Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i Chat It's Fate

If you can't get overseas this summer or feel nostalgic for sunny climes, recreate the magic with our holiday hotspots special ( p20 ). It's truly riveting! I'm off to Sicily, an island full of folklore, not least as the home of the Cyclops, a one-eyed monster. The Ancient Greek hero Odysseus stopped off on his way home from the Trojan War. He probably wished he hadn't as he met Cyclops who ate some of his men. In revenge, he blinded him… I won't be recreating that at home, though! Cat cuddle My partner Anthony took this photo of my cat Jojo and caught a spirit orb at the bottom of the seat. I like to believe this is one of my lovely pussies in spirit coming in for a…

Q & A My weight’s always a battle Dear Jenny For most of my adult life, I’ve struggled with my size – I’ve tried different ways to change it. I’m active and don’t have ill effects from my weight, but I won’t always be so lucky. Victoria, 35, Oldham Dear Victoria In your last life in Ireland in the 1600s, you were one of twin boys. But you were orphaned at age 12, and both succumbed to starvation – your brother went first. You’ve been left trying desperately, even in this life, to feed two people, literally, which is why you feel hungry even when you’ve had enough food. There’s only one to feed, as the soul that was your twin is happy and doesn’t need your help. Knowing this,…

Q & A She’s phobic about the dentist Dear Jayda My mum is terrified of the dentist. How can I get her there? Jocelyn, 22, Polegate Dear Jocelyn One in four people are afraid of dentists – ask around to find a sympathetic one. Visit a surgery together just to look around and tell them she’s anxious. They won’t mind if you go with her to her appointments. Your mum should take the homeopathic remedy Aconite to calm her – five tablets the night before, in the morning and 45 minutes before going. Help me survive long-haul Dear Jayda How can I get some shut-eye on a plane? I'm flying to see my daughter in Australia soon and I don't want to arrive worn out. Sandra, 62, Blackpool Dear Sandra…

Crystal fact Andesine This charming gemstone caused quite a ripple when it came onto the market in the early 2000s. Its origin is shrouded in mystery, though the Congo, South India, and China were cited! Credible claims now point to Mongolia. Andesine comes in crimson, pink and orange, but vivid red is the most sort after by jewellers. It gets its name from South America’s Andes where it was originally discovered in the 1840s. Carry a piece with you to banish fear and to help open new doors. Andesine is now mainly mined in China. Ghostly Inspirations Jane Austen This is the perfect home for the woman who brought us Pride And Prejudice, one of English literature's greatest love stories. Her house, now a museum in Chawton, Hants, welcomes us…

Signs across the divide A smile from above My son Daniel had a way of making me smile. He'd been born with a rare condition - pseudo-risomy 13. It caused body abnormalities. Being disabled didn’t stop his smile lighting up the room, though! But in December 2007, Daniel, 10, fell ill and sadly died. ‘Who’ll make us smile now?’ his younger brother Aaron, 9, sobbed. Slowly, life went on. But we missed Daniel terribly. Then, in April 2009 – a week before Daniel’s birthday – Aaron gasped in the back of the car. ‘Look!’ he shouted, pointing up to the sky to a face in the clouds. It was Daniel! In shock, I had to pull over. Aaron and I sat watching, mouths open as Daniel’s face went over our…

Your relationship Angry Mars leaves your Relationship Sector on the 2nd, and you’ll bloom! Take the initiative if you want more sex. A relationship that lacks passion is less likely to survive than one where sex fulfils both of you regularly. The weekend of the 27th/28th is perfect for indulging in a surprise flirtation. New love Venus is in your Romance Sector from the 5th-30th and promises lots of new lovers. Make the most of lucky love stars this month. Weed out anyone with money problems or people you know as friends. The person who seems most normal is the one for you. The 22nd, 27th and 29th are gorgeous dates for love and romance. Career and money August is pivotal with regard to your future. Work and money matters…

Your relationship It’s time you really started talking, so line up some quality time to get to know each other all over again. Reminiscing about the past creates an atmosphere of intimacy and, if you’re true to your sign, love must be shared first before you can relax in the bedroom. When you’re happy in one another’s company, you can deal with the bigger issues. New love Take a step back this month if lurve isn’t going as well as you hoped. Forget thinking about a relationship and concentrate on making new friends. Passion will blossom from an everyday encounter rather than a full-on romantic date. The 10th and 18th look promising for new connections. Career and money If you’re self-employed or have a part-time job, you can win big.…

Your relationship You’re happiest in a relationship where you and your other half are best friends. Make the most of lively stars at the start of August and socialise together. After the 5th, you may have to deal with matters on your own, as you don’t feel confident sharing everything. New love There’s a lot whirring away on the inside, whether you’re changing views on love or you’re immersed in personal growth. Complete any healing process before pursuing new love. The Eclipse on the 18th falls in your Romance Sector, and this could be a reminder that love won’t always equal happiness. Put your needs first once Venus returns to Libra on the 30th. Career and money Once ambitious Mars leaves your Money Sector on the 2nd, your drive diminishes.…

Your relationship Turn your attention away from what’s going on between you and look at the world. This’ll deter you from the intensity of navel-gazing. You might also find that a relationship issue resolves once you pursue goals together. Be adventurous in your mutual pursuits. The last week of August is ideal for a romantic break. New love The planet of sexuality Mars is hidden away in your chart, which lends a private theme. This is lively symbolism for an affair, and forbidden love is a aphrodisiac. If you know that your own needs are changing, take your time exploring options and don’t feel pressurised into opening up. Love with a foreigner blossoms on the 27th. Career and money You may be more than happy to leave your financial situation…

His eyes were dangling out of their sockets It’s always there. The danger. When my kids are having tea, playing with their Lego, colouring in or watching the telly. Just as they were that Saturday night. We’d settled down for The X Factor and cheered as the judges swept onto the stage and waved to the camera. Suddenly, in the flickering light of the TV screen, a black mist fell. Dark, heavy and 6ft tall in the middle of the room. Suspended mid-air. ‘Oh my God!’ I cried. The foggy, black brume slowly started to move. Towards my son Bradley, 8, who’d dozed off on the sofa. Was the entity about to attack my lad? Spirit Heart racing, I leapt out of my armchair, flicked on the light and the…

In August 2013, I bought a piebald Irish Cob cross, Kia, 4. She had a lovely temperament. I let my son, Henry, 4, stroke her. A perfect family horse for Henry to ride, one day. Only, once she was settled in at a livery yard in Mobberley, Cheshire, I grew worried. Kia was easily spooked Nervous trying jumps or on fake hunts with no fox. Plus her hormones ran wild. Males get castrated, but mares aren’t spayed as it’s a complex operation. Females flirt by lifting their tails near prospective mates. She’d had to be removed from the field several times for causing a scene! Then, last April, Kia lost 15 per cent of her body weight, refusing to eat. The vet came to take blood tests and examine her.…

Want to attract health, wealth or a little more luck into your life? Then get yourself a talisman – a magically-charged object that stores and radiates energy to protect you and attract great things… Got it nailed The Christians used talismans, with miracles attributed to bones, nails or clothes belonging to saints. Pilgrimages were often made to churches containing the body of a saint. The most sought-after talisman was a piece of the true cross on which Christ was crucified. Pulling shapes Certain shapes have protective powers, such as the pentagram, said to ward off evil. In Nordic countries, it’s etched onto barn doors and storehouses. The six-pointed star (or shield) of David is an ancient protective symbol found on Icelandic police badges and US sheriffs. Sacred sac In medieval…

Unique job Bring sun-damaged tresses back to life by smoothing Palmer’s Manuka Formula Leave-In Conditioning Cream, £6.49, feelunique.com over the lengths and ends. It’ll smooth out frizz and add some shine. Soft treatment Tease out those tangles after a day at the beach with the Wet Brush Detangling Brush, £11.99, Boots. Soft plastic bristles mean it glides through hair with no snagging or pulling. One-hit wonder Designed for women who want an effective anti-ageing treatment, Olay Total Effects Feather Weight Moisturiser, £14.99, tackles seven skin problems. Use once a day to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, refine pores and smooth your skin. Colour pop Add a pop of colour to your look with Bagsy Wow Lips Full Colour Chubby Stick in Cocktail Hour, £12, feelunique. com…

