by Karen Stokes, RN

We are emerging from hibernation and a sense of rebirth is apparent. It is the awakening of nature once again. The sounds and the scents of rebirth are all around us as we listen to the birds and take in the fresh spring air. The four seasons of the earth coincide with the birth (seed sowing), growth, maturation (harvest) and death. You may notice that we behave differently in different seasons. We sleep more in the fall and winter. During spring and summer we are more active. The amount of sunlight we get does affect our bodies, minds and emotions. All of nature, including the plants and animals are reacting to the longer periods of daylight. Everything is starting to come alive.

The cycle of birth, growth, maturation and death goes on and on throughout the universe. Telescopes watch the births and deaths of various stars and solar systems. In our own solar system, the moon and planets move about in a predictable fashion. Astrological cycles affect us on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Learn about your personal astrology cycle and discover how it can make good things happen with less effort. Live in harmony with the astrological and zodiac cycles. Plan around and with these cycles to be prepared for anything. Go forth when it is a good time to do so and retreat when that is the best thing to do. Work with the rhythms of the zodiac for great results. Astrological calendars and planners are good tools. They can help you work with planetary cycles even if you are a beginner. A consultation with a professional astrologer can give you a lot of insight as well.

For thousands of years farmers have planted crops according to the cycles of the moon. They followed the rhythms and phases of the moon in regard to sowing and reaping. They must have had better harvests using this system or the practice would not have survived thousands of years. As the mother of three daughters, I have experienced the power of the moon cycles firsthand! So that’s where the term “lunacy” comes from. The full moon in cancer was especially “looney” at our house. As a psychiatric nurse in a city hospital, I learned to schedule extra staffing for the full moon. The phases of the moon really do have an effect on people, so remember this influence planning. It can save you a lot of emotional stress when you live in harmony with the cycles of the moon. A clear night is a great time to experience the energy of the moon and its phases. Notice the difference between the vibes of a new moon and a full moon.

There is nothing like the vision of a beautiful sunrise to energize you for the rest of the day. If you work in harmony with the 24 hour cycle of our sun, you will feel better physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Remember the saying, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy and wise.” This truly is good advice. People do feel healthier when their cycles of waking and sleeping are in harmony with the daily sun cycle. Try it. Get up early and take in a sunrise. It gives you a feeling of vitality.

Your personal biorhythm cycle (based on your birth date) is an important tool for living in harmony with the cycles of your body. Ups and downs, highs and lows can be studied from biorhythm charts. We all have times of good health and lots of physical vitality and “down times” when it may be best to lay low. Why fight them? Learn how to work with your physical, mental and emotional cycles and life will become easier. This service is available at metaphysical centers, health food stores and on line.

Spring is the time to get outdoors and experience nature. The renewal phase of the earth’s seasonal cycle is starting to become evident by all of the senses. Set aside some time to sit quietly and experience the energy that is all around. Find a peaceful spot. It can be your yard, the local park, on your porch or balcony. Personally, I find the experience of meditating near a tree very powerful. Rivers are good too. Get very comfortable, whatever way is best for you. The body must be in a very relaxed state in order to achieve the state of deep meditation that allows you to feel subtle energy that we are talking about. Progressive muscle relaxation is a great technique to release the stress of the body and promote calm. Deep breathing exercises help your entire body to relax as well.

Next, the conscious mind must be emptied. It’s like a vessel. When it’s empty there is room for something new. The goal is to get rid of the brain chatter that is concerned with the day-to-day activities of the physical or mundane plane. Thoughts of work, responsibilities, the kids, the relationships, etc., must go now as we empty the conscious mind. We are making room for higher mind stuff like meditation, intuition and clairvoyancy. Even communication with animals, spirits and plants is possible when we provide an entrance, a path and a vessel for this subtle energy and information. To empty the mind is not always that easy, but aromatherapy can help you to clear your mind of the aforementioned mental clutter. Diluted essential oils can be applied to the central forehead to assist in this process of clearing conscious mind and then opening the higher mind. Lavender, rosemary, clove, orange and frankincense are some of the popular aromas for this purpose. I combine one drop of each of these essential oils in a tiny glass bottle. Then I dilute them with six drops of pure jojoba oil, blending well. Try one drop of this blend (avoiding eye contact) to the third eye area prior to your meditation session.

Next become keenly aware of the sound of the birds, animals and insectAs around you. Listen to the wind. Notice how the sun is getting higher and higher in the sky and feel its life-giving rays. Try to feel the subtle energy of the trees as their sap begins to rise. Try to become one with all of the forces and energies of nature. Let yourself melt into this experience and feel how you are connected to all things. You are a conduit of universal energy. Feel the joy.

It’s the waxing part of the earth’s yearly cycle and it feels fantastic! Become familiar with the cycles that we have talked about. Learn how to quiet yourself totally in order to experience the subtle energy changes that occur in nature as the wheel goes around and around. Soon you will know how to use the subtle cycles of the earth, sun, moon and planets to your advantage. Use your own personal biorhythms to live in physical, mental and emotional balance. You will waste less personal time and energy and prevent a lot of emotional upheaval. Once you figure out how these subtle energy cycles affect you, you will start to notice that things fall into place more often. Your path will become easier. Flow with the tides of the universe. Learn how to live in harmony with The Cycles that be.

Karen Stokes, RN Herbalist is a member of the American Botanical Council and the Michigan Holistic Nurses Association. She can be reached at (248) 515-9863 or karen.stokes@yahoo.com.