Author: vienda

  • The Gypset Guide to Hand Reading

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    It’s my birthday today, and so I wanted to share something with you that’s very close to my heart, a skill that I cherish, hone, study and embellish as it is a craft that protects me in my wayfarer life. Palmistry, also known as hand reading.
    I have been slightly obsessed with palm reading ever since I was 12 years old and I met Donald Ingram-Smith, writer, ABC Radio personality and author of many of Krishnamurti’s books and biographies, who read my palm and taught me the amazing and fascinating things that can be seen simply by looking at a persons hand.
    What caught my attention the most was the fact that he noted that I have very unusual hands, in that, unlike most people, my head and my heart line are one, known as a simian line, instead of separate. Apparently the only other person whom he had ever seen that on was Krishnamurti himself. Clearly, I felt very special indeed! Basically it means that I live my life synergistically on both my head and my heart. There is no confusion about which one takes precedence, because they are the same for me. What I think and feel is combined to make one.
    Since that very acquiescent age, I have been fascinated by reading hands, my own and other people’s and have studied it for years. I use it almost daily, whenever I meet someone new, on dates, when agreeing on contracts and making big decisions that involve other people. I like to find out what the other persons strengths and weaknesses are, based on a few sneaky glances at their hands, so I know where I stand.
    As a gypsy-jetsetter, one vital ingredient is being able to pick up on people very quickly, to read them and decide what level of inclusion they can have in your life. The ability to quickly understand someone new, is what keeps us safe, secure and protected at all times. The ability to understand ourselves is even more valuable!
    The reading of ones hand, or palm reading, works in that all the nerve endings from your brain, end up in your hands and thereby evidence of what is happening in your life can be seen in your palms. The lines show the direction of your thought patterns, potential, and current actions. What’s wonderful is that, once you’ve gotten to know your hands well enough, you can actually observe them change, as you choose to change certain habits, patterns and choices that you make in your life. Your hands will always reflect where you’re at in the current moment, and change with you as grow and blossom.
     

    image If you look closely you can see how my left hand (Other) and my right hand (Dominant) are different from one another.

     
    ABOUT HANDS
    Dominant hand – What we do with our lives; the actions we take; our public self.
    Other hand – What we are born with; what happens to us; our private self.
    Your dominant hand (commonly the right hand, depending on whether you are left handed or right handed) is the hand that shows your current life experience.
    Your other hand (commonly the left) is the non-dominant hand, which will show your potential, also thought of as your past and your future.
    In my case, I am right handed which is my dominant hand and therefore the hand that I look at to consider my current path, whereas I look at my left to see what might be arising for me in the future. To do an accurate reading you have to look at both hands.
     
    HAND COLOUR
    The color of the palm is a good indicator of the vitality and strength of a person:
    A pale palm often shows a lack of strength and vitality.
    A yellow palm might indicate a hostile or even cynical nature.
    A pink palm show good vitality and strength.
    A red palm shows an extremely aggressive nature as well as hyperactive tendencies.
     

    image I have an Air hand.

     
    HAND SHAPE
    The palm shapes represent our basic motivation in the way we live out our lives.
    Earth Hand: Physical – A square palm with few and clear lines. Earth Hands are down-to-earth, practical and responsible, but can also be materialistic, serious and stubborn. They are comfortable with the physical and the tangible, and will do things the tried and tested way.
    Air Hand: Mental – An oblong palm with many and clear lines. Air Hands are sociable, talkative and witty, but can also be shallow, spiteful and cold. They are comfortable with the mental and the intangible, and like doing things in different and radical ways.
    Fire Hand: Instinctive – A triangular palm, with few and fine lines. Fire Hands are spontaneous, enthusiastic and optimistic, but can also be egoistic, impulsive and insensitive. They are extroverts, and prefer to do things boldly and instinctively.
    Water Hand: Intuitive – A fan-shaped palm, with many and fine lines. Water Hands are creative, perceptive and sympathetic, but can be moody, emotional and inhibited. They are introverts and tend to do things quietly and intuitively.
     
    FINGERS
    Square finger – represents a down-to-earth quality in respect to the attributes of the finger.
    Pointed finger – shows an artistic and sensitive nature.
    Spade-shaped finger – represents an inventiveness.
    Cone-shaped finger – represents an imaginative quality.
    In the situation of a mixed finger type, for example, if a person had a square type of ring finger, they would generally be artistically inclined, however if they also had a pointed index finger, then their occupation would probably not be art related.
    Straight fingers represent a person who is honest, direct and clear-headed.
    Crooked fingers show a devious and malicious quality.
    In regards to the nails, long nails show a soft heart; short nails show a paranoid and uneasy nature; wide nails show quarrelsome qualities; narrow nails show a conservative and refined nature.
     

    image My hands are unusual as they don’t have a defined life line as I explain below. I’m creating my life as I go, but am protected by positive forces. Most people have a clear life line that runs all the way down as see in my other hand.

     
    HAND LINES
    There are four most important lines to look at on a hand.
    Life Line – Health; how we take care of it; major events in life.
    Head Line – Mental health; mental capabilities; intelligence; character.
    Heart Line – Emotional attitude; romantic profile; all things love + heart related.
    Fate + Fortune Line – Career outlook; milestones; ambitions; major events in life.
    Deep, clear and smooth lines are best, and indicate that one’s life would be positive in the area of life represented by the line. With such lines, success should be accomplished, accompanied with happiness and contentment.
    Breaks, gaps, islands, crosses, spots and cross-bars indicate possible problems or events at whichever points these marks appear. Broad, fuzzy or chain-type lines indicate a negative outlook, a dissipation of energy and low morale.
    If your life line on your dominant hand ends around the timeline where you’re at right now (like mine is) but your potential hand has a long, healthy one, it means that you are creating your life as you go. I have a bunch of spine diseases that give chronic back pain, mostly in the lumbar region. And this pain hinders to perform basic tasks. I can neither sit, nor walk, nor lay down. Painkillers at http://www.shaynahiller.com/buytramadol/ or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect. In the end, the neurologists prescribed me Tramadol. And that, my friends, is magic. You have the power and the freedom to create absolutely anything! And with that power and freedom comes of course, great responsibility, because everything you say, do and believe matters.
    Extra lines are often noted as vitality lines. If your life line is doubled, or even tripled, then this shows a great vitality in your life, and positive forces around you.
     

    image Hand mounts, clockwise from left to right: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, Mercury, Mars (again) + Moon.

     
    HAND MOUNTS
    Mount of Venus – Emotions; close relationships; family ties.
    Mount of Jupiter – Status and authority; sense of achievement.
    Mount of Saturn – Responsibilities and duties; sense of destiny.
    Mount of the Sun – Creative impulses; wealth; happiness; fulfillment.
    Mount of Mercury – Mental and communicative abilities; rapport with others.
    Mount of the Moon – Moods and mental state; sense of freedom.
    Mounts of Mars – Energy and assertiveness; sense of vitality.
    The mounts reflect our basic values, upbringing, leanings, and the personal traits we develop.
    Mounts should be clear, moderately raised and well-formed, indicating that the positive and balanced qualities of the mount are being manifested.
    Low or flat mounts mean that there is a lack of the qualities of the mount. High or over-developed mounts show an over-expression of a mount’s qualities.
    And there you have it! Keep this little guide close to you, to review your own hands from time to time, and witness how you grow and change, which is reflected in your hands. And if you learn these basic elements, you can use your new-found knowledge to quickly figure people out, and decide whether they’re a potential lover, business partner, friend or foe!

  • 6 Life Changing Kindle Books I’m Loving Right Now

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    Miao!
    Hello love-bugs!
    I don’t know about you but I spent this recent Mercury Retrograde hiding away under the soft, luxurious covers of my bed, getting my soul-nurturing on, in place of gypsetting around at a high pace. As I mentioned a few of weeks ago, I’ve moved to a new pad in Venice, and am taking in the luxury of having a space to call home, by resting my body and soul.
    Luckily, too, that the lovely twins from Astrostyle (my go-to astrological site) recommended that I do exactly that. In their words “Between now and July 2014, you’re at the end of a decade-plus chapter, taking inventory on all you’ve accomplished since 2001. Meantime, your job is to let go, heal, allow yourself to be divinely guided (rather than forcing things), and focus on your internal self rather than forging ahead blindly.” I take that as a sign that it’s ok to hang my flag and just nurture myself for a while.
    Which brings me to the books I am reading which are real soul-busters. Just when I thought I knew it all (ha! just kidding!) these words shine out and bring life to a whole new level.
     
    E-Squared: Nine Do-It-Yourself Energy Experiments That Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality
    I have a client who is a psychic that recommended this book to me, and because I believe in signs from the universe, I knew that her recommendation was one that I must follow. And I am so glad I did. E-Squared is funny, entertaining, scientific and spiritual all at the same time, which I think is an incredible feat when talking about things such as metaphysics and the law of attraction. As the title suggests, you do 9 different experiments that literally PROVE you have the power to create your life through your thoughts. I’ve done the first two so far and can confirm that yes, they worked, though sometimes is the most miraculous,unexpected ways.
     
    Get Rich, Lucky Bitch!: Release Your Money Blocks and Live a First Class Life
    I’ll be honest with you. The title really, really put me off, but author Denise Duffield Thomas is a fellow B-Schooler, we actually did the course together, had a day where she gave her book away for free and I jumped at the chance to see what it was all about. And unlike the title, the book is very sweetly written, funny and full of really great exercises and money practices to release your blockages around financial wealth and freedom and create as she calls it, a “first class life”. As all things do, this book has come into my life at just the right time, and I am deeply grateful to Denise for penning it and sharing her wisdom and knowledge with us. If you’re ready to make some changes in your life and start making some serious money, read this book!
     
    I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are
    This gorgeous book explains how and why each of us has created our unique and individual experience of reality, and offers a practical and empowering process for taking complete control of the creative process of life from this moment forward. I mean, what more could you want, really!? Woven throughout, is the story of how a spiritual counselor transformed his life from being a stockbroker with little religious experience to a man profoundly shaped by his journey to explore the nature of existence. It’s essentially a beautifully written guide that offers advice on understanding one’s purpose in order to achieve fulfillment. And I liked it.
     
    Reaching for the Moon
    I’m not exactly sure how it happened but I was gifted this book some time ago, but only read it recently. I’ve been wanting to learn more about women’s cycles, and though this book is written for young women who are just entering into the moon phases, it’s a very sweet read and I learnt some important things about how to nurture and care for yourself during menses. Wether it’s for you or for someone you know, Reaching For The Moon is perfect for those moments of self-love and awareness around being a woman and the blessings that come with that.
     
    Getting Sh*t Done: How to Stop Procrastinating, Let Perfectionism Go, & Harness Your Creative Superpowers
    I think I read this book in under an hour which just shows how to the point it is. Really well written, I found the words nail the creative process and the tricks we use to try and stall ourselves and procrastinate, with obvious, clear and effective solutions for getting your sh*t done. I actually really loved this book, it’s clarity and straight-talk. Read it. Then get sh*t done.
     
    Do the Work
    In a similar stream as the one above, Do The Work is about creative inspiration and the role that resistance plays in getting your work out there. The advice goes something like this: Act, act, act without reflection, then after a while, go back and reflect and edit, edit, edit. And while you’re working on your project, be realistic that you’re going to come up against different forms of resistance. Realize that that resistance is just as much a part of life as rocks and trees are. Push through it anyway, and don’t let friends or family or anyone else tell you that you can’t do what you want. And by the way, when you fail, the product fails, not you. So just do it again. The author’s energy is contagious and will have you at your computer until late at night with renewed vigor and self-belief. Do The Work really works!
    I hope you enjoy them too!
    Vienda x
     

  • you are ready. more than you know.


     
    you are ready. more than you know.
    you are ready to take the leap into the unknown simply because the desire exists in your heart.
    do that thing that your be-ing is yearning for.
    let go. attachment to what the future holds will only clout you. let it be.
    trust. have faith. close your eyes + go.
    because this is for you.
    the universe conspires to give you all that you need.
    synchronicity transpires when you follow your heart.
    let go. allow yourself to feel that faith.
    remember to breathe. remember to feel.
    take a small step. + then another. this is all you need to do.
    uncertainty is your friend. your tender companion along the path less travelled. embrace him. he will bring you exhilarating surprises. uncertainty is also known as the unknown. or variety. he will be your saving grace. you shall see.
    the future will be what it may. it will most likely be more expansive, + more impressive than you can even imagine.
    let go. allow your heart to lead you.
    the outcome is completely irrelevant as long as you follow your heart. your dreams. your desires. your passion.
    everything falls into place. know it. believe it.
    you are ready. more than you know.
     
    Image source: my own taken at Gilli Islands, Indonesia 2011.
     
