- which is the active invocation of our Ultimate Dream- is, in all essence, divine.

It is the vast expanse of the ancient ones that runs through our blood.
It is our strength and our weakness. Our light and our dark. Our truth and our faults.
It is our greatness.

We must never forget that when we fight our monster, we are fighting ourselves. And nothing great has ever come from an artist fighting her art. From a leader fighting the fact that they are meant to lead. Or from a creator refusing to create.

So, this is your invitation to surrender, Lover. To give yourself over to your own monster. To allow your life to become the sacred magic that is your Ultimate Dream.

This is your wake up call. Your monster is waiting.

ABOUT ANGEL

Angel Quintana

Angel Quintana is the founder of Holistic Fashionista, an alchemical herbalist and mystery school teacher based in Saint Petersburg, Florida. She's incredibly passionate about the alchemical process known as The Great Work and helping others evolve "the archetypes" found in their inner world, so they can confidently answer the questions: WHO AM I and WHY AM I HERE. Learn more about Angel's work at www.theoccultchateau.com


DISCLAIMER

The information on this website is presented for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation.