Alchemical Voice - Shamanic Healing & Rituals Unveiled (Issue 33 July/August 2025)

July/August 2025 - Issue 33

I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H L I K E - M I N D E D B U S I N E S S E S

ALCHEMICAL VOICE

LOVE 2 MEDITATE

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT | HEALTH & WELLBEING | HOLISTIC CRAFTS

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Hard copy £4.50

PUBLISHED EVERY 2 MONTHS

SHADOWS OF MY

CHILDHOOD

The duality of life

Real Impact of

Retreats

Transforming the mind,

body and spirit

Our Colourful

Archangels and

their insights

Compassionate and uplifting

BEING HUMAN -

HUMAN BEING

What exactly are we?

EPIGENETICS AND

ENERGY FIELDS

Our DNA responds to the

environment and to us

Cariad, The Crow

An excerpt from ‘The Grail

Twins - A Cathar Legacy’

The Universal Threads

of Shamanism

Learn about Asian and Northern

European Traditions

THE ART OF

HANDFASTING

Including a guidebook to

help you plan your own!

Unfocused Energy

Where is your focus right now?

Image of Charlene, House of Kundalini taken by VLA photography

N O U R I S H | S U P P O R T | B A L A N C E

Digital & printed publication - alchemicalvoice.com

Alchemical Voice - L2M - Issue 33

A N I M A L P O R T R A I T S B Y

ALISHA HALL

( M R P . )

B E S P O K E P E T O R A N I M A L P O R T R A I T S I N O I L P A I N T .

E N Q U I R E A T :

H A L L A L I S H A 4 7 @ Y A H O O . C O . U K

4


ONLINE SHAMANIC

RITUALS

FOR EVERYONE

LOVE 2 MEDITATE

LOVE2MEDITATE.COM/STORE/C26/SHAMANIC-RITUALS

5

SHADOWS OF MY

CHILDHOOD

John Sjovik


My family lived in a flat on the ground floor. My room

had a window that faced the street. Just outside, there

was a street lamp. The light cast shadows that looked

like men dressed in big cloaks. I was four years old and

I was always afraid of those shady figures appearing to

stand there in the street outside my room.

Intellectually, I realised they were just shadows, but

emotionally I was still afraid.

Now that I am old, I think about my childhood days.

Were the men in cloaks simply shadows or was there

something more to them? What creates a shadow

anyway? If there is a shadow, something must be there

to cast it. An indistinct shape of something that blocks

the direct light but allows a little bit of scattered rays

to form a suggestion of an outline, void of colour and a

lack of definition.

These days, as a shamanic practitioner, I often see the

outline of shapes. They usually appear in the corner of

my eye, in my peripheral vision. They are not men in

cloaks revisiting me from my childhood. At least I do

not think so.

They are more like fleeting figures, constantly changing

forms, similar to the undulating liquid inside a lava

lamp. Are they shadows, caused by the play of light?

Or are they simply shadows, in their own right?

But where do shadows go when you turn off the light?

Are they still there, only invisible? What does an

invisible shadow look like? Well, we will never know,

will we? But can we sense it...

6


Keep in mind that whatever apparitions you see in

Shamanic journeying or in meditation, they are a

reflection of the otherworldly. They can be messages

from the spirit world, from non-ordinary reality. They

can also be information from your own unconscious or

even the collective unconscious, which Carl Gustav

Jung talked about.

Let me, for a moment, revisit the experiences from my

childhood. Those shadows I saw were most probably

simply a trick of the street light playing with shapes

and forms of dustbins, parked bicycles and the odd

tree. But why did I see them?

An old definition of Animism was that nature was

animated. Every rock, every tree had a spirit. A modern

definition of Animism goes one step further and

discusses how one relates to the animated rock and

tree.

The shadows of my childhood appeared for a reason.

That is how I see it now. They were there to illustrate

for me, already as a child, that there will be shadows in

my life. They will be a consequence of the light in my

life or they will simply be shadows, as shadows

sometime appear. The important thing is how I relate

to them.

So keep in mind that wherever there is light, there is

shadow and wherever there is shadow, there is light.

This is a reflection of the duality of life. Accept it and

find a way to deal with it.

John Sjovik | Shaman Healer | shamaqi-word-art.com

7


TRANSFORMATIONAL

RETREATS

Sophia Steeden

In the modern world, life often moves at an overwhelming pace.

We are inundated with constant information, external pressures,

and an endless list of responsibilities. Amidst the noise, it can

become increasingly difficult to hear the voice within — the

quiet, intuitive guide that connects us to our true selves. A

transformation retreat provides a powerful antidote to this

disconnect. It offers a sacred space to pause, reflect, and begin

the deep work of self-discovery and inner healing.

At its core, a transformation retreat is an invitation to return to

yourself. Free from the demands of daily life, you are offered

the rare opportunity to slow down, breathe, and be present. In

this stillness, clarity arises. Through practices like meditation,

yoga, journaling, mindful movement, breathwork, and time in

nature, participants often access deep insights about their lives,

patterns, and emotions. What once felt overwhelming or

confusing begins to soften, and a clearer sense of direction and

purpose can emerge.

One of the most powerful aspects of a transformation retreat is

the intentional space it creates for introspection. Unlike a typical

vacation, which may provide temporary relief or distraction, a

retreat supports meaningful and lasting change. It encourages

you to turn inward, to explore parts of yourself that may have

been ignored or buried, and to meet them with compassion

rather than judgment. This process can lead to the release of

emotional blockages, old stories, or habits that no longer serve

you — paving the way for transformation at a soul-deep level.

These retreats are often held in nature-rich, tranquil

environments — mountains, forests, beaches, or rural

sanctuaries— because nature itself is a powerful healer. The

natural world reflects the rhythm, wisdom, and silence we so

often crave. Walking barefoot on the earth, watching a sunrise

in silence, or simply breathing in fresh air can bring profound

shifts in awareness. In reconnecting with the earth, we also

reconnect with the grounded essence of who we are.

8


Another essential element of a transformation retreat is community. When

a group of individuals come together with the shared intention of growth,

healing, and authenticity, a uniquely supportive and transformative energy

is created. Group practices, shared meals, open-hearted conversations, and

the presence of facilitators or teachers create a safe container where

participants can be vulnerable, seen, and heard. These connections often

lead to lifelong friendships and remind us of our shared humanity.

Beyond emotional and spiritual growth, transformation retreats also

contribute to overall wellness. Many include nourishing meals, movement

practices, and workshops that help regulate the nervous system and

promote physical vitality. Sleep improves, stress levels decrease, and the

body begins to reset. When we take care of the body, we also create the

conditions for deeper mental and emotional clarity.

Importantly, the insights gained during a retreat are not left behind when

you return home. Most retreats help you integrate your experience,

providing tools, practices, and resources to continue the journey. Whether

it’s a new daily meditation habit, a shift in how you relate to others, or a

newfound sense of confidence, these retreats help you bring

transformation into everyday life in grounded and meaningful ways.

Ultimately, attending a transformation retreat is a courageous act of selflove.

It is a conscious decision to step away from the external world and

into your own truth. It is a journey inward, toward authenticity, presence,

and wholeness. Whether you are seeking healing, clarity, inspiration, or

simply a deeper relationship with yourself, a transformation retreat offers a

powerful path forward.

You return not just rested, but renewed. Not just inspired, but awakened.

And most importantly, you return to your life with a clearer sense of who

you are—and the tools to live more fully from that place.

For more information and booking details, please visit the Pure Harmony

Retreat website https://pureharmonyretreat.com

Sophia Steeden MNCH (Reg.)

07391295766

sophia.reflections54@gmail.com

reflections-hypnotherapy.co.uk

9

CARIAD

THE CROW

Julie de Vere Hunt


Excerpt 3 from ‘The Grail Twins – A Cathar Legacy’

Every morning young Anna put stale bread out for the birds and

loved to watch them flock towards her. They became increasingly

bold and one bird in particular was drawn to Anna’s gentle

demeanour and her offerings of food and whispered words. First

this bird grew bold enough to land by her feet to feed on bread

soaked in milk out of her hand, and in time was happy to perch on

her shoulder. It was a carrion crow with glossy black plumage that

shimmered with hues of blue and green under sunlight. Its bill,

legs and feet were also black.

10


Anna named this bird Cariad, which means ‘love’ in Cymraeg.

Cariad would often accompany Anna on her trips to the

sacred grove. Anna began to understand Cariad’s unique

language of clicks, calls and wing gestures, leading her to

hidden paths in the sacred grove. Anna’s relationship with

Cariad became telepathic – she could think about Cariad and

she would appear moments later.

Morag told Anna that the Celts particularly revered the raven

and the crow. The crow in Celtic mythology was associated

with war, battle and the Otherworld. The Celts saw the crow

as an intermediary between our world and the Otherworld

carrying important information, symbolizing power,

protection, guidance and transformation.

In folklore, crows were sometimes believed to be transformed

human beings or divine beings taking the form of crows. This

connection with transformation reflects the belief in the

inherent magic and mystical nature of these intelligent birds.

There were many stories but perhaps the Morrigan and her

connection to crows was the most well-known. The Morrigan

was a goddess associated with war, fate and sovereignty,

often depicted as being accompanied by crows or ravens. She

could shape-shift into a crow and was said to fly over

battlefields, foretelling and even foretelling the outcome of

the battle.

In hindsight it was really no surprise that Cariad was more

than just a crow. Anna came out one Saturday morning with

her ration of bread-soaked milk and placed it on the bird

table. Cariad pecked hurriedly at her breakfast. Normally after

she had had her fill, Cariad would move to Anna’s shoulder for

a few strokes, but this morning she hopped towards the gate,

looking behind to ensure Anna was following her. Cariad

would fly a short distance and then stop to wait for Anna.

Anna sensed she was heading for the Sacred Grove just north

of Llanfaes, a place she had been to more times than she

could remember.

Suddenly Anna was surrounded by a mist. She was surprised

because it had been a beautiful sunny morning when they had

left the garden. In fact, she could not see the sun anymore. It

was a sort of half-light. Anna blinked several times thinking

she must have got something in her eyes.

11


Cariad could mimic the rhythmic sounds of nature, helping

Anna notice the grove’s heartbeat, an energy that would

connect her to its magic. Cariad was teaching Anna the

importance of paying close attention. Cariad stopped to tap

the ground with her beak, causing small vines to emerge

from the soil, rise up and weave together.

Anna put her hand to her mouth and gasped. Cariad then

hopped onto a branch of an oak tree, cawing insistently until

Anna approached to place her hand on the bark, activating

the runes.

The oak tree started to whisper, almost inaudibly,

“Daughter of starlight, you return at last… We’ve waited

long, through frost and flame, for your roots to grace these

roots again.” Anna gently kissed the branch with heartfelt

gratitude.

Anna opened her eyes to see Cariad was now hopping along

a ring of mushrooms, which lit up intermittently whilst

emitting a soft hum.

“Ooh this is so much fun Cariad!” Anna squealed with

delight.

Cariad launched herself into the air, flying in circles,

conjuring a gust of wind that lifted leaves to form luminous

sacred geometric patterns spinning in circles. Cariad landed

and started plucking petals from a flower that started to sing

a melody that she had heard Morag often sing. Anna could

not believe her ears - she peered closer to locate the source

of the music but it stopped as quickly as it started.

Cariad continued into the undergrowth to show Anna a

hidden, reflective pool that shimmered with moonlight even

though it was daytime. Cariad circled above it and then

landed at its edge, beckoning Anna to peer into its depths.

Images started to flash before her eyes; a white unicorn, a

magnificent silver lunar dragon, a group of priestesses and a

wizard with a white owl on his shoulder – but they were

gone as she tried to peer closer. Anna was mesmerised.

Cariad cawed to point out shimmering lights in the under

growth – Anna guessed they were faeries or elemental

spirits watching her. Anna watched carefully – she felt safe

with Cariad – she had learnt in school that faeries were not

always kind.

12


“So here we are, I have wanted to bring you here

for some time” Cariad said.

“You can talk?” Anna gasped in amazement.

“Yes, but can you fly?” Cariad answered cheekily.

Anna laughed out loud. Anna knew Cariad liked to

be the comic and make her laugh. Sometimes

Cariad would lie on her back in the garden with

her spindly black legs in the air lying absolutely

still. The first time it happened, Anna was worried

she had dropped dead, but as she slowly

approached Cariad opened one eye and winked at

her. Anna had pretended to be cross, but Cariad

performed her trick regularly and never failed to

make Anna laugh.

“Where exactly are we?” Anna enquired.

“The Otherworld of course. The realm beyond our

physical world where gods, spirits, elementals,

ancestors and all things supernatural reside. I

brought you here so I could talk to you.”

“What do you mean? And who are you?” Anna

asked earnestly.

“Some say I am the greatest poet and prophet that

ever lived. I possess the powers of the shaman, so

I can transcend time and space and experience life

in any form I choose.

‘I was in many shapes before I was released:

I was a slender, enchanted sword…

I was rain-drops in the air, I was the stars’ beam;

I was a word in letter, I was a book in origin;

I was lanterns of light for a year and a half;

I was a bridge that stretched over sixty estuaries;

I was a path,

I was a crow,

I was a coracle in the seas.’”

“Oh, my goodness, of course, you are Taliesin!”

Anna exclaimed staring at the crow in disbelief.

And yet her heart knew it was true.

“But why did you choose to be a crow?” Anna

asked.

13


“Many reasons my dear. A young child would not be

suspicious of a young crow befriending her,

allowing me to protect and guide you subtly

without overwhelming you with my true identity.

Crows like to collect shiny objects, echoing my own

nature as a gatherer and sharer of knowledge.

Crows are linked to magic and transformation in

many mythologies. Their ability to move between

worlds mirrors my role as your guide and master of

shapeshifting – something that has always

fascinated you.”

“But why do I need protecting?” asked Anna.

“Your mother Mary Magdalene asked me to watch

over you. We were together in Atlantis at one time.

You have a divine purpose my dear. Your brother

too – he will become famous, but your work will be

in unseen realms and even more important than

his.”

Cariad failed to mention how Anna’s name would

be slurred in the same way Mary Magdalene’s had

been. The Church did not like to see power taken

away from them – least of all by a woman. Cariad

went on,

“One thing you have said repeatedly to me over the

last five years is that you would love to be a bird

for a day. Would you like to try being a crow for a

short time?”