Tuning into spirits became second nature ‘Come on, you need to go to bed,’ the babysitter said for the umpteenth time. I wasn’t having it. ‘I don’t want to,’ I huffed. Normally good as gold, I’d have done as I was told. But that night, in August 1983, when I was 9, I was feeling uneasy, odd. Something was telling me not to go to bed. Sheer terror As I stood there, refusing to budge, the unsettled feeling deep in my stomach only got stronger and stronger. Then I heard the sound of water from upstairs, as if someone was in the shower. But my dad, Peter, was away on business, and my mum, Olive, was out. The only other person in the house was my brother David, who was…

Thanks, but no thanks When I was in my early 20s, I went travelling. In Bali, I stayed in a backpackers hostel. One night, a guy staying at the hostel asked me out for a drink. He was good-looking, friendly, but the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My intuition told me to not to go with him… Back in the UK, I read a newspaper report about a man who’d been taken to court for sexually assaulting women backpackers in Bali. I gasped when I recognised the culprit in the photo – the same man who’d asked me out for a drink. ‘Oh, my God, that was a close shave!’ I exclaimed. If I hadn’t listened to my inner voice, I could have been a…

Easy guide Have you ever wished that you could attain your heart’s desire with a touch of magic? Well, now you can – with our class on how to request a magical boon. Take this class to: • Learn about the fair exchange of magical energies • Discover how to make appropriate offerings and libations • Manifest your desire with a simple request Boon or bust? Requesting a magical boon is lik e asking for a very special act of kindness from the nature spirits. It is not a command. When requesting a favour, you’re asking for assistance and intervention from elemental beings, so you must do so with respect. Demands made in ignorance will remain ineffective and your magical boon won’t work… Fair exchange Effective magic begins with a…

I don’t understand wicked people Dear Lorelei Why is there evil in the world? Can you bring hope from God by finding the answer in my aura? Cassie, 39, Sidmouth, Devon Dear Cassie God loves you, your beautiful aura shows that. Whether or not you love Him back is down to your free will. He’s given us the gift of choice, but as the human race has autonomy, we can use that gift very unwisely. Sadly, that’s where evil comes from. Your fave colours interpreted Dear Lorelei Do you think I'll live in my house for the rest of my life? My favourite colours are lilac, green and red. Carmen, 71, Perth, WA Dear Carmen Lilac shows a strong feeling of nostalgia for better times, the green shows concern about…

Celebrate your difference I heard a lovely story that I'd like to share with you, especially if you feel that you aren't good enough or there's pressure on you to be perfect. An old woman walked to a river every day to collect water – with one new bucket, and another with cracks. But she’d lost a third of the water from the faulty bucket. Her grandson offered to make her a new one but she said no. ‘Look,’ she said. ‘The leaked water has wet the pathway. The flowers you see wouldn’t be there if that bucket had been perfect.’ So don’t worry about attaining perfection. Celebrate your differences, your blemishes and cracks. They make you unique and beautiful, after all. Michelle Cherub’s corner My daughter Hannah, 4, didn't…

Time travel French connection When my beloved dad, George Elgar, died of a brain haemorrhage after a fall while on holiday in Spain, I didn't have a clue how I'd be able to carry on. In January 2014, on the first anniversary of his death, I was desperate for hope, comfort. I booked a future-life progression session with Anne Jirsch. Anne took me forward. I saw myself working at a healing sanctuary in France, helping terminally ill people with holistic therapies. Knowing my life would be dedicated to helping others gave me so much comfort. ‘That’s wonderful,’ I said happily. Then, in March last year, my friend Lee Ryder was diagnosed with cancer of the liver and stomach. A holistic therapist and healer, I was keen to support Lee. I’d…