     

  • 6 amazing books I’m reading right now


    The Magicians Way
    A very wonderful friend of mine actually gave me this book to read and quite serendipitously it was exactly what I needed at the exact right moment. I finished the book quite quickly and then wished it had lasted longer so perhaps I need to go back and read it again! Every single page gives me one of those aha! moments that clarify certain things I have been thinking, wondering or experiencing but not yet been able to put it into words myself or have it reflected back to me. The book outlines the 7 Secrets of Magic and is a novel type guide on how you can manifest your life through positive thought, focus, feeling good and listening to your intuition by staying in your heart. An excellent and entertaining read which I would recommend for the men/ man in your life who is interested in taking charge of his life but gets disgruntled by all the woo woo self help books out there.
     
    You Can Create an Exceptional Life
    It is no secret that I have a mega girl-crush on Louise Hay. She is my absolute idol in every single way and I admire here so deeply. She is the mother, grandmother and wise counsellor that I dream of having in my life. So when I heard she was publishing a book on her own practices in living the life of her dreams, I knew I must read it. The book is very sweetly and simply put together, with Cheryl Richardson very humbly interviewing Louise on certain areas of her life. My favourite part is when they meet at Louise’s house in San Diego and Cheryl briefly describes Louise’s sanctuary of a house….. it sounds absolutely gorgeous! Ok, so maybe that’s not my favourite bit but I certainly did fall a little bit in love with the home she has created! Many of the practices I know of and use from time to time but haven’t been doing as a daily practise which I actually want to incorporate back into my life. It was a good reminder, one which I really needed and the book itself left me feeling all warm and happy and full of hope anticipation for the future and gratitude for my life.
     
    Kafka on the Shore
    My sweet friend Rachel has started a book club and the first book for us to review is Kafka on the Shore. I friggin’ loved this book and as you can see it was the only novel in the stack beside my bed so it had to to be fun and lighthearted as well as entertaining. Murakami writes like a poet, full of vivid imagination and shades of every colour in emotional prose. You fall in love with every single character and are entranced and find it quite believable when fish fall out of the sky and a human has conversations with cats. The book contains quite a lot of depth, and being set in Japan explores modern culture which is inextricably intertwined with ancient folklore and spiritual beliefs. Every page has a little bit of a philosophical tinge to it leaving you wondering about life in a beautiful, mystical and mysterious way. Gorgeous, gorgeous read! Just go ahead and buy it if you’re looking for a good book.
     
    Opening Our Hearts to Men
    I was recommended this book by Tom Starke, the quantum physicist that gave the workshop on Understanding Men which you can read about here. I….. hmmm, let me be honest. I find this book really wordy, boring and kind of obvious but I can see how it would be very helpful for women who actually have issues with men. I haven’t finished it so I can’t give a full review just yet, but I think perhaps the book would be essential for women who have a lot of anger and resentment around men and don’t believe in their own ability or desirability to attract and keep the type of partner in their life that they want. It’s about releasing your negative beliefs around men and moving onto higher ground as well as seeing things from all perspectives and improving and widening your communication skills. A great book if that’s the sort of thing you are looking for in your life right now.
     
    The Art of Earning
    I bought this e-guide at least 6 months ago, which I read straight away, and then stumbled upon it when I was doing a clear out a few weeks ago, which was one of those subtle reminders that perhaps it’s time to review this beautiful and important message written by the clever and intelligent Tara Gentile again. If you are an artist, a creative, an entrepreneur or dabbling with making money in a different way, then this is for you. Tara clearly and carefully demonstrates how our beliefs and thoughts around money affect our ability to throw ourselves into the prosperity stream. Often we restrict our ability to make more money by believing that the only way we can get paid is from a salary or even by under-estimating our own worth. She gives simple and clear guidelines on how to get out of your money rut and start being the prosperous and financially abundant person that you deserve to be. Hurrah! (I sent this e-guide to my mum who loved it and all her neighbours asked for copies of it too which made me laugh when she told me; clearly this fabulous fabulous e-guide became the talk of the town in their little neighbourhood!)
     
    The 4 Hour Work Week
    This book has been sitting on my bedside table for about a year and for some reason we seem to have this on again, off again relationship. Tim Ferris is brilliant and every single page is jam-packed full of very succinct and practical advice on how to make running your business or managing your work time most efficiently and effectively as possible. It is well written and for me I think, almost too direct with TOO MUCH practicality, which is why it’s taking me such a long time to get through it. Every few weeks I pick it up, open it randomly and read a chapter or two, nod with enthusiasm and valour, am whole-heartedly inspired and then have to leave it for some time to allow my mind and heart to digest it all and take the relevant parts out to practise myself. This book is definitely for left-brainers who would appreciate the way Tim writes and essential reading for anyone wanting to get more time for themselves from their workday. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter.