Posts Tagged ‘new orleans’

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Dear Readers,

For the documentary, I explored the history and magic of New Orleans. I can truly say there is no place like New Orleans in this world and there are so many reasons why it’s so important that the city be preserved. In the documentary you’ll meet some of the wonderful people that I met with while in the city who shared the rich treasures of the city, her people, her spirit, her bohemian lifestyle, the arts and music and of course, the food.

2012 PSYCHIC PREDICTIONS

I’ve also been busily writing for a variety of magazines as well as for the Huffington Post and the Examiner.  Recently I wrote an article for Elevated Existence Magazine about my work as a person who sees auras. This particular article discusses how your aura can affect electronics and other energy fields when your energetic flow is out of balance.

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Treme soundtrack

Season Two of the HBO series Treme premieres tonight, Sunday April 24th at 10pm.  I’ve eagerly awaited the return of the series, longing to be virtually as close as I can to the city of New Orleans.  The series has received Emmy and Grammy nominations as it portrays the rebuilding and restructuring of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Season One was set in Fall 2005, three months after the storm and the breaking of the levees in the Ninth Ward unleashed the flood waters into the city.

Treme expresses the vibe and soul of the city while addressing the depth of loss felt by the residents both emotionally and physically. As the city struggles to rebuild, it’s left to the people to carry on, generate sparks of hope, and become the voice of the city as they endure hardships and struggle to rebuild. John Goodman spoke eloquently in Season One about the state of the city and the nation and if truly his character is gone from the show, he will be missed.  The writing and acting on the show is superb and the music is the virtual icing on the cake. To know New Orleans is to understand the music and Treme pulls it all together, stirring it up in a delicious gumbo served hot and spicy.  Seeing Kermit Ruffins on the show each week is pure eye and music candy and the cameo appearance of the delightful John Boutte’ invites us all into the Treme. It’s always a treat to hear them both while in New Orleans and an incredible pleasure to have their music on the show and available as a soundtrack.

Show creator David Simon is quoted as saying… “We are following the actual timeline of post-Katrina New Orleans as a means of understanding what happened – and what didn’t happen – when an American city suffered a near-death experience. In doing so, we’re trying to address ourselves to what the American experiment has become and what possibilities remain for us. We are an urban people now. How we live together – and of what we are capable or incapable of achieving as an urban people is going to define our future. New Orleans and its recent history speaks to that.”

Treme is accomplishing what others have tried to do and failed, which is to portray Louisiana and New Orleans with an authentic flair, in a veritable soul concoction of people, music, big hearts, art, and passion.  From the touching portrayal of Big Chief Lambreaux ‘s resurrection of the Big Chief’s parade (played by Clarke Peters) to the talented musicians and chefs struggling to keep the music and artistry alive, the show continues to inspire, educate and entertain.  Viva La Treme!

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More about Kala Ambrose: Kala Ambrose is an award winning author, intuitive and host of the Explore Your Spirit with Kala Show. Her thought-provoking interviews entice listeners to tune in around the globe! Described by her guests and listeners as discerning, empowering and inspiring, she speaks with world renowned authors, artists, teachers and researchers delving into metaphysical, holistic and paranormal topics. Kala lectures on Wisdom Teachings, Developing Business Intuition, Working with Auras, Chakras and Energy Fields, and Wise Woman Wisdom (also known as the Divine Feminine). Her new book, The Awakened Aura: Experiencing the Evolution of Your Energy Body will be available in November 2011 through Llewellyn Publishing.

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As an intuitive child born in Louisiana, I grew up exposed to a rich variety of cultures. My soul flourished along the running waters of the Mississippi Delta, the Red River and the Gulf Coast, where I spent my childhood with friends who were French, Irish, African, Italian, Scottish and German.

Louisiana is a land known for its food, where a thick roux base mixes with spices, vegetables, seafood, meat and everything else in the kitchen and is thrown into a gumbo pot to the culinary satisfaction of the most discerning soul. This unique, eclectic mixture spills over into the people and their history creating amongst other things, some of the most soulful music the world has ever seen. Home to the Blues and Jazz, which is so powerful that whenever I hear the music playing, I have to stop what I’m doing and dance to the rhythm reaching deep within my soul, connecting me to who I am and to the roots where I come from.

Growing up listening to the stirring sounds of the Blues taught me about hope and about change. The Blues explained that circumstances can wear you down and at times, life can feel so difficult that your only friends appear to be despair and loneliness. While this sounds very sad, the Blues are actually about inner strength, hope and the fact that no matter how challenging things are, nothing remains the same indefinitely, change will always occur. As the talented blues musician Sam Cooke sang… “I know Someday, Change is Gonna Come”.

