our very own magical island

Like most Singaporeans, I've been to Sentosa island many, many times over the years.

Besides the usual outings and weekend chalet stays with friends and family, Brian and I used to take our son there quite often when he was little.

As a boy, Jordan used to love walking down the Dragon Trail together with his Daddy, because that particular walk sparked his imagination with its giant skulls, fossils and even a water-spouting dragon made of stone.


As Jordan grew older, he lost his fascination for the Dragon Trail and we haven't been to the island on a family outing for quite a while.

But last month, I went there together with five others who were on a "spiritual mission" to help Sentosa "breathe".

Elisabeth, a very powerful clairvoyant and healer whom I consider to be my spiritual mentor, had received a message that said that the current construction of the upcoming casino on Sentosa had buried the powerful, ancient crystal that is on the island.

Very few people are aware of this crystal. I only learnt about it a few years ago myself when Elisabeth was first told of its existence and guided to reactivate it through prayer and meditation.

I never joined them, but for the last few years, Elisabeth and a group of like-minded people have regularly gone to Sentosa once or twice a year to pray and meditate at the site of this crystal. It can't be seen because it is buried far beneath the island, but it is there -- those who are sensitive have experienced its energy.

I was amazed when I first learnt of its existence. I'd heard of "high energy" places that are all over the world -- Sedona in Arizona; Uluru in Australia; Stonehenge and Glastonbury in England; and the pyramids in Egypt -- but Sentosa, Singapore?

I decided to go along when Elisabeth said she needed to get to the island to find a way to create some outlet for the crystal's energy to come through, and to allow its healing energy to flow under and around the island and the region again.

I wasn't sure what to expect. But we found ourselves at the Dragon Trail, where the heart of the forest was. We stopped there to pray and meditate, and I instinctively took off my sandals so that I could connect more firmly with the ground as I closed my eyes.

Immediately, without any warning, I felt such sorrow that my tears flowed.

I couldn't explain it. All I knew was that I was somehow sharing the island's emotions, and it was grieving. Very, very deeply.

"The island is choking and the angels weep" was the message that Elisabeth had received regarding the crystal's "burial".

For the first time, my belief that the planet we live in is a living, breathing entity to be respected and loved became real to me.

This spot turned out to be one of the vortices where the crystal's energy could be released. Immediately after we did that, there was a sudden increase in the number of visitors to that particular part of the Dragon Trail, and I realised that people were unconsciously drawn to the healing energy (or dragon energy, as Elisabeth called it) that had begun to circulate again.

From there, we were guided to another vortex which I believe is meant to be kept secret, and a third spot where we were asked to pray and help fix an energy unbalance.

At the last stop, I kept seeing movement in the trees out of the corner of my eye, and I had a strong sense that we were being watched by the fairy folk. When we were done, I felt a strong rush of gratitude coming my way, and I knew it was them saying thanks for helping to fix the unbalance.

I know there'll be a lot of hooting out there when word of this spreads.

But it doesn't matter. What matters is that we managed to do what we set out to do that day, despite not having any idea where to go and how to do it when we started out.

And again, it taught me that when you open your heart and mind to miracles, they do happen... all the time.

And that's magic.

the beast in you

Today is World Animal Day.

Unfortunately, it doesn't mean a thing to lot of people. Only animal lovers will understand the need for a day to acknowledge and remember the animals who share this planet with us.

Of course it's great to honour our pets for the joy and unconditional love that they bring into our lives. And it's wonderful to remember the plight of abandoned pets and strays who deserve better.

But today is also about honouring all the creatures of Earth, for they have just as much right as humans do to living lives of love, dignity, joy and good health.

A couple of days ago, I was working on the weekend listings for the newspaper. I put a small picture of a young husky next to an item describing what the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was doing this weekend in honour of World Animal Day. The picture was taken from the SPCA's calendar for next year, which would be sold at the event to help raise funds for the non-government-supported shelter.

And the editor wanted the picture of the dog taken out.

"There are so many things happening this week -- why can't we use a picture of people instead?"

But it's World Animal Day this weekend, and there are a couple of events that are being held in its honour, some of my animal-loving colleagues and I said in defence. Anyway, there are already several pictures of people in the listings pages.

"No, no no. I want a picture of a person. This dog isn't even a famous dog. Animals are nobodies!"

Of course the dog had to be taken out in the end. And a picture of some visiting French singer with a niche following was used instead.

I was so hurt and angry, I cried.

Looking back, I'm not sure whom I hurt for most. The animals, of course, because they so often have to live with such disdain and disrespect.

But I think I also cried for the editor. Because to me, that remark spoke volumes about the spirit of someone with so little regard for another life that just happens to be non-human.

our miracle cat

One year ago today, one of my beloved cats Shelley passed on. She was 14+.

My husband Brian and I called her our brave Miracle Cat.

Before we could move into our present home in February 1994, we'd had to live in a rented house nearby for a few months. At the time, our son Jordan was about six months old, and Shelley was just under a year old.

On the day that we moved into the rented house, we took extra pains to make sure that the cats came in last, after the furniture was in, so that there would be things they were familiar with in a strange house.

We also made sure that the doors and windows were closed before opening up the cat carriers. Then when the cats were let out, they could have some time to explore the house and get used to it before we opened the windows.

Unfortunately, there was one window that had not been closed properly, and when the cat carriers were opened, Shelley, who had been particularly traumatised by the long drive and all the activity, bolted.

Like an arrow, she shot from the hallway and unerringly found her way out that one open window at the back of the house. And just like that, she was gone.

Knowing that she was lost in unfamiliar surroundings which she hadn't had the chance to explore, let alone get used to, made us more desperate to find her. We walked around the whole neighbourhood looking for her several times a day, every day, for weeks.

When we took the dogs for their walks, we searched and called for her. Brian spent hours trekking through the undeveloped land near the back of the house looking for her.

We drove back to our previous home to see if she had, by chance, found her way back there, then finally we went to the SPCA to see if she had been found by a good samaritan and brought to the pound. No luck.

The people at SPCA told us that usually, if a pet cat isn't found after two weeks, it's highly unlikely that it will ever come home.

We were heartbroken. Shelley had been gone for a month, and we couldn't help blaming ourselves for her loss. We prayed for her safety and her return. We couldn't give up hoping for a miracle.

Then early in the morning on New Year's Day 1995, we got our miracle. We were sleeping in our bedroom on the second floor and I was awakened by loud meowing. And then a thin, furry bundle of love hopped onto our bed.

It was Shelley.

She was skinny, dirty and hungry. But she was home! I can't describe the rejoicing that went on in our house that day.

Our spaniel Church, whom Shelley adored, was ecstatic. My husband and I were speechless.

How this young cat, who had been born in our previous home and had never had to fend for herself since birth, survive for a whole month in totally strange surroundings and find her way back to us -- not only locating a house that she had been in for not more than a few seconds, but climbing up the stairs and homing into our bedroom and our bed -- could only be a miracle.

Of course I believe that our guardian angels -- Shelley's and ours -- had a hand in it too, and I am eternally grateful for that and all the many other things they have done for us (in our home, the angels are always busy!).

But that was when I also realised how brave, how single-minded, how powerful we can all be when love motivates us.

About a month after that, we moved yet again -- to our present home, and we had no problems at all this time.

But for the rest of her life, Shelley was living proof of the power of love. She will always be our Miracle Cat.

We miss you, darling. But we know you are always with us.

transformation blues

For all who are feeling overwhelmed or confused by the state of turmoil or ennui that their lives seem to be in, I would like to share this message from Archangel Gabriel which was channeled through me recently.

I still pass my days feeling off-kilter and even woozy, but I know it's just a side-effect of the energy and vibrational changes that are simultaneously occurring in everyone (including me) and the planet -- whether or not you are conscious of it.

I hope the following message, which appears in the metaphysical ezine Cosmic Lighthouse's September issue, will give you the same comfort and strength that it has given me.


ARCHANGEL GABRIEL ON TRANSFORMATION

Dear ones,

So much has already been said about the ongoing energy changes and transformations that are taking place as Earth moves into the next dimension.

But what it seems to mean for so many of you right now is that you are simply caught up in a whirlwind where nothing is within your control. Your best laid plans do not work out, and sickness and financial problems are common for many.

Your emotions, too, are out of control. They swing from one extreme to another in a matter of seconds. Anger surges quickly to the surface, and unforgiveness lingers in your hearts.

Even those who are on their spiritual path are beset with these problems in one form or other. In truth, it is when you are on the path of light that you become more aware of the challenges that come your way.

So why is this happening, you ask.

Why must there be so much pain, sorrow and difficulty when this planet and all who are in it are supposed to be raising their vibration and moving into another dimension? Are we not moving towards a better world, one of light and joy and peace?

Indeed, you are, dear ones. But you must bear in mind that all that is happening to you and the world is part of the process of transformation.

So many think that transformation occurs in the blink of an eye.

But in reality, when transformation truly takes place, every aspect of you is involved – the physical, the mental, the emotional as well as the spiritual. And so it can get a little complicated and take time to fully occur.

What would be the point of transformation if it occurred instantly and so painlessly that you do not even realise it has occurred?

For your soul to advance and grow, it needs to be conscious of the lessons it learns, the unnecessary baggage it releases, and the choices it makes.

For you are all students of Earth, here on this planet to learn the lessons your souls came specifically to learn. And like students anywhere, you would not know how much you have learned or how well you have done unless you are tested.

But pass the test, you will.

The angels, archangels, ascended masters, divinities and other advanced light beings from other dimensions are here to make sure of that.

For do we all not come from God – the source of all creation, light and being?

So do not despair and allow your pain, your fear or your sense of lack to overcome you.

For all this will pass.

And all is as it should be. Look beyond the chaos and know that all that is happening is according to divine plan and timing.

You are not alone. You have never been alone.

We are with you always, and help is but a call away. You only have to ask, and help will be given -- even if you are not sure whom you are asking or what it is you are asking for.

In fact, help came some time ago, and is still being rendered to you. So many light beings and angels are already in the world, doing whatever they can to assist you in this time.

Release all fear. Do not hold on to despair or anger. Let go of the slights you feel you have received. Instead, unclench your fists and allow God and His helpers to pour the blessings that you deserve into your hands.

At the same time, beware those who come in the name of love and light but focus, instead, on making money from you by playing on your fears and lack of knowledge. Sadly, there are many of those today.

Yet there are also many genuine lightworkers, diligently working with the angels and light beings in helping to pull themselves and others out of the darkness and into the light.

Trust what your heart tells you, not what your head says. For divine guidance comes from the heart. We will help you to recognise the true lightworkers.

They are teachers and healers who speak with truth and wisdom. They act out of love and compassion. They, too, struggle with their own human tests yet steadfastly seek the highest good for their fellowmen.

They may rely on donations or charge a fee for their services. But that is as it should be, for they too need to put food on their table. The difference is they do not take advantage of others. For they trust in God’s provision and the premise that they are co-creators with God, able to reap the rewards that they richly deserve.

Keep to the path, dear ones. Do not give up. For we are here to light your way, to give you strength and love.

Always.

(message received on Aug 15, 2008)

changing phases

I've been so out of sorts lately.

For the past month, I've been feeling as if I were looking out at the world from within a bubble that's afloat in a sea of detachment.

Nothing seems able to touch me too deeply on an emotional level -- not the daily frustrations at work, not the occasional flaps at home, not even what's happening on a national or global scale.

It's not that I don't care. I do.

On an energy level, I can feel the change that's occurring even as I write this. Everyone and everything in the world is affected to some degree.

From the earthquakes and hurricanes the planet is experiencing to the increasing environmental and health issues that we're facing today.

Suddenly, every third person I know seems either to be stricken with, or knows someone who is stricken with, cancer. Others are struggling financially or undergoing career crises.

I've lost count of the number of times that I've been asked what's happening.

All I can say is, it's all part of the transformation that the world and its inhabitants are going through.

Some days, I'm so sensitive to the energy change that it hurts just to brush my hair.

Recently, for no reason that I could see, I was asked to move from one desk to another in the office. I was perplexed and quite a bit cheesed off by the whole exercise.

I went home and did a mini angel card reading for myself to find out why this was happening. And the answer, simply, was that it was time to move. Time to clear my space so that new, positive energy could come in.

So here I am. Writing this from my new desk location.

Who knows what new changes this move will bring?

I can only trust and wait.

my angel healing circle

I held my usual Wednesday fortnightly Angel Healing Circle last night. I just realised this morning that it's been five months since I first began to do this on March 19 this year.

It may not seem like much to most people, but oh what big steps I've taken on my own spiritual path, and how much I've learned and benefited from the experience.

I remember how the angels gently but firmly lodged the idea of conducting the circle soon after I returned from an intense and comprehensive Angel Miracles course with Elisabeth Jensen in Adelaide.

Not having attended an angel healing circle myself, I was doubtful about conducting one.

What was I supposed to do? Would anyone come to the circle? Could I even do it?

I resisted for a while but the angels were so insistent that, in the end, I simply took a deep breath, asked for faith and courage, and plunged in.

Before I could change my mind, I sent a mass email out to all the people who come to me for angel card readings and healings, to tell them that I would be conducting an angel healing circle from home.

Then I asked for divine guidance and help in preparing some guidelines on the structure of the exercise, and on what meditations and visualizations to do.

And the information came. Using a combination of what I'd read and learned from books, CDs, and the spiritual courses I'd been to, I came up with a set of rough guidelines for myself. The rest, I left to the angels on the night itself.

Three people turned up for my first circle. It was three more than I had expected.

Sure, I fumbled a little. I forgot to turn on the meditation music, and I struggled a little at the beginning trying to remember what came next.

But the angels were present. And so were the three archangels who had said they would work with me at my healing circle: Hamied, Michael and Raphael. Throughout the exercise, I allowed myself to be led, and simply did whatever I was guided to do.

Interestingly, no one seemed to notice my initial fumbling. Instead, all who turned up had their own personal experience and healing with the angels that night.

It was an uplifting experience for everyone, especially me. And I learned another important lesson: When you willingly act on divine guidance, there is no lack of aid and support.

The angels and archangels were there in force that first night, as they have been in every healing circle that I've conducted since.

So far, the biggest turnout that I've had for this circle is five. But there have also been a couple of times when no one turned up.

But all this is part of my learning curve as a lightworker.

Ego has no place in lighwork.

Every time I allowed myself to get stressed preparing for the circle -- either because I thought it was taking too much out of me and I wasn't sure I could go on, or when I allowed myself to think hey, I'm pretty good -- the angels firmly made sure that I'd have some quiet time to refocus, re-centre and realign with my higher self and calling again.

I've learned not to base my success as a lightworker on the number of people who turn up for my healing circles or workshops.

I base it, instead, on the joy that fills me when those who take the time and make the effort to come -- be there three, five, or just one person -- voluntarily share their own spiritual experiences, lessons and growth with everyone present, getting to know and encouraging one another as they open their hearts and their lives to more love and light.

I love the fact that the angels honour our fortnightly dates and show up without fail -- regardless of how many people turn up.

And on those occasions when no one did, they still surrounded me with love and light, healing me both physically and on a deep, soul level as I sat and meditated within the circle they formed around me.

For me, that confirmation of love beats having a huge turnout any day.

rip-roaring stupidity

A girlfriend of mine has been having sleepless nights this past week because she is desperately trying to find homes for the stray cats who live in her condominium estate. It seems that the condo's management committee has unanimously voted to cull the stray cats within the estate because they've been "scratching our cars".

Most of these stray cats have already been neutered, and are regularly fed by animal-loving volunteers who spend their own time and money feeding and taking them to the vet for sterilization when they are old enough. So they are actually tame cats without a proper home to call their own.

I wish I could take them all in, but I already have a full house.

But that's the trouble, it seems. People are either animal lovers or animal haters.

Those of us who love them find it hard to stop once we start taking in stray, abandoned or abused animals. It's hard to stop because there are just so many of them and not enough of us.

The sad truth is, we simply can't save them all although we do our best.

But sadder still is the fact that there are educated people who love their material possessions so much that they think nothing of taking another life just because they feel their possessions are at risk.

Listening to them complain, you'd think it was some big wild cat, like a tiger or a lion, that was coming up to their sturdy, heavy metal vehicles and leaving huge scratches on them, instead of a cat who probably scratches at a heavy duty tyre now and then.

Hello?

What will it take to make people learn to respect and value life more than they do inanimate objects?

I wish I knew.

All I can say is, they deserve the rat and roach problems that they're likely to get once there are no more cats around to keep them at bay.