Interview with Ros Coleman

Today we have a great interview with the wonderful Ros Coleman.  Ros is a psychic and intuitive artist, who paints spirit guides and angels.  She can also paint and tell you about your own past lives.  On top of that she has started an online course to show you how to do the same.  She can be found online at www.spiritguideartist.com

Many thanks to Ros for taking the time to answer our questions, we've loved reading them.


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


Having been “sensitive” from birth I found my early years confusing. I am clairvoyant and a natural physical channel for Spirit but did not understand this until much later in life. Some of my childhood experiences include seeing, hearing and sensing “ghosts”; having clear “memories” of incidents in peoples’ lives that I could never have known; feeling I was “someone else” and speaking in voices that were not mine. An angel appeared in my bedroom once. It looked like a very soft, bright light and I felt safe and comforted. I found great peace in daydreaming, art, nature and in the company of animals, birds and insects and still do. Alongside my family and close friends these are my greatest loves.

I was an IT trainer for 20 years, which I loved because it helped people on my courses feel confident and empowered. Plus we had fun and I feel this is so important in a learning environment. In my 40’s I retrained as a life coach and stress management consultant, working with individuals and high profile companies. Becoming atuned to reiki in 2000 was pivotal spiritually as it reawakened the skills I had allowed to grow dormant over the years.

By 2004 I had met others in my spiritual “family” on Earth and with them, was trained by teachers in Spirit, during meditations, to use my intuitive skills through art. It was a magical time, full of love, kindness and laughter. I never forgot the beautiful angel from my childhood and I wanted to paint spirit guardians for other people. So this is what Spirit taught me, and what I came to do for others. Eventually I came to understand that I am a medium and not just “over imaginative”. It was reassuring finding other people who’d had similar experiences discovering the spiritual community felt like coming home.

After several years working in Mind Body and Spirit shows as a psychic artist, I accumulated a wealth of magical experience, knowledge and understanding. I now share this with others through workshops and my online course, The Art of Creative Consciousness. Combining my loves of art, nature and Spirit with my experience in developing and running training courses is so fulfilling and I feel truly blessed.

I see the training courses quite literally as spreading Light. The Art of Creative Consciousness attracts students who are spiritually aware and whose hearts beat with love for art, nature and Spirit. My wish, my intention for them is that their confidence unfolds and amplifies as they discover the creativity and beauty that naturally lies within. As our own light grows brighter, it illuminates and warms others around.



What can you tell us about your online course?


‘The Art of Creative Consciousness” is a comprehensive art course for people who wish to awaken or develop their creativity, and discover a deeper connection and understanding with Spirit through their art. The course is based online and has a wealth of multi-media material plus insights and guidance from experienced psychic artists to draw upon.

The course has 6 parts in sequence. Students may self-pace and take as much time as they need, or, for those who prefer to take the entire course in a set time, I run it over a period of 2 months with live weekly teleconferences in which all can attend and take part. The next course runs March through April 2014.

The first set course ran in July/August 2013. The course itself, the students and their results were phenomenal.  They created beautiful paintings, full of energy and symbology; connected with angels, spirit people and nature spirits. Some had never painted before and others were more experienced. We all learned masses and had such fun. To read more about the course and see students’ painting and feedback, please visit my website http://spiritguideartist.com/e-course.html



Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most?


Without question, the writer/thinker I admire most and whose writings I pay most attention to is the Dalai Lama.  I love books and my walls as lined with books on a variety of topics – channeled spiritual works, therapies, arts and crafts, pets and wildlife to more scientific material like anatomy, NLP and psychoneuroimmunology.

I like to pick out a spiritual book from time to time and as it falls open, something on the page seems to answer a question or deliver some understanding I’ve been seeking. Some I dip into and others, like the extraordinarily talented Psychic Artist Coral Polge’s “Living Images” I’ve read time and again.

Books I have recommended to others are Louise Hay’s “You Can Heal your Life” and “A Guide for the Advanced Soul” by Susan Hayward. The content of each is both enlightening and practical. They are easy to read and when the principles are applied, they work. When I think about it, this is the ethos on which my courses and books are based.



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


Laughing now. It’s more a comment really, made by my Dad after some scrape I got into as a small child. He said to me (in his own inimitable and down-to-Earth way) “If Rosalind fell into a cesspit she’d come out smelling of roses”. My life has been full of adventures, with my fair share of twists and turns and ups and downs and I’ve always emerged safely and wiser after the event. The belief his words instilled have seen me through the tough times and I remember them, and him, with love and gratitude.



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 – Billy Elliot – a heartwarming story with a feelgood ending. I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched the ending on Youtube. Love it! And Jungle Book, which I’ve still not seen and children would love.

Books – something practical for surviving on a desert island, like the SAS Survival Handbook by John Lofty Williams. For a fascinating esoteric read - The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird. And for sheer inspiration Nelson Mandela’s Autobiography, The Road to Freedom.

Finally, a song. It’s totally in keeping with the desert island “Somewhere over the Rainbow” sung by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole. Enjoy the song here on Youtube.

Interview with Kristy Hodges

Welcome to Monday!  Today we have a wonderful interview with Kristy Hodges of Serendipity Crystals

Kristy runs her own business selling crystals, jewellery and her own artwork.  Her website is an amazing source of inspiration, information and all things spiritual.

Many thanks to Kristy for being interviewed and make sure you check out her website before the shows start again next year.




To start could you tell us a little about yourself.


My name is Kristy Hodges. I was born in California in 1972, but spent a lifetime growing up in overseas countries and travelling the world. I first ‘felt’ the energetic impact of a crystal in 1990. It was Moldavite and the flush sent me out of my mind! It took a further 20 extensive years to learn how to work with crystals & energy.
Since then, my spiritual journey has spanned many countries & cultures from the Middle East to Asia and Europe to America. I have studied in depth: indigenous cultures, animal medicine, astrology, tarot, mediumship, psychic skills, shamanism, paganism, counselling, psychology, archetypes, relationships & parenting to name but a few subjects and have been blessed enough to experience many wonderful adults, children, angels and spirits along the way.
I now live in Yorkshire, UK, with my beautiful teenage son. I’m in a wonderful, adventurous, healthy relationship with the love of my life and supported by the most amazing family & friends. To top it off, I have the joy of running Serendipity Crystals, travelling the country as a crystal retailer, therapist, counsellor, spiritual development guide and empowerment coach. In my spare time I volunteer as a Childline School Services Volunteer for the NSPCC and co-own a Harley Davidson motorcycle.


Sounds as though you have a very busy business, which aspect of it is your favourite - coaching, retailing or art?


I absolutely love helping people to spiritually develop their gifts. Each of us is so different - someone may be a healer or psychic, but their gift could be very specific and its fascinating to spend that in depth, one on one time with someone. To witness a person realise how unique they are and how they can develop and utilise their particular gift in different areas of life, or even turn it into a career gives me an amazing boost! Its so exciting! I believe in helping others to help themselves rather than my doing it for them. Am honoured to have the ability to show people the beauty and amazing light within themselves and to guide them on the next part of their journey. Crystals are an easy way for me to access a person's past experiences and energy - they are a fantastic tool to use so crystals are always part of the spiritual development process for me.


Been all over the world and studied many cultures, do you have a favourite part of the world from a spiritual point of view?


I think Sri Lanka is a stunning part of the world - the people have so little in comparison to the Western world. Considering many of the families I met live in small wooden shacks in the jungle, they touched me with their generosity and positive, easy approach to life. It wasn't just the people, it was the energy of the country with its ruins, temples and unspoilt beauty that wove itself through the fabric of my being and captured my heart. It is a very under developed country, so the energy of the place is raw and vibrant, full of exotic places where the connection to Earth was unreal and, of course, absolutely stunning beaches! The desert where I grew up will always hold a special place in my heart too. There is something indescribable about lying on the sand dunes at night, with no light pollution for miles and starting up at the stars - to feel the heat of the Earth underneath you and be staring at an entire sky full of galaxies and stars - its simply amazing and I've never been able to find that particular sense of peacefulness, quiet and connection anywhere else in the world. I still miss it now.


How do feel you've evolved creatively?


Until I was pushed and jostled by Spirit aged 35, I hadn't picked up a paintbrush since attending at school. Painting made me feel wonderful, but I've always felt very amateur and self conscious about my artwork as I have no formal training and no idea how to use half of the tools and materials am drawn to. Its definitely an ongoing personal journey for me as I create in fits and starts - when its flowing, its wonderful and I love what is created and working with energies that seem to come from some place outside of myself. When I hit a wall and stop for awhile, the old insecurities come back and I feel very vulnerable and unsure about putting myself out there on an artistic level. Then the next creative burst hits and even though I feel scared and unsure, its not possible to ignore it. Something either inside or outside of myself won't allow me to put the paint brush down - the images and colours come in dreams or someone will turn up out've the blue and ask for a commission (usually one I'll have no idea how to accomplish) and I'll be off on the next part of my creative journey.


Which writer/thinker has influenced you the most.