During this time of my life, change came for me on a daily basis. As my psychic senses began to unfold, my education continued as I studied astrology, tarot and how to read tea leaves like my great-grandmother. My concept of the universe expanded as my experiences with the world and the spirit world grew each day. Through these mystical experiences, I endured great loss, reveled in great love and discovered what anchored me, including my connection with trees to ground my energy and keep me strong and the knowledge that the power of moving water can heal a soul like nothing else I’ve seen.

As I continued my studies, spending half my life in the library reading and the other steeped in the music and culture of this land, I observed how the adults around me viewed life and how some of it differed from the wisdom I had inside my soul. They spoke often about hope; hoping that something would change, hoping a change would come, or a hope for a new tomorrow. While hope is a positive emotion to have, at that tender age, I instinctively knew that hope is just a small step to lead you onto the path of your destiny. Hope for a change, implies that we are powerless to make the change; that instead we must wait for another to bring it forth.

Deep within my soul, I understood a powerful lesson… What we think, we believe and what we believe, we become. I also knew that change is not something that happens outwardly, it begins within, with what we believe is possible.

In this fertile land, surrounded by teachers on this earth plane and the other side, I began my earliest studies of the esoteric teachings and connected with the universal and internal soul wisdom. With the help of my guides, I remembered what I had learned many lifetimes ago, and understood how to access and activate these universal laws, and thus re-discovered that my life would never be the same.

As I have taught in previous lifetimes in the ancient temples of Egypt along the Nile, and connected with again in the rich Louisiana cultural gumbo mix of music, blues, soul food and healing waters, I share here one of the universal laws regarding the power of change, which I speak about in my book, 9 Life Altering Lessons: Secrets of the Mystery Schools Unveiled.

…When We Activate Our Consciousness,
We Become Magical Beings and Can Harness Energy

When we activate our consciousness, it is released outward in a blast of energy. The all seeing eye of the universe senses this energy and looks directly at us! We have broken through a seal and where we once received a daily trickle of water into our system, we are now connected to a mystical endless sea. As we transform and become conscious creators, we become further connected to this ocean of energy and…

In that Moment of Awareness, Everything Changes.

To further explain … Universal energy flows continuously like a waterfall upon the earth plane. As our energy through thoughts, words and actions is released, we interact with this waterfall. Unless we are fully awake, the thoughts and energy we send out only interact for a brief moment with the waterfall, causing an action and reaction and then it dissipates as our attention turns elsewhere. The only way for the energy to expand is to hold on to this thought, continuing to direction our attention to the waterfall, which causes greater action and reaction to happen regarding this particular thought. In our un-awakened state, our lower self sends this energy from our emotional and mental bodies, which drains our energy throughout the day. Basically we send out a lower level desire or impulse and it is reflected back to us and we move from one thought to the next.

However, when we become “Conscious Creators”, we send thoughts from our Higher Selves. We send deliberate, focused energy to this universal waterfall. We are saying, “Now, I See You and You See Me”! “I AM interacting with you and wish to magnify this energy with you to create an outcome”.

As the All Seeing Eye or Universal Energy becomes aware that you are “aware”, its energy quickens and vibrates more excitedly with your energy field and things begin to happen at a faster pace. It has no problem keeping up with you, as quickly as you are willing to progress. At this point, you will just be beginning to see what changes are truly possible in such a magical universe. Indeed as we have said before, the possibilities are endless! However, it must be said, one is better served to first master these  teachings and understand both the concepts and the pitfalls before attempting to work with them. Otherwise consequences can result which are unwanted and the student may not be prepared to handle the resulting outcome. Think of Universal Energy as having the same effect as electricity. Electricity has great power. At first, in its raw unleashed form, it is exhilarating to see, as in a lightening storm. Should this storm approach closer to you and your home, you soon realize that it also has the power to cause great destruction. On the flip side, electricity when properly understood and harnessed can be used in whatever form you wish, including lighting and heating your home, along with many other wonderful forms of focused energy.

Each esoteric teaching contains a series of deeper mysteries to unravel. The path of the esoteric student is to cultivate patience while remaining open to change, and questioning all experiences until discernment is found. Rather than discouraging you from this path, my hope is that it stimulates your mind and stirs your soul, bringing forth long forgotten memories of who you used to be and who you are meant to be again… You have only to ask these questions to the universe, to begin your journey today.

Let me share a teaching regarding conscious creation and the power to change I refer to as, “spinning plates”. Many students and some teachers believe that it takes an extraordinary amount of effort to access this energy. In the beginning, this is true for some people. However, one of the skills students develop over time is how to connect with this energy, creating the outcome (the change) they would like to achieve. Once this connection is established, you need only to check in every so often to make sure it is still vibrating as you desire, recharging it with energy on an occasional basis so that it continues to move. You can see this when you observe a performer twirl plates on sticks. He begins by twirling one plate and then is able to go to the next and the next, until many plates are spinning. He only needs to touch each one gently to keep the momentum going on them. When he tires of the performance and it has lost its appeal, he simply pulls his attention from the plates, and does not give them any further energy, allowing them to come to an ending.

Think about this concept. Where does your energy go and what do you pour your energy into on a daily basis? Are you satisfied with where your energy is going, what plates are spinning over your head right now? Recognize that with each thought, you are making changes, whether you desire to do so or not…

In my work, I meet with many people who tell me of their fear of change. When they tell me this, I know that they have lost their mojo. They are surprised when I remind them that with each thought, word, action and deed, we create a change within ourselves and with each person we interact with. I tell them, the only constant in life is change! Indeed, we are constantly in a flux and sea of change. The goal is to awaken to the fact that we have an active role in what changes come our way. We can awaken to be the Conscious Creators we were always meant to be and by doing so, co-create the changes we wish to see in our lives.

As my co-creation journey unfolds, I continue to tap into what I call my ‘sacred mojo’,
which is the soulful power of water, words and music, begining in my childhood in Louisiana.
As you consider connecting with your mojo to find the power of making changes in your life,
I leave you with this inspirational thought to ponder, from the song, ‘Cool Change’
by the synchronistically named ‘Little River Band’-

…Now that my life is so prearranged, I know that it’s time for a cool change.

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Midsummer (June 23) in New Orleans is celebrated in a festival also known as St. John’s Eve. During Midsummer, it is said that the Goddess manifests as Mother Earth and the God as the Sun King. In Celtic lore, it regarded as the best time to see fairies and in pagan times it was the feast of the Goddess Aine. In later days as Christianity took over the holidays from the pagans, they changed the festivals to feasts for Saints.

Currently in Catholic celebrations, June 23rd is known as St. John’s Eve, with St. John’s Day celebrated on the 24th, as the day of his birth, though it is not confirmed whether this is the actual day of his birth. It is interesting to note that the pagan story commemorated the balance and changing of rule between the Oak King and the Holly King and then in Christianity, it became representations of the birthday of St. John to represent Summer Solstice and the birthday for Christ as Winter Solstice.

This eve culminates the celebration of Summer Solstice. It begins at dusk on the 23rd and continues till sunrise on the 24th. This day is one of several days throughout the year where the veil is thin and communication with the spirit world is strong and easily accessed.

Though the heat of Summer is just beginning, this date actually begins the ‘metaphorical’ decline of the Sun as it embarks on its journey to the Underworld, which will culminate on December 21st, the darkest day of the year. (See my article – Celebrate the ancient lore and ritual of Summer Solstice).

Loaded with symbolism, St. John’s Eve was and is still celebrated throughout Europe, with bonfires, parties and celebrations. Perhaps there is no place on earth where St. John’s Eve is celebrated like it is in New Orleans. The French people brought Catholicism with them as they moved to Louisiana and in New Orleans it mixed in easily with traditional African magic, rituals and rites. This blending of the two cultures found common ground in lighting candles in prayer to ancestral sprits and asking saints to intervene when help was needed, as well as revering divine feminine figures in both religions.

Home to famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, St. John’s Eve has been celebrated in New Orleans for hundreds of years and Marie Laveau is undoubtedly the Queen of this celebration, having understood the esoteric rites to connect with spirit and the power of ritual to release the energy, moving all who participated. During these celebrations, bonfires are lit, drums beat and rituals, feasts and dancing are performed at Bayou St. John and other locations throughout the city.

This culmination of MidSummer celebration is a powerful time of transformation and purification through fire with bonfires and candles and by water, ritual baths and jumping into water are important rituals to remove stagnant and negative energy and create a new beginning.

While this ritual is dynamic, rejuvenating and renewing anywhere it is celebrated, it has been said that nowhere on earth is this magic stronger than in New Orleans, due to its unique location at the mouth of the Mississippi River, as the energy pours forth from the River into the Gulf — with New Orleans serving as the crescent bowl gathering and holding the energy. The ceremonies performed in connection with this powerful connection with water are similar to the ones performed in the times of ancient Egypt along the Nile.

Create a ritual of your own for this Eve. For a purification ritual that can be used during this time,
see my article: Celebrate the ancient lore and ritual of Summer Solstice.

If you have the opportunity to be in New Orleans on June 23rd, make plans to attend a traditional celebration. Dress in white, including a white head scarf and experience a purifying ritual head washing.

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Recently I returned back to my “roots”, to the great state of Louisiana and spent some time in my favorite place in the world, the French Quarter of New Orleans. One never runs out of things to do and experience in NOLA. Truly, it is captivating, a veritable feast for all five senses as well as the sixth sense.

The best way to describe how I feel in this city, would be to use the word, “charmed”. New Orleans is many things to many people, but for me, it’s charming and embodies a spirit, a joy for living (joie de vivre) that is expressed throughout the city.

The last time I had been able to visit the city was four months before Katrina hit and I had no idea how the vibe of the city would feel after having going through such a horrific experience. My heart was thrilled to see that the great lady was holding her own with a state of grace, while still undergoing major renovations on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual planes.

I traveled around parts of the city riding the street cars, taking in each neighborhood, enjoying the stunning architecture, the smell of jasmine in the air, and chuckling at the sight of mardi gras beads still hanging from the boughs of trees. As the street car delivered me near the French Market, the smell of beignets and coffee coming from Cafe du Monde lifted my spirit. Yes, I sighed with relief, New Orleans has been through the worst and still she stands, proud, strong and vibrant.

It is my sincere belief that New Orleans is ‘charmed’. Charmed by the artists and musicians who live there, their music and art spill into the streets touching the soul at the core with its beauty, charmed by the chefs who tantalize our tastebuds in sweet rhapsody with their culinary delights and charmed by the people who are kind, good natured and some of the most loving and joyful people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

The Journey Begins

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to take you on a journey as we explore the charm of New Orleans. For those of you who have never been to the city, I’m going to introduce you to the lady and beguile you into falling in love with her and for those of you have been to NOLA and haven’t been back in a while, I’m going to help you fall in love all over again.

The city has been in the news so often regarding the politics, disaster recovery efforts and non-efforts and now most recently, the oil spill. Each report is extremely important and must be addressed and is of great concern. My intent here is to share the beauty and magic of New Orleans, a city so special, so unique that truly it deserves to be respected as a rich cultural treasure.

A Charming Entrance

I love beginnings and the entrance to the Court of Two Sisters restaurant is the perfect place for our story to begin. The Court of Two Sisters is a restaurant in the French Quarter which offers the most delightful courtyard in which to enjoy a meal. In the courtyard, the trees have interlocked and connected creating a natural canopy over the courtyard, bringing the space alive with sunlight peeking through the leaves, highlighted by the presence of a bubbling fountain.

photo: Terry Thibeau

The daily jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters is the perfect respite from an evening spent on Bourbon Street and the accompaning strolling jazz trio lifts the heart. You being to wonder, ‘Is there any other way that one should ever dine’? The overall effect creates a feeling that one has just stepped into a painting. The scene is filled with old world charm, caught in a moment of boundless spring, highlighted by the tinkle of laughter coming from guests sitting at crisp white tablecoths enjoying private moments. Stepping into this courtyard, one walks back in time and the city around you no longer exists. This is the enchantment of the courtyards designed in New Orleans, where homes were built with the courtyard in the middle so that residents could enjoy a protected and peaceful atmosphere.

The name Court of Two Sisters originates from the previous owners, two creole sisters named Emma and Bertha Camors. Their shop was here on Royal Street and they made their living providing women in New Orleans the best gowns, gloves, perfumes and other fashions. The two sisters (born in 1858 and 1860) spent their entire lives together and according to the history reported by the restaurant, were buried side by side in 1944 at St. Louis Cemetery #3 in New Orleans.

While the charm of the two sisters and their courtyard are delightful on their own, there’s true magic to be found at this location. Located at the entrance of the restaurant on Royal Street, are ‘charm gates’, given to the two sisters by Queen Isabella of Spain. These gates were blessed with magic and are reported to be lucky if you touch them and of course dear reader, you know the first thing I had to do was place both hands firmly upon them to tap into the energy.

photo: charm gate plaque – Kala Ambrose

And so the journey begins dear reader. To begin, simply place your hand on the charm gate photo above and allow the charm to pass through to you.  The magic has just begun, today we dine at the Court of Two Sisters, enjoying brunch. Tune in tomorrow to see where we go next.

Kala’s tips on how best to enjoy The Court of Two Sisters

• Best enjoyed in spring, fall or winter, summer is too hot and muggy to enjoy sitting outdoors
• Try drinking a Sazerac here from the bar, one of the oldest cocktails in New Orleans
• It’s a buffet, and unless you’re from Louisiana, you may not recognize some of the dishes prepared. It’s ok, be adventurous, you might like something new and if you don’t, that’s ok too, there’s plenty to sample
• Save room for bananas foster, a must have!

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