Interview with Helena Hawley

With less than a week to go until the Monastery, we've got several interviews to post this week!  Our first one is with Helena Hawley, sound healer and authoress.

Many thanks to Helena for taking part in our interviews and for giving us some wonderful answers and a great insight into her work.

Helena will be giving a talk on saturday called "Intuitive Vocal Sound Healing and Animals" and can be found online at www.healenahawley.co.uk


1 - To start with could you tell us a little bit about yourself?


Living on the edge of Chester, I am currently busy doing things to help promote my books, as I have always believed that they only help people, if they are read. In them I share the teachings that life has blessed me with to help encourage others on their pathway. It all began with communications from discarnate animals. I understood that their messages were for sharing with others, so encouraged by Linda Tellington-Jones (International healer and trainer of animals and people) I set about writing my first book, one of a trilogy as it turned out. (The other Kingdoms speak series).
Then things took another unexpected turn. The discarnate Maria Callas came into my life and led me down the pathway of intuitive vocal sound healing, which I currently practice, often combining it with other forms of therapy I have learnt. Consequently the next two books were about how I became friends with Maria, learnt to love her greatly and where this led me, which is something of interest for potential sound healers and others.
I trained as a spiritual healer with the spiritualist churches at the beginning of the 1980s, going on to train with Rhea Powers from the USA, who was then teaching in Germany, as a Light Worker. This included the art of channelling, past life regression and clearings. The latter means helping lost souls go to the Light and clearing dark energies from people and places.
I laid these trainings aside for many years, whilst furthering my spiritual education with various teachers, until the time was right to become more actively involved helping others through my attendance at MBS festivals to sell books and give lecture/demos, as well as starting a healing practice for individuals when required in my home. To further my knowledge of sound healing, I have attended training seminars with Milagros Phillips, Karl Brunnick, and Jill Purce.
I have a comprehensive website, www.helenahawley.co.uk with full details and pictures of various things I have to offer, including my books, the latest of which is titled, “Helena’s Book of Healing, Fairies and Sasquatch”.


2 - Can you tell us about your up coming talks?


Most of them include true stories from life, which ones depending on the subject matter of the day. Then, the highlight is the sound, both the demonstration I give of intuitive vocal sound healing and then the toning for healing we do as a group. The singing for the audience is voluntary of course, but it is always exciting to see how it changes the energies in the room and to hear the feedback from the audience after they have sung. Questions at these events are welcomed.


3 - A lot of healers started working with horses; do you think they are more spiritually aware than other domesticated animals?


One cannot generalise. Like people, they vary, as do cats and dogs etc. Most of them are really good at telepathy unlike most of us, but how open they are to using this gift with us seems to depend on how they feel about us. When there is fear, that kind of thing tends to shut down. They are very deserving of any healing they receive, for even the so called difficult ones teach us so much. The more spiritually evolved ones usually are attracted to people of like ilk, and often come with a special mission. I feel sure that “owners” and animals choose each other on a soul level. The healing that takes place goes both ways.
If one allows it to, working with horses can assist enormously with opening one’s heart chakra. Love is the key word. Always choose love.


4 - Why do you think people are more in need of healing and spiritual guidance these days?


I do not know if they are more in need than previously or not. I would go as far as saying that the urgency for it is greater.
I do know that the energies on this planet are changing fast, relatively speaking. Therefore the opportunities for spiritual growth are increasing proportionately. This is where the healing comes in. It helps enormously, because the energy required for healing is LOVE, which also aids spiritual growth. Both giving and receiving healing increase love, gratitude, compassion and spiritual insights. It is very healthy in every way! It was this knowledge about the planetary changes that led me to write the sixth book, “Helena’s Book of Healing, fairies and Sasquatch”. It is part of my contribution to the present times.


5 -Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?


No one in particular, but many have helped me greatly.
To list a few: My life and everyone in it teach me something, every encounter with anyone is of value, even if one is left with thoughts like “That was not a good idea!”, because one can learn something, if only what one does not want. Everything has a positive side. Then, in no particular order, Rhea Powers, Chris Griscom, Linda Tellington-Jones, Michael Roads, Samarpan, Eckhart Tolle and the late Maria Callas from her home in the spirit world. Without her, I would not be doing or teaching sound healing.


6 - What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?


To love myself, follow my heart, listen to my inner guidance and to choose love. This also means letting go of all judgement, as judgement blocks the flow of love.
“Who is to say what is right and what is wrong” is an old Taoist saying I was once told. I have not always managed to remember it, or the rest of this advice I am giving, but I know of none better. When these things are in place, loving everyone as oneself becomes natural and normal. In my better moments I have felt this. There is always further to go on this spiritual pathway.
Loving myself wholeheartedly involves not judging my own actions. So there is nothing to beat myself up about and no self blame. As other people are a part of me, and I a part of them, it becomes automatic not to blame others for things. There is therefore nothing to forgive myself for or anyone else, no matter how much it may appear that they have “wronged” me or others. Everyone acts according to their own level of consciousness at the time.
Many of these things are so contrary to what most of us have been brought up to believe and accept, that it becomes clear that we have work to do on ourselves, which always benefits everyone else and all that is as well for the simple reason that we are all part of the whole. Always choose love!

Interview with Renee Maguire

Today we have a fascinating interview with Renee Maguire of Raw Chi Food and whose book "Raw Chi Chocolate" has been  released this month. Renee is giving a free talk "The Alchemy of Chocolate" at the Monastery on 5th October. We'd like to say thanks to Renee for answering our questions at this busy time in her career. You can find her online at www.rawchifood.com where you can find a wealth of information on the subject of raw food, delicious recipes and an array of detox and coaching programs suitable for everyone.  

To start, could you tell us a little bit about yourself please.

I began my working career as a chef, ran my own outside catering company in London for many years and upon traveling to Asia for 6 months and removing wheat, dairy and most meat out of my diet I began to notice significant changes to how I felt. This coincided with my first cleansing detox fast and the experience left me with a new vocation. I wanted to teach people how to provide more nutrition in there diet through delicious natural foods. I came back from my travels in 2008, set to work on studying nutrition and set up Raw Chi Food, initially it was a wellness coaching, but has progressed to motivational speaking, workshops and the online superfoods store.

Reading your story on your website, I get the impression you are on a mission, do you feel this is a vocation, a destiny almost?

Losing Nicola was a huge turning point in my life and for many years I was lost in grief. Raw Chi Food is not a mission, I see it as a natural progression for everyone, seeing how by making subtle changes to a persons diet you can see the health benefits and physical changes in a matter of weeks feels like a wonderful gift to share.  Raw Chi is my vocation and definitely my passion, i feel incredibly fortunate that I get to work at something I am passionate about and see the results in the people around me, my friends, clients,  customers. The raw chi philosophy is changing lives, I feel incredibly privileged, excited and energised by this vision that is now my reality.

Is your Raw Chi Detox suitable for everyone?

All adults, absolutely, you can not give your body a better gift than cleansing a detoxification, 5-7 days of literally pouring in green smoothie nutritious goodness, while allowing your major organs a rest, giving the colon a much needed holiday. Not to mention, how amazing you feel ridding your body of heavy metals and toxins. This is what I call pressing the reset button. You get to start a fresh, after 1 week, you are considerably lights, often 7-10 lbs, you have glowing skin, shinny eyes and are busting with renewed energy. This is very often the starting block for clients to take the steps to make changes to their diet.

Could you tell us a bit about your new book?

The Alchemy of Chocolate is finally on sale next month, it is my first cook book and I am half way through my second, the inspiration for the Raw Chocolate cook book, was simple, I wanted to create a cook book filled with delicious dairy free, gluten free, raw and optimally healthy  treats, as an introduction into how being kind to your body, by eating to live a long and healthy life, does not need to be boring, it can offer you abundant nutrients, just for starters raw chocolate offers an abundance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin that lift our mood, offering  the body feelings of calm and relaxation. Raw Chocolate can assist with regulation our metabolism, therefore aiding weight loss, not weight gain, offers the highest amount of immune boosting antioxidants, and important for all is the richest source of magnesium than any other food. The Cook book is the first hook into healing foods for most and just by adding a few of the recipes in the book to your daily diet, you will notice a huge difference.

Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.

This will be the same answer by most keen raw foodies, David Wolfe, is by far my biggest inspiration, I travelled to LA this year to attend his Life and Longevity 3 day conference in Orange County, because he leads the way in food to heal our body, his passion, energy and shear knowledge influences my teaching, my way of living. Listening to a seminar of his back in October 2011, gave me the confidence to come at my Mum's breast cancer in a completely different approach. There are many more, I particularly enjoy reading John Robbins books, such as No Happy Cow, to also offer the other side of the food industry, he uncovers the uncomfortable truth of just what in the foods we eat and awakens peoples consciousness.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.

My sisters words, she gave me on my 16th birthday from a poem she read out have stay with me in everything I do, "Stay true to your dreams and they stay true to you!"

Interview with Peta Garnaut of Serene Spirit Jewellery

A wonderful interview today with Peta Garnaut who is giving a workshop on Singing Bowls and Tingsha at the Monastery on Sunday 6th.  Petas' website serenespiritjewellery.com is a source of beautiful jewellery and artwork and we'd like to thank Peta for taking the time to answer our questions. Although her extremely popular workshop is fully booked at Manchester in October she also has a stand at the event.  As ever, pop along and say hi!

1 - To start, could you tell us a little bit about yourself please. I was born in Australia and as Asia is such a close neighbour I have travelled many times to Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and China. I have 2 cats and a dog. I also like to ride (horses) and hope to go on a trail ride in Yorkshire or Cumbria in October. 2 - Travelling all over the world to source your artefacts, which is your favourite place to visit and why? That is a difficult question to answer, so I will answer with 2 locations. Sri Lanka is my favourite shopping destination for textiles and paraphernalia. It is also so rich in culture and intriguing historic monuments. I visited the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy which was such a peaceful and reverant building where the sacred relic of the tooth of Gautama Buddha is housed. My other favourite is Indonesia, because of the diversity and high artistic integrity of the artisans. They are people whose requirements are simple but they love to do business and share their culture. The people of Ubud are especially the warmest hosts and I have friends and artists who I visit every year. 3 - You've been painting since childhood, how do you feel you've evolved as an artist? My interest in Buddhist goddessess and Angels has inspired much of my recent artworks. The Green Tara and White Tara are quite formal in posture but as they care for all beings I can picture them with animals and birds and have fun with the artwork. Angels are not so formal, but they are very insistent on how they are painted. I start with something in mind and over the hours and days the image will change and develop and then quite unexpectedly  it will be finished. I actually believe they Angels guide my hand.  4 - You're doing a workshop in Singing Bowls and Ting Sha at the Monastery, how did you first get into them and could you tell us a bit about the workshop. I visited Kathmandu many years ago and visited the village where singing bowls are made and bought my first. I used it before meditating. As Serene Spirit Jewellery grew into not just jewellery I saw that good quality Tibetan singing bowls would be an authentic addition. Children and adults love to feel the vibration of the bowls and the hypnotic sounds which are so helpful to focus, relax and empty the mind.  The workshop is not just a demonstration of how to play a singing bowl but there will be bowls available for visitors to try. There is a technique to getting it right and once you have it mastered it is very satisfying to then experiment with the different tones in one singing bowl. The Tingsha are an easy alternative and much more portable. The chimes are gently "clanged" together and the sweet sound lingers. They have some very practical uses too. When the family comes together for dinner use the Tingsha to "clear" the space and enjoy each others company. 5-Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most. The Dalai Lama is such a wise man, I read his book "Widening The Circle of Love" every day.  6- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given. Never, never, never give up 7- Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!) Books -:  Trinity by Leon Uris  -  The Historian - Round Ireland with a Fridge Films -:  The Big Chill. -  The Usual Suspects. - Bridesmaids

Interview with Molly Ann Fairley

Newark was fantastic.  A great show all round.  We are now in the run up to the Monastery,  Manchester on 5th and 6th of October.

Although we've had some great interviews so far, we have even more on the way leading up to the Monastery.  Today we're featuring an interview with Molly Ann Fairley, who will be giving a talk on the sunday about the effects of past lives, karma and childhood programming on our lives.  Molly Ann is the founder of The School of Psychic Studies and the psychic teachings available are now being taught  around the world.  We'd like to thank Molly Ann for taking the time to answer our questions, as always it's been an incredible read.

Molly Ann can be found online at www.theschoolofpsychicstudies.co.uk

 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.

My name is Molly Ann Fairley and I have been working as a psychic, medium and healer for over 20 years. More recently I have been writing books and creating healing products.

People from all walks of life come to me for guidance and healing. Some work with me over the phone, others like personal contact and make the journey to my home. I have always been interested in others and feel truly blessed that I have been able to help so many. Many years ago I had a spontaneous ‘psychic opening’ after which I was able to perform psychic surgery and channel accurate information.

Each day I receive wonderful thanks and blessings from ladies who are happy with their readings - Ladies who tell me that the healings and the readings enable them to know how to bring about positive change.

Why do your think there is such a strong demand for spiritual and psychic work these days.  Is humanity a little bit lost or are we evolving?

I do see that there is a greater demand for psychic and spiritual work than there would have been years ago. Because I am 66 I can scan back a long way into time so I have some experience to back up these observations.

I believe that many souls have now incarnated to help the planet lift its vibration. I have read that we have been going through the darkest era now. There is less kindness and consideration than when I was younger and I think we are living in a ‘me’ time when many people are only concerned about money and themselves. People need more help and they need to be able to overcome their fears. More is demanded of an individual. For example, old people need to make sure they have enough money to live on because their off spring may not be there for them. Younger people are getting overburdened with their parents living longer and suffering disease. People died younger years ago so with the new medical innovations we are having greater problems now.

I see many Asian ladies breaking out of their old conditions. Some of them are going through divorce. They need support as this would have been unheard of before and it is very frightening for them.

Karmically (I talk here of our destiny the karma we have come to overcome. It is said that we bring our past negative personality traits to rise above them) we are meeting up with more souls with whom we have unfinished business. This will put a strain on marriages that are breaking down because that person has to be able to move on and work out his or her karma out with others. Double or triple marriages are no uncommon any more. Children also need to work out their outstanding karma and may need to have one or more mothers or fathers to do this. This all leads to greater insecurity. The crime rate is up and the courts are not taking strong steps to quell it. This means that people are feeling unsafe with the mounting violence that is occurring. They need spiritual guidance. They need to be able to find themselves in their inner world and make themselves stronger to deal with these external changes. They need to know that there is a greater power than them and that they can tap into this power deeply within themselves. I have been shown that the purpose of all life is to find self-love a deep love for self within. Each of us would behave very differently if we could find this.  

In England religion has broken down. The numbers attending church are lessening. The Catholic Church is also suffering from a backlash of the behaviour of their priests towards children. Other religions are fighting each other and so it goes on. It always helps to read history because I then get the measure of how it has always been this way.

Women need to become stronger to run their lives without fear and to influence our world. They come for psychic readings, healing and guidance to grow, overcome their karma and get stronger. I see this every day. It is a joy to watch. Only yesterday I saw a lady in an arranged marriage with a husband who is cheating on her go from someone who is scared to a woman determined to find work, learn the language and support her husband until his need to play away from home is healed.

Can you develop psychic ability on your own safely or do you need a guide?

Someone can develop psychically on their own and I have seen this happen to quite a number of people. I believe, however, it is safer and more fun to develop alongside others. The budding psychic will see how they are doing, learn to keep pace inside a group (which is how we learn at school) and realise how much they are helping another. They also have the advantage of seeing how an experienced teacher works and this will broaden their approach. When you give a reading, you place yourself in a position of responsibility. The more exposure and experience you get the better if you wish to become good at what you do.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming talk at Manchester?

I am going to give a short talk about the power of healing.

Because of the changing planetary energies the power of the healings is much greater than before. I like to make sure that those attending truly understand the extent to which they can use this new power to heal the issues in their lives. That way they will get the most value out of attending.

I will briefly talk about karma (the just return of all that goes out must come back – spiritual law) to enable people to understand why they have the issues that they do. I will also refer to their past lives and touch upon the types of lifetimes that can bring about issues into this one. I will very likely at this point ask someone if they would like me to channel information about one of their past lives so that everyone can see how it works. A lady yesterday who was at a talk of mine some months ago told me she saw angels in the room. She is not psychic and this had never happened to her before. She is delighted for she had been asking for proof and wants to develop psychically so that she can help others.

After my talk and when I know everyone has understood what I have been teaching, I will give a demonstration to get the ball rolling. When others have seen how it works I ask them to tell me what they wish to have healed. When people actually see something work it opens them up to experiencing the same for themselves. Spirit will descend at this point and many angels will be present.  I am assisted by lots of unseen guides and masters. People can often feel the amazing energy of these guides and are usually very surprised at the power and the strength of the healing they receive. I always receive letters and emails afterwards thanking me for the day. It is very wonderful work.

Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.

Many writers and thinkers have influenced me. I have recently written a chapter in a book called ‘The Light’ with Neale Donald Walsch who wrote conversations with God.  Eckhart Tolle is contributing a great deal to the planet with his book ‘The Power of Now’. I read Sai Baba’s teachings about love and feel very connected when I do.  I recommend Paramahansa’ Yogananda’s Scientific Healing Affirmations for deep healings. The words are full of ancient wisdom and carry a wonderful vibration for healing.  It is a little book full of amazing knowledge about healing yourself. I also like Louise Hay and Diana Cooper. Doreen virtue’s books and cards inspired me greatly when I was creating my Psychic Weight Loss Oracle Cards for women. Cassandra Eason and Heidi Sawyer have been big influences on me for my book ‘You Can Be Psychic Too’

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.