“Are you kidding?” Anna retorted. Cariad often was.

But this time she wasn’t. Anna didn’t need to be

asked twice.

“Of course!” Anna replied jumping up and down.

“OK, stay close to me and copy everything I do,”

Taliesin said as he chanted a spell;

“Transfiguro in corvum, alas nigras me confero,

aculis acutis volo inter umbras!”

14


Anna felt a strange sensation in her body. She

looked down to see two black feet and found she

was looking at the world through two dark eyes on

either side of her head.

She moved her head from side to side so she could

see in front of her.

“Lean slightly forward and push your head in the

direction you want to go – this streamlines airflow.

Push off the ground with a strong leap – this gives

us an initial boost upward. Immediately after the leg

thrust, spread your wings out to their full extent

and flap them rapidly. This generates lift and you

should be airborne. At the same time fan out your

tail feathers – this will stabilise you and enable you

to control your direction. Next time we will take off

from a tree – it requires a lot less effort but as its

your first flight this is safer. Once you’re up in the

air stay close to me,” Taliesin instructed.

Soon Anna was soaring above the trees, circling so

she could get used to manoeuvring in the wind.

“Don’t flap so hard. You will tire easily. Extend your

wings and glide when you can.”

Anna was beginning to enjoy herself.

In fact, it was easily the most amazing experience

of her life. She couldn’t believe it was actually

happening. Wait until she told Dewi. Oh, dear he

would be so disappointed.

“Concentrate Anna, you are on your maiden flight.

You need to focus. Don’t worry about Dewi, you

both have many adventures ahead of you.”

Cariad and Anna circled above Owain and Morag’s

to see Mother Mary calling for Anna.

15


“Come on we had better head back. Watch me land before

you try it. Landing is the tricky part so listen carefully. As

you approach your chosen landing spot, slow down by

spreading your wings out as wide as you can and flapping

less frequently. At the same time angle your wings

upwards. This will create drag and reduce your speed

further. Fan your tail feathers out and tilt your tail

downwards – this acts as a brake and stabiliser. Just

before you land, flap your wings hard in a short burst –

this gives you extra lift and control. Extend your legs

forward to absorb the impact of landing – they are your

shock absorbers. If you were landing on a perch you would

use your claws to grasp the surface. Good luck!”

Reluctantly Anna followed Cariad back to the clearing in

the forest where they had taken off from. Anna would

never have found it by herself. Anna watched Cariad

closely as she landed and tried to do everything she had

told her.

Just before she hit the ground, she heard Cariad shout,

“Slow down Anna, you’re going too fast!”

Anna landed with a thud and ceremoniously nosedived

onto her black beak.

Luckily the ground was soft and no harm was done. Cariad

put her head back, opened her beak and cackled with

laughter.

Moments later, Anna was standing in her garden in the

clothes she had put on that morning. She thought maybe

she had imagined the whole thing but then she found a

black crow’s feather in her right smock pocket.

Cariad circled overhead before disappearing into the

distance…

This article is an excerpt from the new book coming out soon

Julie de Vere Hunt

marymagdaleneslegacy.com

16


B A L A N C I N G T H E

I M M U N E S Y S T E M

W I T H E S S E N T I A L

O I L S

MARTIN LEWIS AND JOVI HOONJAN

love2meditate.com/balancing-the-immune-system.html

Ecchinswell, Hampshire

17


HANDFASTING: THE

ART OF BINDING LOVE

Sue Penney

Weaving the Threads of Ancient Love

There’s a hush that falls across the land when love speaks in its oldest tongue. Before the church

bells rang and registry offices filed love away in folders, there was Handfasting — a ritual older than

memory, woven into the wild heart of nature itself.

Handfasting is the art of binding. Not just wrists, but souls, stories, and lifetimes. Rooted in Celtic

and Pagan traditions, it was once the way two people declared their union—whether for a year and a

day, for as long as love shall last, or for eternity. It was simple. No fuss. Just two hands, four cords,

and the breath of intention.

And yet, it was — and is — anything but ordinary.

In today’s world of Pinterest - perfect weddings and signature cocktails, more and more couples are

turning back to this ancient rite. Why? Because it isn’t just pretty. It’s powerful. Handfasting doesn’t

just celebrate love. It creates it anew, in sacred space, held by Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

18


A Ritual Rooted in Spirit and Soil

When I first encountered Handfasting, it was like stumbling across a forgotten memory — something my

soul already knew. The circle. The elements. The invocation of the ancestors. It felt like homecoming in

ceremony form.

In a typical Handfasting, the couple stands within a sacred circle — often outdoors, barefoot, grounded

in the good green Earth. Witnesses gather not just in flesh, but in spirit.

The quarters are called — the East winds of breath and beginnings, the South flames of passion and will,

the West waters of feeling and flow, and the North stones of steadiness and strength.

And then comes the cord. Or ribbons. Or even a plaited rope of colours that carry meaning. Gold for

prosperity. Red for passion. Blue for peace. Green for growth. These are no mere decorations — they’re

living symbols, infused with the intention of those present.

The officiant (sometimes a celebrant, sometimes a dear friend, often someone who walks the inbetween

spaces) gently binds the hands of the couple. Left to left, heart to heart.

Sometimes the words are ancient, sometimes freshly written. But they always carry weight. “With this

binding, I tie your lives together. May your love be strong, your path shared, your journey blessed.”

As the cords are tied, something shifts.

The veil thins.

The sacred makes itself known.

19


Of Law, Lore, and Legacy

To truly understand the magic of Handfasting, we must journey back — not just to the fields and

forests of Celtic lands, but to the scrolls of history and law.

In mediaeval Scotland, handfasting was recognised as a legitimate betrothal, or even a form of

marriage. Couples could pledge themselves to each other per verba de praesenti (in the present

tense), making the union binding in the eyes of both the community and common law. A promise for ‘a

year and a day’ was common — a kind of trial marriage. If love held strong, they remained. If not, they

parted ways, no shame, no scandal.

As Christianity took firmer hold across Britain, handfasting became entwined with church customs,

then gradually pushed to the edges. By the 18th century, with the Marriage Act of 1753 in England

and Wales, only marriages performed by a clergyman in a church (and later, civil authorities) were

legally recognised. Scotland held out longer—hence the rise of Gretna Green, where runaway English

lovers could still be wed by a blacksmith under the more relaxed Scottish laws.

Today, handfasting itself is not a legally binding marriage ceremony under UK law, but it is beautiful

and legal as a symbolic or spiritual rite. Many couples blend it with a civil ceremony — tying the knot

emotionally and spiritually before or after signing the paperwork. And in Scotland, registered

celebrants of certain faiths or spiritual communities can conduct legally binding handfastings,

provided all legal boxes are ticked.

20


What I love most about Handfasting is its flexibility. It bends to the shape of your story. Want to jump

the broom? Add it in. Want to honour the elements, invoke goddess archetypes, or simply look each

other in the eye and promise your hearts? Yes, yes, yes.

In a world that often rushes us through love, Handfasting asks us to slow down. To pause. To feel. It

reminds us that love is not a contract. It’s a covenant. It’s not something you sign. It’s something you tie

— with your breath, your being, your boundless belief in each other.

So if you hear the old ways calling, listen. If you feel the tug of a red ribbon in a dream, follow it.

Handfasting is waiting — not to bind you, but to bless you.

21


What I love most about Handfasting is its flexibility. It bends to the shape of your story. Want to jump

the broom? Add it in. Want to honour the elements, invoke goddess archetypes, or simply look each

other in the eye and promise your hearts? Yes, yes, yes.

In a world that often rushes us through love, Handfasting asks us to slow down. To pause. To feel. It

reminds us that love is not a contract. It’s a covenant. It’s not something you sign. It’s something you tie

— with your breath, your being, your boundless belief in each other.

So if you hear the old ways calling, listen. If you feel the tug of a red ribbon in a dream, follow it.

Handfasting is waiting — not to bind you, but to bless you.

Sue Penney

Soul Verse

soulverse.co.uk

22


Handfasting: A

Guidebook Companion

Sue Penney

Introduction: The Heart of Handfasting

Handfasting is an ancient ritual, reawakening in

our modern times with the beauty and grace of

soul-led intention. This guidebook companion

offers both the poetic lore and the practical

tools to help you create your own sacred

Handfasting ceremony.

Whether you're preparing for your wedding, vow

renewal, or spiritual union, this book will hold

your hand through the circle of love, from cord

colour meanings to ceremony structure. Let this

be a map to the mystery and magic of your love

story.

A Brief History of Handfasting

Originating from Celtic and Pagan traditions,

handfasting was once recognised as a formal

marriage rite. In Scotland, a couple could

declare themselves wed through a simple act of

joining hands and pledging their love —

sometimes for "a year and a day", sometimes

for life.

Though no longer legally binding in most parts

of the UK, handfasting remains a deeply

meaningful symbolic ceremony. In Scotland,

some celebrants may offer legal handfastings

within recognised spiritual traditions.

Today, it is cherished for its spiritual depth, its

connection to nature, and its soulful symbolism

of choosing love freely and wholeheartedly.

23


Ceremony Structure: A Template to Build

Upon

Here’s a simple yet powerful structure you can

personalise:

1. Opening the Circle

Set a sacred space.

Call in the Four Directions (East, South,

West, North).

Invite ancestors, spirit guides, and loved

ones.

2. Intentions and Blessings

The couple may speak about why they are

joining in handfasting.

Readings or blessings from guests.

3. Binding of Hands

Use cord(s) to bind the couple’s hands, left

to left (heart to heart).

Speak vows or intentions during this

binding.

4. Declaration of Union

Acknowledgement by the officiant: “These

hands, now joined, bind not in bondage, but

in blessing.”

Optional symbolic acts: Jumping the broom,

lighting a unity candle, sharing a drink.

5. Closing the Circle

Thanking the directions and spirits.

Releasing the sacred space.

24

Cord Colours and Their

Meanings

Use single or multiple cords/ribbons to

represent shared values and hopes:

Red – Passion, strength, courage, desire

Blue – Tranquillity, devotion, sincerity,

communication

Green – Growth, fertility, harmony,

abundance

Gold – Prosperity, wealth, enlightenment,

longevity

White – Purity, peace, beginnings, spiritual

connection

Purple – Wisdom, mystery, magic,

transformation

Pink – Romance, unconditional love,

nurturing

Black – Protection, grounding, deep

commitment

Silver – Intuition, moon energy, emotional

clarity

Orange – Joy, vitality, celebration, creativity

You can plait cords together, let them hang

loose, or tie them in a symbolic knot like a

lover’s knot or figure-eight infinity.

25

Sample Vows and

Blessings

Simple Vow Example:

"With this cord, I bind my heart to yours. In love,

in laughter, in all that life brings. From this

moment, and for all the moments to come."

Elemental Blessing:

"May the winds of the East bring clarity and

breath to your love. May the fires of the South

keep your passion ever bright. May the waters

of the West flow with compassion and

understanding. May the stones of the North root

you in strength and wisdom."

Final Thoughts: Love,

Loosely Tied and Deeply

Held

Handfasting isn’t about perfection. It’s about

presence. Your ceremony doesn’t need to be

elaborate to be sacred. All it truly needs is love,

a cord, and intention.

So take this guide, dear soul, and create

something wild and true. Let your vows be

poetry. Let your cord be magic. Let your love be

a living ritual.

Blessed be, and may the knot you tie today

grow ever stronger in the hands of time.

Sue Penney | Soul Verse | soulverse.co.uk

26


P R A C T I T I O N E R ' S

E N E R G E T I C P R O T E C T I O N

O N L I N E C O U R S E

Shaman Alchemist

Jovi Hoonjan

In this course, you will

learn where different

'energy attacks' may come

from.

You will gain higher

awareness and have a

chance to resolve any

energy depletion.

l o v e 2 m e d i t a t e . c o m / o n l i n e - c o u r s e s . h t m l

27


ARCHANGEL MESSAGES

AND COLOURS (4)

Carol Coggan

Introduction

The Angels have asked me to share cards from the

Angels and Auras deck throughout the year. I hope you

have managed to see the previous issues, where we

have met Archangel Sandalphon and Archangel Uriel

(red); Archangel Raziel and Archangel Raphael;

Archangel Chamuel and Archangel Zadkiel.

As you look at the cards, notice the colour of each

Archangel and notice especially how you are affected

by that colour. There is also an accompanying card for

each specific Archangel.

Sit quietly, focus on your breathing as a way of

clearing your mind. Call in your Guardian Angel and

Angels, and really look at the cards and see what

speaks to you. The Angels may speak through colour,

or a particular word or parts of the image. Part of the

image may be relevant as you first read this, and then a

week later, it may be the colour or a word. The Angel

messages are dynamic and you can work with them

over the months, as you can over the previous issues.

You will see some positive words on the cards, and

then some negative words upside down. These

negative words are the shadow side, and if you find

you resonate with the negatives, then you can

definitely work with the Archangel to heal and

transform to the positive energies.

Although you are reading this in the Alchemical Voice,

the message will vary for you specifically, which shows

the infinity of the Angels, and how they can be with

everyone at the same time and over a time span. Enjoy.

28


July and August

Archangel Jophiel has stepped in for these two

months specifically. What a beautiful colour this card

is. Archangel Jophiel is known for being surrounded in

pink and often roses. You may sense her near if you

can actually smell roses. Her name means the “Beauty

of God” and here the card is highlighting beauty. This

is not only your own beautiful soul, but also being

aware of the beauty around you. You will see she has

various notes, affirmations which highlight the other

words of self-care and compassion. Know that as you

look at this card, you are loved by the Angels,

Archangels and the Universe. It is as simple as that.

Love, beauty and positivity are the essence of life,

hence the word simplification. Use these words/values

to consider your life and simplify any struggles you

may be facing.

Pink is the colour of perfection and unconditional love.

Perfection means that you are perfect as you are, you

are unique. And the Angels and Universe love you just

as you are. Pink represents self-love and self-care, and

compassion for others.

For an instant boost of unconditional love from

Archangel Jophiel, focus on the card and half close

your eyes so you are mainly seeing the colour pink, let

it flow and gently absorb it.

Archangel Jophiel has brought in the card Evolution.

Life is like an upward spiral, we may pass the same

aspects of the circle but it is always upwards and

above the previous circle. As we move through this

life, we are definitely on a life journey, rather than

reaching a destination. Use this together with

Archangel Jophiel encouraging us to see the positives

and beauty in all situations. Each new day is a new

opportunity and allows us to evolve and develop. We

can put in place the tools and strategies that have

helped our evolution and continue to build on it. So,

for instance, as you develop your gratitude practice,

expressing thanks daily for your many daily blessings,

you will find that the Universe hears this, hears that

you are grateful and enjoying certain aspects, so they

give you more of the same.

29


Archangel Jophiel works with you as you express your gratitude and develop more self-care and love.

You will also see that the Evolution card is mainly light green, as we covered last time, the colour light

green is the colour of pure joy. What better way to evolve than with joy and with Archangel Jophiel’s

pink of unconditional love.

Archangel Haniel is also coming in, often known as the Moon Angel. She coordinates the moon cycles

and the effect on us all both women and men. The moon affects the tides, growth of plants and the way

we think/attitudes.

A full moon is a time of release, to release all those old patterns and emotions that no longer serve you.

Give thanks for the patterns that helped you in the past, and then release them at the full moon. This

links in with the previous card on evolution, as you evolve you release old patterns. Give thanks for the

lessons learnt and then release.

A new moon is a time to explore new beginnings, this is a time to start those new projects, with the new

moon energy and that of Archangel Haniel.

Silver energy is described as the colour of goddess energy, and increases the vibration of your home.

Silver is a reminder to trust your intuition, that your space is sacred and reflects beauty as well as

connection.

30


Archangel Haniel wants you to use your sacred

connection and work with this card - Be the Real

You. So often we retain our past patterns of

behaviour, which have enabled us to cope with life.

We may present a persona/mask at work, or with

friends. We may be a “people pleaser“, not doing

what we truly love, and slotting into complying with

others' attitudes or expectations.

Archangel Haniel wants you to step into your power,

be the real authentic you, and speak your truth. How

do you start? as it is difficult to change all in one go.

Start by watching your language - how you speak,

and what you say to yourself and about yourself. If

you make a mistake, then do not call yourself names,

just accept it and move on. Also think about how

many times you say sorry or apologise. Check what

you say and gradually you will become the change.

This also links in with working with Archangel

Jophiel and your Evolution. The world needs you, so

keep shining your light and your joy.

I hope you enjoy working with Archangel Jophiel and

Archangel Haniel over these two months. The

colours are very present, there are plenty of flowers

with pink in them, and most nights we can see the

moon. Blessings.

If you want to know more about working with these

cards and their specific Archangels, then please drop

me an email or follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

carolcoggan.co.uk

hello@carolcoggan.co.uk

Facebook: Carol Coggan - Angel Therapist/Dream

Builder Life Coach

Instagram: angeltherapist_carolcoggan

+44 (0)781 806 5514

31

I’m at this event,

come and say Hi

Carol x

Contact me for information on the events - hello@carolcoggan.co.uk

32

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35


UNIVERSAL THREADS

OF SHAMANISM

Shaeen Svanede

A Look at Asian and Northern European Traditions

A Universal Human Need

Across all cultures and throughout history, humanity

has shared the same fundamental needs—for

connection, meaning and a deeper understanding of

existence. Regardless of where we were born, we seek

ways to heal, to communicate with forces beyond

ourselves and to find balance in life. Looking back at

ancient traditions allows us to shape the future we

aspire to create. By comparing our spiritual and

cultural heritage, we often uncover more similarities

than differences, reinforcing the idea that we are all

part of a shared human experience.

Shamanism as a Bridge Between Worlds

Throughout history, shamanism has connected the

physical and spiritual worlds. It has provided healing,

guidance and harmony with nature's unseen forces.

Though often linked to indigenous cultures, shamanic

traditions exist across continents. Asian shamanism is

deeply rooted in the spiritual landscapes of Mongolia,

Siberia, Korea, China and Southeast Asia. Despite

regional differences, these traditions share striking

similarities with Scandinavian and Celtic shamanism.

This suggests that shamanism is a fundamental part of

human spirituality, shaped by the universal need for

connection to the cosmos.

36


The Foundations of Asian Shamanism

Asian shamanism is closely tied to animism, the

belief that all things possess a spiritual essence. In

Mongolia and Siberia, shamans—known as bo, udgan,

or tengeriin böö—mediate between human and

nature spirits, ancestors, and celestial beings. They

use trance, drumming, and spirit possession in their

rituals. In Korea, mudang (female shamans) and

baksu (male shamans) serve as intermediaries

between the living and the spirits. Their ceremonies,

called gut, offer healing and guidance. Ancient China

had wu shamans who played a key role in early

Daoist practices. They invoked deities, performed

divinations and guided soul travels. Across Southeast

Asia, shamanic healers in Thailand, Vietnam, the

Philippines and Indonesia have preserved their

traditions, often integrating them with Buddhist or

Hindu beliefs.

Understanding Spirit Possession

Spirit possession is a key aspect of many shamanic

traditions, including those in Asia and Northern

Europe. It is understood as a temporary state in

which a spiritual entity, ancestor or deity inhabits a

shaman’s body to communicate with the physical

world. This phenomenon is often induced through

drumming, chanting or ritualistic movements,

allowing the shaman to enter a trance state. In

Mongolia and Siberia spirit possession is considered

a way to channel wisdom from other realms.

Similarly, in Korea the gut ceremony enables mudang

to host spirits who provide guidance or healing.

Parallels Between Asian and Northern European

Shamanism

Despite geographic distances, Asian shamanic

elements resemble those found in Scandinavian and

Celtic traditions. Shamans in Mongolia, like the

völvas (north priestess) and seiðr practitioners (those

who go into a trance to find wisdom) of Norse

traditions, enter trance states to communicate with

spirits. Both use drumming, chanting and ritual tools

to access otherworldly knowledge. The use of sacred

plants, though more common in Siberian shamanism,

has parallels in the Celtic tradition, where certain

herbs were believed to aid in divination and spiritual

connection.

37


Healing Practices Across Traditions

Healing practices are also deeply rooted in both

Asian and Northern European shamanism. Mongolian

and Siberian shamans perform energy work and soul

retrieval, much like the Norse concept of healing

through spiritual journeying. In Celtic traditions,

Druids acted as healers, using the power of nature,

sacred groves and energy-balancing rituals to

restore well-being. Both traditions emphasise the

interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit in the

healing process.

Sacred Symbols and Ancestral Veneration

Sacred symbols and garments play a crucial role in

both regions. Siberian shamans wear mirror-adorned

robes and elaborate headdresses while Sami noaidi

(priest or medicine man) could use reindeer antler

crowns and Celtic Druids wore ceremonial cloaks.

These garments symbolise their connection to the

spirit world. Ancestral veneration is another common

thread. Korean gut rituals seek blessings from the

ancestors just as Norse traditions honoured their

forebears through blót rituals (offering to the Gods).

The Celtic Samhain festival which marked the

thinning of the veil between worlds has echoes in

Asian ceremonies that invite ancestral spirits to

return.

The Resilience of Shamanism in Modern Times

Modernisation has led to the decline of shamanic

practices in some areas, but Asian and Northern

European traditions continue to thrive in different

ways. In Mongolia, Tengrist beliefs are experiencing

a revival with contemporary shamans reclaiming

their societal roles. In South Korea, urbanisation has

not diminished the significance of shamanic rituals.

Mudang continue to perform divinations and

spiritual cleansings. In Scandinavia, there is a

resurgence of interest in seiðr with modern

practitioners exploring ancient techniques of trance

and spirit work. Celtic shamanism too, has seen a

revival, particularly among those seeking a deeper

connection to nature and ancestral wisdom.

38


A Shared Spiritual Heritage

The similarities between Asian shamanism and

Scandinavian and Celtic traditions highlight

humanity’s shared spiritual lineage. Shamanism is a

universal language of connection to nature,

ancestors and the unseen forces that are shaping the

existence. It reminds us that our spiritual heritage is

intertwined. It is urging us to respect, preserve and

learn from these sacred traditions that continue to

shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.

In today’s often tumultuous world, finding harmony

within these ancient practices is more important

than ever. They offer a space where we can embrace

our originality and express our deepest aspirations.

By doing so, they help foster a sense of belonging

and spiritual balance in the midst of modern

uncertainties.

Shaeen Svanede

Priestess of the Norse tradition

osterlenhaxan.com

pilgrimen.com

avaloniatour.com

designbyhansdotter.com

39

Hidden in the Mist


“Ambulance.

Please hurry. It’s my

sister” Robert blurted out,

the terror and panic quite

obvious in his fast delivery

of the short sentence.

“What’s your location,

please” the call responder

asked.

“The end of Vine Lane,

Stoke D’Abernon, where

the path to the river is.”

He looked at Richard as if

for confirmation. Richard

nodded, his eyes wide and

his features pinched in

concern.

“Please hurry,” Robert

added, a sob catching in

his throat.

“I think she might be

dying.”

The last was a plea

delivered with a sob

released from impotent

despair.

Hidden in the Mist book now available soulverse.co.uk

sue@soulverse.co.uk

40


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41


BEING HUMAN

HUMAN BEING

John Sjovik

I keep coming back to 1960, when I was 4 years old. That summer was very formative for me. My earliest

clear memories are from that time.

I did not pay any attention to myself and who I was. I mostly sensed the world around me and how I

interacted with it; how the warm sunlight felt good on my face, the smell of the sandbox in the

playground, and, of course, how my toys came alive when I played with them.

Often, those memories return to me. Or maybe it is I who return to them? In some little corner of my life,

it will always be 1960.

I had a little toy monkey that held cymbals in his hands, which, when played, felt like he was celebrating

the sun and the sky. At least it felt like that to me.

I was not aware of the astronomy of the sun, the geophysics of Earth’s atmosphere or why the weather

was cold in winter and warm in summer. I simply enjoyed being alive, feeling the wind playing with my

hair and mimicking the monkey to raise my hands to greet the sun.

Shamanism, Nouns and Verbs

For me, part of the fundamentals of Shamanism is to bring back the awe and wonder of childhood. To

sense the multi-layered nature of the world around you. To study a grain of sand and find an entire world

in it, as William Blake put it in his famous poem. To be conscious without questioning. To experience

without requiring explanations.

In Shamanism, there is no need for consensus or consistency when exploring the otherworldly. Your

experience is as correct and valuable as mine is. What you learned last week is as true as what you will

pick up next week. Shamanism is not an exact science; it is not even a science.

42


The novelist and playwright Oscar Wilde famously said that

human beings are (or at least ought to be) verbs, rather than

nouns. It is unwise to identify yourself with a title, a position or

even worse, a ‘thing’. By using a noun to describe yourself, you

risk creating a prison for yourself, made up of the qualities and

characteristics peculiar to that noun. As a consequence, you

will not be able to understand your true nature or even be able

to transmute into anything more than you already are.

When I was an undergraduate in the department for theoretical

physics at the university, I knew that I wanted to be a scientist.

I even visualised myself dressed like a scientist. I looked at old

photographs of legendary scientists and wanted to dress like

they did, play a violin like Albert Einstein and maybe smoke a

pipe like Niels Bohr, to look more like the part of an intellectual.

I might add that I never became a scientist, after all.

Yet, it is not about the shape or form, is it? It is not about the

package or outer appearance. What truly matters is the

content, what is inside, what can be made to happen, what can

cause movement. What truly matters is the happenings and the

movements themselves. One of my teachers in Shamanism once

said that a Shaman is someone who can perform magic on a

consistent basis. Indeed, in indigenous societies, the tribal

Shamans only held on to that position for as long as they were

able to carry out their duties, be it forecasting the weather,

bringing fortune and success to a hunting party or performing

healing for the sick.

So anyone who carries an ambition to study and practice to

become a practitioner of Shamanism should focus on

understanding the true and intimate nature of rituals, of ethics,

of the relationship with spirit in all its forms, be it power

animals, local spirits, helping spirits, guides and teachers. That

relationship is very much a verb and therefore what might be

called an “applied relationship”. It is a set of activities: physical,

emotional, spiritual and more.

Cognition is a word in vogue these days. Embracing Shamanism

is very much a cognitive process that requires action on many

levels. In order to practise Shamanism, it’s important to view

yourself as a verb and be someone who does things. Wearing a

fanciful costume, eagle feathers in your hair, ornaments and

trinkets around your neck and on your hands may look

impressive but will only serve to entrap you within a noun ( =>

static) rather than liberate you as a verb ( => action)

43


Think about the existentialistic aspect of Hamlet’s famous

question, “To be or not to be…” What does it mean to be? For

Hamlet, the question seems to linger on suffering “the slings and

arrows of outrageous fortune” or to escape them by ending

one’s life? That which stops him from using a ‘bare bodkin’ is the

fear of the uncertainty of what happens in “the undiscovered

country from whose bourn no traveller returns”.

For Hamlet, ‘to be’ involves aspects that could be traumatic and

involve a ‘thousand natural shocks’. Likewise, ‘not to be’ could

involve dreams with unknown content and “ills... that we know

not of”.

It is well worth noticing that Hamlet’s question is more about

action than being.

So let us take a closer look at the concept of being and match it

to thinking, feeling and doing.

Thinking and Feeling

Many Years ago, when I was a student, I always carried a main

file to every lesson, regardless of the subject matter. It was a

sturdy folder with a metal spine. The front and back covers were

made of thick cardboard set into metal frames. I had covered the

front with imitation velvet in a light grey colour. On it, I had

written: ‘Cogito, ergo sum’. These words in Latin are one version

th

of the famous expression by the French 17 century philosopher

René Descartes. In his native French, he wrote “Je pense, donc je

suis”, which in English means “I think, therefore I am”.

Descartes belonged to the branch within philosophy called

“Rationalism”, meaning that reality can be understood by pure

reason, without having to rely on experience. Similar to

mathematics, an understanding of reality could be based on a

few fundamental axioms or statements. He began his discourse

on philosophy by generally doubting everything. He suggested

that impressions from your senses should also be doubted, as

things like sounds and visuals can be unreliable. Also, the

difference between dream and reality can be questioned.

Descartes arrived at the conclusion that a fundamental

philosophical principle must be that one exists as long as one

thinks. He expressed this in his famous statement “Cogito, ergo

sum”. It cannot be doubted that if one thinks, one has to exist.

So he used that as a starting point when he continued to develop

his philosophy.

44


As a Shamanic practitioner, I beg to differ at least a little bit

with Descartes. As I see it, a fundamental quality in any

approach to reality is to feel, so my humble paraphrasing of

Descartes’ famous words would be “Je sense, donc je suis”,

meaning that I exist because I feel. I tend to lean towards

the French painter Paul Cézanne, who referenced the craft

of painting by saying that if he thinks, everything will be

lost.

Body and Soul

In Shamanism, the soul is considered an animating essence.

It animates and brings life to the body. That is why soul loss

is so dangerous. The more soul loss you suffer, the less

animation or life is experienced by your body. PTSD is a

form of soul loss. From a Shamanic perspective, severe

PTSD can kill you.

With the verb / noun parable I mentioned above, it is

important to protect yourself when you actively live your

life. Events happen around you all the time. Often, you are

not even aware of them. They can still influence you and

affect you. An insidious form of trauma is the one that you

never saw coming. Living the active life you are supposed to

live, you should take precautions and protect yourself from

unwanted influence by the animated world around you.

Sometimes, it makes understanding easier, if you find a way

to visualise a disorder as a malevolent spirit. From a

Shamanic point of a view, a disorder might well be a

possessive spirit.

You could see them as the embodiment of trauma.

Such a spirit will feed on your life energy, your happiness,

your animating essence, the verb that is you. It will draw

your soul out of your body and consume it.

Possessive spirits can arise from stressful and troublesome

situations: pain and suffering. An untreated soul loss can

develop into PTSD and further into attracting a possessive

spirit. That is why it is of utmost importance to treat trauma

as soon as possible.

The two major treatments for such disorders are Soul

Retrieval and Depossession. By searching ads in Alchemical

Voice Magazine, you can find experienced practitioners who

can help you with the healing process.

45

The Heart

The word ‘courage’ is related to the heart. The root word is the Latin word ‘cor’. Courage comes from

the heart. It is not something of the mind. Many philosophies and belief systems see the heart as the

location of the soul. In that respect, courage arises from your soul. I think that may be why soul loss is

such a regrettably common trauma affecting soldiers in battle.

You require courage to invite change. Change is necessary in order to be able to develop as a human

being. It is important to be able to see the permanency that lies in continuous change. There is an old

expression from the indigenous cultures of northern Sweden, that to be healthy is to be able to move

by your own means, meaning to keep up with the constant movements of the traditional nomadic

lifestyle. However, movement is also of the mind, of the soul. The ability to change views, to embrace

new ideas, to change when the circumstances change, to change and adapt when there are changes

within yourself, as you journey through life. You gain knowledge, accumulate experience and alas, your

body ages. You are required to be courageous to deal with change, whatever shape or form it takes.

You must not be completely still. To be alive is to move, even when you rest. Rest is active stillness.

As I wrote above, the soul, residing in the heart, animates and brings life to the body. So there is a

connective chain there: heart – soul – animation – life.

46


Final Thought or Final Feeling

We often get lost in definitions. What is it to be, to exist? Let us

assume that there are three aspects to a human being: physical,

mental and spiritual. (I choose to disregard consciousness in this

discussion, since that is a huge and often contested topic and itself

worthy of a series of articles.)

Thinking happy thoughts is a great cure for many challenges in life.

Silly as it may sound, but a bit of Pollyanna attitude will make it easier

to overcome obstacles and deal with whatever tests life will put to

you.

Let me come back to Oscar Wilde’s suggestion that human beings

ought to be verbs, and actually do things. I think we should move on

from the somewhat tiresome question ‘Who am I?’ and give more

focus on what we are supposed to do and what we actually do.

People think thoughts, do things and have feelings about what they do

and have done. All of that is part of being.

Recognise and accept your place in the Cosmos and allow yourself to

manifest the human being you are meant to be.

When you are searching for your place in the flow of life and your

relation to being active, to being a ‘verb’, it might be helpful to put this

question to the Spirit World: ‘If I could know that which I am not

meant to know, what would I know?’ The answer might surprise you.

Now I invite you to put down the magazine and go outside for a

walking meditation. Explore the world around you, whatever it may

look like. Notice the sounds. And keep in mind that your soul can not

hear when your body listens. Your soul has ears of its very own. Try to

go beyond the usual five senses when you gain learning about the

world. Touch a tree, feel the ground under your feet, smell a flower.

Interact and be animated in an animated world. And use all of your

faculties to discover and re-discover your surroundings.

A human being is someone who is being human, in all multifaceted

aspects.

47

Martin Lewis


EPIGENETICS AND

ENERGY FIELDS

Epigenetics, Morphogenic Fields and the ‘Shape of

Spirit

Part 1 - Epigenetics

In 2021 Dr Bruce Dewe and his wife Joan Dewe MA

published a seminal work on ‘Epigenetics’ - which is

the study of how our DNA can be modified by external

influence, rather than the standard medical model

concept of genetic coding being altered, due to

inherited illness.

Within this medical concept is something called ‘the

central dogma’ - that is: ‘DNA is altered in only one

direction (i.e. it cannot be reversed) and therefore if

you have the genetic coding of a disease or illness

passed down by your parents/family line, then you

have to accept the consequences!

The standard medical model suggests that our DNA is

altered due to inheritance factors through ‘miasms’ (a

pre-disposition to an inherited or acquired disease),

and therefore DNA expresses itself (codons are turned

on or off) incorrectly, causing manifestations of

disease that exists in the ‘genetic memory’ of an

organism, human or otherwise.

Dr Dewe states that this ‘dogma’ is incorrect, and is

based on research that was lacking at the time.

Further research by Bruce Lipton PhD and others

since then suggests that:

signals (behavioural, chemical, emotional, spiritual)

from the environment can trigger or inhibit DNA

expression

our responses to our environment determines the

expression (on or off switch) of our genes

genetic information flows in both directions (to

and from DNA)

48


every cell in our body responds to these signals (hence they are conscious !)

this consciousness exists in the membrane of the cell

methylation of cells on a genetic level can be changed and improved

So………… what does this all mean?

Let’s start with the last bullet point.

What is ‘methylation’? What does it do?

In effect, ‘methylation’ is the body’s way of breaking down harmful substances (toxins) utilising

enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts (i.e. a stimulating or encouraging process) that enables the breakdown

of these harmful substances. Without enzymes we would be pretty ill very quickly! Symptoms of

enzyme deficiency and poor methylation processes can include:

anxiety

depression

insomnia

irritable Bowel Syndrome

allergies

headaches (including migraines)

muscle pain

addictions

and a whole host of other physical and mental illness and dis-ease

49


If any of these symptoms are relevant in YOUR family

history - don’t buy into the idea that you are a victim

of circumstance. Buying into the medical concept that

you are a ‘sitting duck’ of your family’s history results

in untold misery and fear, and leads to the idea that

there is nothing you can do to alter your fate! This

constitutes the idea of ‘absolute determinism’ - that is

‘you are utterly powerless to change anything about

your inherited health' - and - ‘it’s all due to the genes

you were born with’. This literally means that your life

is predetermined, and therefore, you have little choice

or control over your health outcomes. You become

reliant on modern medicine to come up with the

answers, and without this you are doomed! This type

of thinking is defeatist and fundamentally incorrect!

The good news is that this concept is way out of date!

New research states that:

DNA messaging travels in both directions - both to

and from DNA…..which actually means if you can

get ill you can also heal yourself

genes can be activated or de-activated by changes

in signals from the environment - and this includes

any spiritually enhancing activity - i.e. ‘joy and fun’!

genes can alter their expression, and therefore

their methylation processes, depending on what is

happening outside the cell, and outside of our

bodies!

What we say, think about, act upon, react to, ponder,

believe in, experience, engage with, and worry about,

can all influence how our genes express themselves.

For instance, if we spend time in the company of

someone who ‘drains us’ with their constant moaning

and complaining about how bad their life is, we are

allowing our DNA to be ‘morphed’ into a shape that is

‘not us’ (more about this later).

The person who ‘gets under our skin’, annoys us and

depletes us of our energy, is our DNA’s way of telling

us that this person is a bad influence. It also tells us

when we are not protected, and therefore should

probably avoid this person, otherwise our DNA

literally ‘loses its shape’, and cannot methylate toxins

as a result.

50


A ‘bad influence’ can literally make us ill, just by us

being in its energy field! ...and imagine if this is

someone you live with, work with, are friends with, or

this person is in genetic line of your family! Hopefully

you have now realised that your environment literally

‘shapes’ you, and influences your biological processes,

right to your core DNA ...if you let it!

Who and what you have around you influences your

biochemistry, your morphology, (your cellular shape

and structure), your belief systems and fundamentally

your health, and it’s important to realise that YOU do

the same to your environment!

Your DNA responds to your environment, and it

responds to you. If you want to stay healthy, then

change your environment, the people you hang out

with, your beliefs, and change what you think, feel and

believe about the environment you live in.

If we change US we can change the environment

around us, and that includes the genetic code we

inherited from our ancestors.

Engage with your truth - that is, whatever stimulates,

motivates, and ‘fills up your spiritual love tank’.

So, why is this article called ‘Epigenetics, Morphogenic

Fields and ‘Shape of Spirit’?

Well, I have explained the first part of this trilogy of

articles - Parts 2 &3 will follow in the next few

editions.

MARTIN LEWIS

appliedmetaphysics.co.uk

kinesiology@hotmail.co.uk

+44 (0)7968 740550

Newbury, Berkshire

51


ONLINE SHAMANIC GUIDED MEDITATIONS

Love 2 Meditate and Martin Lewis

Dancing with Dragonfly

The delicate energy of Dragonfly can help you immensely to bring great enlightenment.

Dragonfly represents clarity, breaking the veils of illusion with it's iridescent wings to show you

the real truth. Life is not as it appears, as you already know. The wings of Dragonfly reflecting

and refracting light support you to gain the clarity.

To purchase:

love2meditate.com/meditations.html

jovi@love2meditate.com

52


Chanelled poetry, beautifully

illustrated offering healing to the

readers

Available on Amazon

soulverse.co.uk

53


UNFOCUSED ENERGY

WILL BE DESTRUCTIVE

Hannah Gauss

It took me a long time to understand the sacred contract of inspiration. When we get inspired by something, we

are actually touched by Spirit. Inspiration is gifted to us, it’s not coming from inside per se. It means this energy

has a purpose. It’s a call to action to use this energy to create whatever it is that we envisioned. The same goes

for healing and teaching energies.

But we are human. We doubt, we fear and we question, especially when our creation and healing process is

filled with painful memories. We all have had brilliant ideas and never acted on them. Some of us carry potent

healing energies in our tissues that were never used properly because we shied away from our own potential.

Here’s the thing: energy never dies. If the energy isn’t used in the way it was intended, it will find a way to be of

use unintentionally. Unfocused healing energy that isn’t used for those contracted to receive it will run through

your own system until it finds something to heal, even closed wounds. An unspoken channel (spiritual wisdom)

will relentlessly roam in your mind until it finds something to clarify, and we think about an issue to death.

Unused creative inspiration will turn into mindless disassociation, like doom-scrolling. Just like an unheard need

for rest will turn into unfocused work, designing a simple email over and over. In business, this is a company that

eats itself. Rich Litvin says: “[a] Struggling coach wants to coach anyone and everyone. They are afraid to ask for

money”.

54


Unfocused energy will always be destructive. Large quantities of unused energy will be self-destructive.

Where we place our attention, energy flows. Our intentions are like prayers we speak into the universe, even

unconscious ones. Using the energy that we are gifted, that we accumulate over the day, is our responsibility;

it’s not an artistic luxury. We are in a sacred co-creation contract with the universe and life itself. We have

been gifted the power to create, not just to look at it. Most of us are terrified of this. We are terrified of our

own power more than any version of God out there.

Accepting that we are creators, challenges our survivor story that we are powerless to the pains we had to

experience. It keeps us from dealing with the pain. Truthfully, we aren’t responsible for what happened to us,

but we are responsible for what we do with it. There is always 3% responsibility we carry at any given time.

Even if it’s just the responsibility to heal. Praying solid prayers is living in integrity with ourselves and Spirit.

The question then is: What are you doing with your energy today?

Hannah is a Shamanic Practitioner living in the

ancient East of Ireland, reminding people of how

powerful they always were.

@hannahjgauss

hannahgauss.com

55


Handcrafted artisan crystal jewellery

Love & Light

Jewellery

s u e c a u s t i c k @ g m a i l . c o m

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Unique black pearl and

kunzite necklace

Beautiful black pearls

and luxurious raw pink

kunzite wrapped in silver

️and sterling silver clasp.

Necklace hangs approx

19 inches long.

Wearing Black pearl will promote emotional well-being, calmness and protection,

absorbing negative energy from the body.

Pink kunzite will help you enhance your spiritual growth and intuition. Helping to

alleviate stress and anxiety. Its soothing colour calms feelings of anger and resentment.

Love & Light

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A stunningly beautiful necklace combining gems of prehnite, green

flash labradorite and flourite.

Paired with a stunning cut of ‘A grade’ citrine wrapped in silver.

This beautiful statement necklace sits approx 15 inches long.

Designed in mind to connect your heart chakra to your solar plexus

By having your heart directly in touch with your personal will, your

heart knows what you truly want

Beautiful, vibrant pink and purple agate necklace with a Rhodonite

pendant. Made for the heart chakra. Sitting at 17 inches long.

Pink agate is linked to the heart chakra, enhancing love and

compassion. At the same time, the purple agate will bring in harmony,

balance, self-confidence and protection. Rhodonite the stone of love

and self-love has a calming effect on one's emotions

Beautiful pearl and red coral necklace with a cute pearl pendant

A truly beautiful statement necklace. Approx 14 inches long.

Pearl symbolises purity, innocence and new beginnings. They

hold a feminine energy linked to the moon, signifying peace and

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vitality, energy and protection. Giving courage and confidence.

Love & Light

Jewellery



58


Channelled messages of vibrational energies from ancient beings

love2meditate.com/store/c37/CONSCIOUSNESS_CARDS.html

59


ALCHEMICAL VOICE

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT | HEALTH & WELLBEING | HOLISTIC CRAFTS

To purchase a hard copy of this or previous editions,

click/scan QR code

Published by Jovi Hoonjan, Love 2 Meditate

love2meditate.com/alchemical-voice-magazines.html

N O U R I S H | S U P P O R T | B A L A N C E

Alchemical Voice - Shamanic Healing & Rituals Unveiled (Issue 33 July/August 2025)

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