Arrgghhh - this one is SO difficult as there have been three authors that have changed my life completely. Eckhart Tolle is one. I'd read some of his more 'zen' like books and thought they were OK, but nothing ground breaking until I read A New Earth. Mr Tolle starts that book off with the lofty claim of 'this book will change your life' and at the time I thought 'wow, thats a bit arrogant'. Within 100 pages, I realised he was right, that book takes your mind and energy system into a new stage of development completely, but only when you're ready for it. Whats rather strange about that particular book, is I've gone back to read it again and its done it again - even though I know whats coming. Its quite extraordinary. Anthony Robbins is also amazing - so motivational, positive and simple - I adore his books and positive ways of developing ourselves. The third author is Caroline Myss - an amazing energy healer and woman whom I have followed for years, as well as seeing in person in London. I love her down to earth, no holds barred approach to life and the information she provides as a healer and energy intuitive is absolutely spot on. As someone who is fascinated by the human brain, Caroline's work on Sacred Contracts and Archetypes is a must read! As a healer, her books Anatomy of Spirit and Invisible Acts of Power WILL change your life.


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


Several pieces that have woven into one over the years. We create our own reality, everything happens for a reason and to always, always be yourself.


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!)


It would have to be music for me all the way - I can live without books or films, but to be stranded on an island with no music would drive me insane! I'd mix a load of CDs as am an avid listener of all kinds of music - or even better, just take a radio!

If I had to choose books it would be anything by Laurell K Hamilton. Having had to read so many non-fiction books as part of my career path, it completely rests my brain to get lost in fantastic, naughty, exciting urban fantasy fiction books - I love em!

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 Annie-Rose

To continue with our build up to Elsecar this weekend, we have an interview with Annie-Rose.  An artist and reader, who has designed her own angel cards and does Channelled Guardian Angel Paintings.  I've personally found this interview to be very warm and inspiring. Thank you so much, Annie. You can find Annie-Rose online at www.annieroseoraclecards.com


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

 I have been designing oracle cards for about 4 years now, following a sequence of events in my personal life that made me re-evaluate. I was introduced to the angelic realm by a lovely friend when I was at my lowest ebb and started my 'angel quest'. Over these years I have developed my work and recently started channelling angels both in word and painting. I have a degree in art and although I have done various jobs over the years, I feel so lucky now to be able to paint every day now and put my job title down as 'artist'! Life is good and I feel very blessed. :)

2 - You've written about a time of upheavel in your life before doing the cards - did designing the cards become a healing process for you?

 As I worked through my marriage breakdown and depression, I began to channel all my personal energies into my work, often painting almost non- stop for weeks. As I look back, I feel that each deck of cards I produced had a certain energy and resonance. The first deck was very much part of the healing process, and there is a real feeling of transition when I handle these cards. The next deck had a much 'softer' energy as my life began to level out a little. I talk about oracle card deck energies when I do workshops as I feel it's important to use the correct deck to suit your mood. I feel the angels have healed and guided me constantly over the last few years, and that I was meant to be on this path even though its been quite painful at times.

3 - How do you feel you've evolved creatively?

Each deck I have produced has been quite different and I feel I have gained in knowledge and confidence as I have worked through them. Technically, I now work at at least 3 times actual size so that i can create more detail in each card. I am about to design my 7th deck (my second angel deck)  and feel very comfortable to channel directly now. I don't think I realised how closely I was working with the angels until this time last year when I started to do channelled readings and paintings for people. My work has changed dramatically as I went through phases where I made wands and gemstone jewellery. Now I focus exclusively on personal 'guardian' angel paintings and oracle card design. 

4 - Do you have plans for any more cards?

 I am just starting deck 7 which has been commissioned by Soul and Spirit magazine. It will be my fourth set with them, and is going to be an angel deck. I have an animal deck called 'reflections of nature'  being published with Soul and spirit in their November issue this year.

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

 I have enjoyed the works of Paulo Coelho for many years and also angel books. Angela McGerr's book, 'an angel for every day' has been a huge inspiration for me and I refer to it in my talks and workshops. I have bought several copies over the years as I keep giving it away!  

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

The best advice I've been given was by a lovely man called Jabar (Shifa Meditation) who also exhibits at the shows, and whom I met in the very early days of exhibiting. He advised me to give something back. I make a point of donating to charity throughout the year and try to give an annual Christmas donation to my local hospice (where my mum passed away). I have realised its actually about giving back so much more than money though; it's about giving of self and I realise I am just at some shows to speak to someone, to give them a hug or to simply let them talk to me so that I can help. My whole way of thinking has changed now. Before I was very materialistic; now my greatest riches are my beautiful family and friends, my health and just simply being. I live my life with gratitude, and I've never been happier. 

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!)

I'm not a huge reader, but I do enjoy good films. There are so many to choose from that its difficult to select just a handful. I think I'd probably just have something that makes me laugh. I have always found laughter the best healer. When my mum was seriously ill, the whole family would go in to see her and we'd laugh so much that the nurses would have to tell us to come and be quiet! If I was stranded on a desert island then laughing would certainly help me cope. Having said that, I've learnt these last few years to enjoy the sound of silence and to just listen to my breath and the sounds of the world around me. My life and outlook has certainly changed!