Don’t complain, find the weakness in you that have stopped you having the courage to change your situation. Heal the weakness and then make the changes necessary that will get you out of the problem. Be prepared to persevere with the changes until you are happier. Be open to the possibility that it may not pan out exactly the way that you want and if it doesn’t learn to accept that fact so that you can move on.

Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)

The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama

Be Your Own Life Coach – Fiona Harrold

Spiritual Growth – Sanaya Roman

Feel the Fear And Do It Anyway – Susan Jeffers

The Winning Mind – Sebastian Coe

Colour Me Beautiful – Carole Jackson

Sue Hickman Interview

Today we've got an interview with Sue Hickman from Forever Living products.  Sue will be at the Newark show this weekend, indeed she is at many BSSK shows throughout the year.  We've asked her a little bit about herself and the products and would like to say thanks to her for taking the time to answer our questions.  Personally I'd heard of Forever Living but didn't know a huge amount about it, so it's been fascinating to learn about more.

1 - To start with could you tell us a little bit about yourself.

For 30 years I was a Police Officer and if you had told me 6 years ago I was going to become an advocate of Natural Health products I would have looked behind you for the men in white coats.

However I had a health challenge in that I had arthritis and was taking pain killers on a daily basis. I bought a new puppy and this changed my life. I played with the puppies on the floor and had to use a chair to lever myself back to my feet and the women suggested I tried drinking aloe vera and it would help me. She told me it came with a 60 day money back guarantee and I thought what have I got to loose. I tried it and within 6 weeks I was off my painkillers and back doing the things which had become so difficult like climbing flights of stairs and playing golf. I would never be without it!

2 - Could you explain the benefits of Aloe Vera

I'd never heard of Aloe Vera but when I researched it I found that we have been using it for healing for thousands of years. Records of it being used for medicinal purposes go back to 2100 bc in Southern Iraq but the most famous is 1550 bc in the Papyrus Ebers  which details the ancient Egyptians use of it. There are many other references to it throughout history Christopher Columbus and Mhatma Ghandi both refer to it and it forms part of the Veterinary Coat of Arms.

So why is it so good. We have established that Aloe contains over 75 nutritional compounds including vitamins, minerals and amino acids but the synergy of them working together make it naturally anti inflammatory, it balances the immune system, its a natural antibiotic and is naturally both fungicidal and bactericidal. Most people know it is excellent with all kinds of burns (anti pyretic) but it is also anti itching (antipuretic). This means that it is excellent in helping the body to cope with a number of challenges like mine.

3 - How do you sell, is it just online and show or do you do parties as well?

I attend the BSSK Shows as a way of letting as many people as possible learn about the benefits Aloe has. I do have an online shop which repeat customers use but in the first instance I prefer to talk to people  and discuss the benefits which can be achieved. Once you actually feel the benefits of taking Aloe Vera you do find it difficult to stop talking about it. I occasionally will arrange a party at someones house if they want their friends to find out about the aloe they are using or will speak to Womens Institute or Church Groups but primarily I just talk to people wherever I go.

Forever Living are the Worlds biggest growers of Aloe Vera. It is all organically grown and has been since the beginning. We do not grow our Aloe for anyone else and only use the inner leaf gel in our products. The outer leaf is put back onto the fields for fertilisation. Aloe is like an apple once you cut into it it starts to oxidise so you have to stabilise it. We have a patented stabilisation process using fruit and vegetable juices not heat treating or carbon filtering it like the commercial process.

3 - Forever Living have a lot a bee products - is that a sustainable source, can more bee farming help to increase their numbers?

What is often unknown is that we are also the worlds largest bee keepers. Our bees are kept in the Sonoran Desert away from all pollutants. This keeps our bee colonies strong in a time when the world is becoming more and more worried about loosing bees. We have specially designed hives which allow the bee's to keep all the Royal Jelly, Pollen and Propolis they need and skim a little surplus off for our use.

4- which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.

I have been most influenced by the American Motivational Speaker Jim Rohn. He shows us that we can all lead inspirational lives starting today and if we want something badly enough anything is possible. One of my favourite Jim Rohn quotes is:

Its not what happens which determines your lives future. Its what you do about what happens.

All of us are in like a little sailboat and its not the blowing of the wind which determines your destination its the set of the sail. The same wind blows on us all. The wind of disaster, the wind of opportunity, the wind of change….. the wind when its favourable and unfavourable.. The same wind blows on us all…….. the difference in arrival is not the blowing of the wind but the set of the sail.

5 -What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.

The best advice I ever got was "if its to be its up to me". We waste time and energy looking for someone to blame if our life isn't exactly what we want it to be but we all have it in our gift to live the life of our dreams. We have to just stop wasting that energy, decide what we want and actively pursue what we want.

Forever Living Products is a Network Marketing Company and I use my experience with the Company over the last 6 years to show others not only what remarkable products the Company has but also how they can use the Company as a vehicle to get whatever they want in life.

Newark Prep and Gorton News

Well, just a few more days until Newark!  Cannot believe how quickly this has come around.  It's now too late to buy tickets online but you can still contact us and have tickets reserved for pick up.

It's promising to be a great show (again!) with a wide range of speakers, including Jacky Newcombs' FREE talk on saturday.  As usual lots of great exhibitors and, dare I say, never too early for a bit of christmas shopping....go to Newark Event for the full list of exhibitors and speakers.

After Newark we have the Monastery.  A few concerns about the layout and the catering last year. However, with the stands back in the cloisters, the catering back in the marquee, we can avoid  the issues we had  last year.  There is hot food in the cafe but on a "come when you want" basis and will not be ticketed.  Cold food and coffee station in the marquee with seating for that all important chill time!  We are confident Gorton will now feel how it did in past years, with less frustration on all sides. We're very excited this year.

Hope to see you there ;)

Interview with Phil Bowler

Today we've got an interview with Astrologer Phil Bowler. Phil will be at Newark this coming weekend, and available for readings. Many thanks to him for taking the time to answer our questions, looking forward to having my reading very soon! He can be found online at www.selfhelpastrology.com

 1 - To start with could you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am a self taught astrologer, and have been practising it since 1996. Initially I had a 'normal' part time job in addition, but since 2008 I have based my income totally on my astrology work. My wife and I live out in the middle of nowhere in deepest Lincolnshire, where we have a one acre wildlife garden devoted to butterflies, which does very well (when the weather is behaving!)

2 - Is there a place for newspaper horoscopes or are they damaging to your profession?

There is no place for newspaper horoscopes, it is those that give astrology its lack of credibility that the general populace pick up on, due to them knowing only too well that everyone of one star sign does not react the same at a given time. I always say that if everyone in a crowded room happened to be the same star sign, they would all have different energies activating their birth charts at that moment, and different areas of life would be focussed on. In any case, females tend to follow their Moon sign, which is usually different from the star (Sun) sign.

3 - Has the de-classification of the planet (it still is one to me!) Pluto had any effect on astrology?

No effect whatsoever. The Sun and Moon are not planets yet are the most important feature of any astrological chart. Some astrologers, in addition to the planets, take asteroids into account, as well as Jupiter's Moons and all sorts of other heavenly bodies.

4 - Is it possible to discover past life information on a birth chart?

Yes, the Nodes of the Moon in particular specialise in past lives as well as our destined paths in this life.

5 -which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.

No specific astrological writer or thinker has made any major impact on me, but in more general terms it was the sheer innovation of the Monty Python team in the late sixties/early seventies (you did ask!)

6 -What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given.

Never have expectations in people. (I still do though!!)

7 -Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)

films: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Shining
Sliding Doors
The Bank Job
Falling Down
The Meaning of Life.

Lastly, what is your favourite real ale?

My favourite real ale? Difficult due to so many different styles that will be appreciated at different seasons, weather conditions, etcetera. But for sheer thirst quenching hoppy, zesty summery beer it has to Thornbridge Jaipur India Pale Ale. Fuller's ESB is a more all rounder that I never tire of.

Interview with Lisa Whitehead

Today we have an interview with Lisa Whitehead who is a firm favourite at BSSK and  will be giving a talk at Newark on Saturday 14th.  Again many thanks to Lisa for taking the time to answer our questions.

Lisa can be found online at http://www.getalife-uk.co.uk/

1 - To start, could you tell us a little bit about yourself please?