Your relationship Make a bold move in your relationship and look for something exciting you can do together. Plan a holiday off the beaten track, push the boundaries in your sex life or participate in an unusual hobby. Success will be yours! Striving for something more will reveal differences, but it’s also a chance to leap out of a relationship rut. New love As the temperature increases, so does your libido. The Sun shines bright in your Romance Sector until the 22nd. You’re feeling great, so take the lead. Nothing risked, nothing gained! Look out for a new lover on the 1st or 2nd. On the 16th, make your intentions known. Career and money Get on the right side of people at work. It helps if you have trustworthy folk…

Your relationship This is an exciting month for you both. Venus lights up your sign from the 5th-30th, and it’s your turn to have a heady rush of love. The 27th is one of the best dates for mutual adoration. If your relationship doesn’t make you happy, do something about it. Use your feet to get out if you have to. The ball’s in your court, and big-hearted Jupiter is encouraging you to take charge. New love Romance planet Venus is coming to your sign of Virgo, which signals a good time for enjoying new love. Venus rules beauty, so treat yourself to a new look! Don’t play the shy wallflower – instead, flaunt what you’ve got and let your radiance shine. Work your magic on the 18th, 27th and…

Your relationship You regularly experience the whole gamut of emotions, so don’t let your mind run away with you. This could find you wallowing in more unsavoury feelings, such as jealousy. If your other half is developing new friendships, this is when those trickier mood swings could be triggered. New love It’s not easy to read other people well when Neptune, the elusive planet, is up to its tricks in your Romance Sector. Trying to interpret what’s going on between the lines can be testing. Focus on friendship for now rather than rushing into lurve. Neptune rules seduction. Saturday 27th reveals the lover who’s genuine. Career and money Use your connections as good fortune comes via a third party. The Sun illuminates your Career Sector until the 22nd – this…

Your relationship This could turn out to be an extraordinary month love wise. The New Moon in your Relationship Sector on the 2nd brings an announcement. If your partner suggests something unconventional, you’ll be in two minds. The Lunar Eclipse on the 18th will prove decisive and bring a conclusion. New love Venus delivers the goods on the 1st, and you know someone’s the real deal when you click. Romance can develop quickly, especially if you meet someone who’s willing to lead your relationship. Look for a Leo who is happy to envelope you in their generosity. A dramatic lover equals dramatic life events, and an Eclipse in Aquarius on the 18th signifies a memorable time. Career and money Ambitious Mars leaves your Career Sector on the 2nd, which is…

Romanian folklore abounds with witches! One of the most popular is about a young woman sitting by a river at midnight, waiting for the Devil. When he emerged from the water, she said she wanted to be a witch. He granted her wish on the condition that she danced with him every Full Moon. This explains why witches were often pictured cavorting with demons. Every witch is thought to have a Black Book of spells. When she dies, it’s passed on to her apprentice! Your August ritual Boost your natural allure! On the night of the Full Moon, stand outside with your arms crossed over your chest. Close your eyes and imagine you’re in white light. As it hits the top your head, feel a surge of energy. Say: ‘Mother…

I’m a bit thwarted! Dear Yasmin Can you guide me on a possible new business venture? I’m struggling to trust the Universe, as I don’t know where to put my efforts. I’m a full-time new mum with no childcare. Kitty, 37, Leicester Dear Kitty Lucky planet Jupiter is boosting you professionally for the first time in 12 years. So I can imagine it’s frustrating. But don’t give up! You were born with Saturn in your 10th House so you’re a hard worker – make a business plan and stick to it. You never know what you can achieve until you try. You got the card Energy Healing, which suggests that if you do go for it, you need to invest some of your earnings into looking after yourself so you…

Many talismans are made up of letters or numbers believed to give off excellent vibrations, and powerful magical aids, especially when they read the same in all directions, or add up to a lucky number, such as 15 or 18. Summing up Create a sum of your date of birth until you get a single digit, then see what the related stone refers to. Unless you get 11 or 22, then stop – these are master numbers. So, 1 May 1946: 1 + 5 + 1946 = 1952. Then: 1 + 9 + 5 + 2 = 17. Finally, 1 + 7 = 8. 1 Red: passion, enthusiasm and energy. Stones: ruby, garnet and red jasper. 2 Orange: close relationships and personal satisfaction. Stones: citrine, carnelian and orange sapphire. 3…

