Since ancient times, people have celebrated the arrival of spring or autumn at the equinox.
Every six months, in March and again in September, an equinox splits the Earth’s day almost in half, giving us around 12 hours of daylight and 12 of night.
This year, our spring Equinox falls on 23 September.
Bernadette Bekker, the current Owner and Managing Director of The Herbal Energy Centre kindly shares her wisdom with us on moving forward in our current times and providing practical guidance. Bernie is also the Chairperson of Natural Health Practitioners New Zealand.
Thoughts from Bernie
When life can be disrupted and turned upside down in an instant, it’s good to acknowledge the things that don’t change – like our upcoming Equinox on 23 September. The Equinox marks the time in the year when day and night are roughly equal. The September one marks a time of reawakening and the time to move forward from darker times. I have always viewed Equinoxes as special times to reflect on where we are and to send energy and healing to the earth.
Having just lost a family elder, I have felt the need to reflect on where we all are and also the heaviness in my heart. And so I want to share my thoughts with you.
I find myself reminded of the early 1990’s, when I attended a gathering at the Tauhara Retreat in Taupo, for the Rainbow Light Warrior. We shared meals, sleeping quarters and our knowledge and experiences. We learnt about divine masters and new (and old) ways to heal. There were meditations, channeled messages and more. With the blessings of the local Iwi some of us (who felt called), were given a special welcome and entry to a nearby location. I consider myself extremely blessed to have attended both of these special events. When I was at the Tauhara Centre there was a painting by Pamela Matthew’s watching over us. A special print was gifted to the Centre by Kathleen Keith at the Homeobotanical Conference and was of the Rainbow Light Warrior.
I find myself remembering that painting and am drawn to share these words from the energy of the Rainbow Light Warrior.
In the past, we as healers worked to bring the land and the people into balance.
When the land was healed, its blessings flowed to the people of the earth. Over time this situation has changed and the Earth and the people have been separated.
Our world changed with the arrival of Covid-19.
Over the last 18 months, I’ve experienced, seen and had shared with me, the many anxieties and worries that life today brings. With the stresses and struggles of lockdowns, we have been unable to gather and grieve for family and friends who have crossed over to the next realm.
We are unable to travel freely, to meet up with friends and family and feel the joy of sharing their physical presence. It’s easy to lose the connections and bonds that form when we aren’t in the same physical space as them.
Then there are the daily stresses, and loss of income. Some have been forced to face closure of their clinics and the heartbreak of not being able to support their clients. Then there is the gnarly vaccination question – to do or not to….
It seems all around us is a growing sense of despair and fear.
So this is what I would like to share with you.
There is a philosophy in Natural Health that says that humans have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts to their being.
Illness doesn’t necessarily begin on the physical level but can have its origins in the upper levels/realms. When considering our wellbeing, if we forget to ‘talk the talk’ and ‘walk the walk’, then the energy of fear and despair that is created and allowed to grow, can spread around the earth.
We have the ability energetically to correct this, both individually and as a collective. We can send love and healing to both the earth and all the peoples of this world.
So this is my challenge to you all this equinox – let’s raise the light energy on our loved Planet.
Let’s clean our homes, our clinics, our dispensaries. Purify your intent by smudging with sage or using your favourite essential oils.
When the 23rd arrives, whether you are alone or with family and friends, take a moment to reflect on what you have lost and gone through. We have to acknowledge the past, in order to heal the future.
When your day or evening allows – I invite you to join me and let us send energy and healing for Planet Earth. For her to heal and recover, and for all the people wherever they are or whatever they do, find peace and wellbeing. Light a candle to carry and send your blessings.
I invite you to enter the Dreamtime where there is a healthier and positive future for planet Earth, healed and recovered and for all the people to know peace and wellbeing. Below is part of the Desiderata that always sings to me.
May you be at peace and your colours shine brightly.
Love and Blessings
Bernie.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Bernadette Bekker is the current Owner and Managing Director of The Herbal Energy Centre.
A qualified and experienced practitioner in Homeobotanical Therapy, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathy and Aromatherapy, Bernadette continues to be actively involved with the day to day management of the Herbal Energy Centre and continues to see clients in clinic by appointment.