I live in a beautiful village in rural Lincolnshire , with my partner Jon. I'm a soul purpose coach, author, natural intuitive and award winning therapist, I also run workshops, courses and retreats. I've always been interested in the spiritual aspects of life, as a small child I lived with my parents, grand parents, great grandparents and great aunt. My great grandmother "Nanny" was a highly intuitive woman, who would have pre-cognitive or prophetic dreams, which were shockingly accurate. Although she wouldn't have termed herself as psychic I don't believe, being a Welsh woman from the valleys she;along with my great grandfather "Key" were of the Methodist faith. In fact I have fond memories of her reading the 23rd Psalm to me in Welsh. Although I have seen evidence of both my grandmother and my dad inheriting some of "Nanny's" intuitive abilities, neither developed this further. So it's no real surprise that as a small child I had many unusual experiences, that I would now recognise as spiritual in nature.

I continued my interest in spiritual and esoteric subjects throughout my teenage years, but moved into a corporate career that would last until 2004. That's not to say I didn't have many nudges towards my true calling along the way. When I didn't listen to those nudges I found my self being hit by a rather large universal sledge hammer.... firstly after the birth of my daughter Sarah in 1992 I suffered post natal depression, despite which I returned very quickly to my high flying, high pressure career. Next I got a bad cold or bug that was going around, but didn't recover. Firstly I was diagnosed or labelled with post viral syndrome, then chronic fatigue syndrome and finally 6 months later with ME. I had a great GP, but he was unable to really help me. One day I spotted a card in my local village shop for Reflexology, it said it could be helpful with the management of Migraines ( one of the symptoms I had as a result of the ME....or so I thought at the time) I gave it a go.... and was completely cured , not only of Migraines, but of ME. I also had a homeopathic consultation to support my treatment.

So miraculous was the experience I trained as a reflexologist, then went on to train in several healing and energy modalities. I also embraced my natural intuitive abillities, specialising in Solestry/ pedomancy I felt like I just got it, like I already knew the links between mind , body and spirit. I simply knew deep down that whatever ails us is never just physical, there is a deeper emotional or spiritual core to any illness.

Fast forward to 2002/ 2003 I'd been practising as a therapist as well as still working in my corporate job. I'd experienced consultation for redundancy three times.... really just standing at the front of the queue saying " Give me the money, make me redundant"

And the universe responded.... admittedly not quite in the way I expected. I wasn't made redundant, I was head hunted by another company.... then made redundant 10 months later..... without any redundancy pay!

That was the real choice point. Did I look for another corporate JOB ( just over broke, too much month left at the end of the money) or did I follow my true calling. Well I took the leap of faith and on the 11th of September 2004 Calma was born. The Calma Wellness centre as it became was a nationally award winning centre with a collection of wonderful therapists. Move forward to 2009, and I was moving forward again, running workshops, speaking and working with groups. It was a fond farewell to Calma and helllo Get a Life!

Get a Life! is a beautiful mix of therapies, soul purpose coaching, speaking, writing and running workshops. You could say I open hearts and change lives. I empower people to live the full 100% version of themselves without exception.

2- I imagine this is very emotional work that you do, how do you cope with the negativity and hopelessness that you must encounter at the beginning of sessions?

Yes the work is emotional,we wouldn't be human if it wasn't, but then we're all emotional beings! I love my work, its such an honour to witness others' journeys. Its rewarding to see people come into their true potential. I'm not adversely effected by negativity and hopelessness, as I always look for the positive, for the gift within it.It's my work to help people unpack the good and the possibility of a miracle in every moment.

3-
Your testimonials are GLOWING, how do you keep your feet on the ground?!

Ha ha! I find a washing basket full of washing and the weekly shop keep me very grounded and real, I'm no different to anyone else :)

4- Which writer/thinker has influenced you the
most.

Oh there are so many, each has come along at just the right time. If I were to give you just one I guess I would say Wayne Dyer. He's such an inspiring Soul. I have a dream of presenting with him on stage one day!

5- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Do what makes your heart sing and spirit soar. Always be yourself, because everyone else is taken.

6 - Would you name 6 “Desert Island” books or films (ones you would like if you were stranded on a desert island - for young ones who don’t know about Desert Island discs!)

ooh... The Shift , the film with Wayne Dyer.

Wishes fulfilled, by Wayne Dyer.

The Celestine Prophecy, James Redfield.

Life is a Gift, by the late Gill Edwards

The Secret, film or book or Pay it forward the film

Just read E squared, great little book, so would re-read that

and I guess if I were going to be stuck on a desert island for a very long time, maybe the Bible ( I'm spiritual but not of any specific faith) and as I've never really read it, well bits at school and Sunday school, but certainly never all the way through..... I think it may be an interesting thing to do before I depart the physical.

Interview with Annie Kaszina

This week sees us back to our interviews!  We're starting off our countdown to Newark with an interview with Annie Kaszina, who has a talk on saturday the 14th September.  

To start with could you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I’m absolutely passionate about the issues that really matter to women:  enjoying happiness, having a great, fulfilling relationship, and finding meaningfulness.  The reason why I am so passionate about these things is simple: I grew up not knowing how to do any of them – and my life really sucked – until I discovered the simple road-map that I now teach.  My official titles are: speaker, writer, coach, and relationship maven.  What I do is give women the simple road-map to more happiness, fulfilling relationships, and lasting self-worth, so they have more fulfilment in every area of their lives.

Is happiness a spiritual goal?

What a great question!  For a lot of people it undoubtedly is.  My concern is that a lot of people put happiness “out there” – as in “I’ll be happy when…”  My belief is that happiness is our ‘default setting’.  It’s been  hard-wired into us.  Sure, Life can get in the way.  Big time.  But there are some very doable steps anyone can take, right away, to get back to that ‘default setting’.  

Why do you think women particularly find it difficult to find their voice, even if they are in a happy relationship?

It’s all about conditioning.  Most women are taught not to be selfish.  Selfishness is seen as the ultimate crime.  I’ve certainly spoken to many women who’d sooner have their right arm cut off than be labelled selfish!  The problem is, you have to prove that you are unselfish, every day in every way.  

How do you prove you are unselfish?

• By putting your own needs on the back burner.
• By putting yourself last.
• By deferring to other people’s opinions.
• By not stepping into your own power.
• By swallowing the belief that you’re less equal than men.
  
  

Can you tell us more about your talk at BSSK?

My talk at BSSK is “The Secret that The Secret Doesn’t Tell You”.  The Law of Attraction has been a watershed for so many people.  Yet, not too many people, women especially, seem to make it work for them as they would like it to.  So, my talk is a guide to the things that we do – without even being aware of them – that can get in the way of what we truly want.  And what we can do to change those things that get in the way.

Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?

That’s hard.  There have been so many.  I love Dan Millman, Michael Neill, and the utterly irreverent Karen Salmansohn, to name just a few.   But one writer I especially admire is Dr Gary Chapman.  His book, “The 5 Love Languages” helped me to spot my lovely partner  His insights are absolutely transformational.  I’ve been able to use them in my work to help people resolve decades of conflict with close family members within a matter of weeks.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Start from where you are, with what you have”.  That has to be the most powerful place to start, but too many of us spend too long trying to get to somewhere else before we can really get started.

Could you name some desert Island books/films?

In no particular order:

Dante’s Divine Comedy –finally, I’d have all the time in the world to explore every last nuance of Dante’s poetry.

Roberto Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful” -  the most heart-breaking, but uplifting film I’ve ever seen.

The Marx Brothers’ “A Night at The Opera” – to transport me to a world of fun, silliness and laughter.

E H Gombrich  The Story of Art – I wouldn’t like to tell you how many years that book has spent on my “One Day” pile.  

Ignazio Silone Bread and Wine – that book has held a special place in my heart for decades

Kurosawa – Samurai Collection -  Kurosawa, and lead actor Mifune,  offer such a profoundly moving portrait of humanity, with a light touch, and the most amazing action scenes.

International speaker,writer, and relationship maven, Annie Kaszina – the Bright Future coach - is fast becoming the voice of relationship happiness for women. Annie specializes in helping women who have been hiding their brilliance to own their life, and their dreams, so they can live fully, love well, and laugh wholeheartedly.  

www.anniekaszina.com 

email: annie@anniekaszina.com

Wood Green and Interview Updates

What an amazing weekend!  New shows can often take a while to get established however footfall through Wood Green this weekend was higher than last year, by 35%.

In this economy, that's nothing short of a miracle.  It's been lovely to see everyone and make new friends - many of whom are keen to see the Wood Green show continue and grow.  Which is great news as our hire fees go to support the animals. Making it even more worthwhile.

The blog has been silent for the last few days, we've given the interviews a little bit of a break but are returning again tomorrow.  They've proven to be very popular and are hopefully providing an interesting peek into the lives of our exhibitors and speakers.

On a personal note, a friend of ours is swimming the length of Coniston Lake to raise money for the charity MIND.  A cause close to us here at BSSK.   Here's the link http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Sandilands  even if it's only a pound, every little donation counts! This is an amazing challenge, the lake is cold, rough and really hard going!  Good luck Rob!