• Paloma’s time on The Voice might not have done her any favours with the public. • Will Cheryl fall pregnant with Liam’s baby? • The news of a grandchild delights Wossy! • Rioters create mayhem outside Downing Street. • A doping scandal surrounds one of the UK’s top athletes. • Tragedy hits London on the 18th. • Jamie Oliver’s future might be in doubt. • A body is found in a Manchester well shaft, providing clues to a decades-old murder. • Team GB looks set to come home with over 30 medals from the Rio Olympics. Pasha sums love up for maths genius Rachel Riley with an engagement ring! • For Lotto luck, try 2, 3, 15, 19, 22 and 48. For Euro Millions, go for 9, 13, 18,…

This month, we’re at sea as we look at the curious case of Violet Jessop, perhaps the luckiest – or unluckiest – woman to have sailed the Seven Seas. Violet Constance Jessop was born in Argentina in the late 1800s, then emigrated to Dublin where she found work as an ocean liner nurse and stewardess. Nothing unusual about that, I hear you grumble… but read on! Misfortune? On 14 June 1911, Violet stepped aboard the ship RMS Olympic where she worked as a stewardess. The Olympic was a huge ship, being almost 100ft longer than any other ocean liner at the time, and was considered the height of luxury. Later that year, the Olympic was involved in an accident when she struck the cruiser HMS Hawke. This collision caused quite…

A nudge When I was 29, I moved with Pedro and the kids to the UK. Then, one night, I was going to bed when I sensed the spirit of Grandma Gertrude. We’d always been close, but she’d passed away when I was 20. I watched, spellbound, as my dressing gown was lifted from its hook on the door, then landed on the bedroom floor. I knew my mischievous grandma had dropped my gown and I also knew why… Guidance Grandma was telling me I had a special gift, and it was time to use it. ‘OK, OK, I’ve got the message loud and clear,’ I laughed, popping my dressing gown back on the hook. So, the very next day, I opened an account on eBay and started offering psychic…

Fabled realms You've figured out your rising sign, your Moon sign and who you're most compatible with. But do you know what mythical creature your star sign represents? According to wnq-astrology.com, along with its symbol, every sign signifies a fabled creature. They seem to make sense – egotistic Leos are nephilim (giant angels), stinging Scorpios are vampires, and fishy Pisces are mermaids. Crabby Cancer also stays by the sea – she’s a siren. And bossy Aries are werewolves, charming Librans are beautiful sylphs and rooted Taureans are dryads (tree spirits). Gemini and Virgo, who share the quicksilver planet Mercury, are flighty fairies and sprightly elves, respectively. The Sagittarian archer is a centaur (half man, half horse) and the Capricorn goat is already halfway there – he’s a satyr (half man,…

I’ve always loved singing. When I was 9, I used to walk home from school in Camberley and belt out Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights . I couldn’t help smiling as I reeled off the lung-buster… Heathcliff, it’s me, your Cathy. I’ve come home. And as the words left my lips, I’d see sparkles of light around me. Even then, I knew the light belonged to an angel. I’ve been psychic since I was small and heard spirit voices for as long as I can remember. Growing up As time passed, being a teenager took over. I grew out of carefree singing, ignored my psychic gifts. Then, when I was 24, I met Gary and we married three years later. My life was soon busy with my children…

Beautiful Bahamas Are you holidaying in the Bahamas? Then keep your eyes peeled - you might catch sight of some mysterious creatures called chickcharnies. Elfish and bird-like, they have piercing red eyes and can be seen hanging upside down from the branches of pine trees. These peaceful, mythical beings bring good fortune, so it’s lucky to see one. But if you aren’t heading for sunnier climes, you can still tap into their power in your own back garden. They love flowers and bold colours, so fill your garden with pots of flowers and wear bright floral clothes to attract their energy. Ask them for a lucky omen and look out for some coloured feathers – they’re a sign that you’re blessed with good luck for the rest of the year!…

‘Sometimes I’d be sat watching TV and spot a cobweb’ ‘Ooh, that’s Mrs Ware’s cottage,’ gasped my mum, Chris. I’d just told her about a house I was going to look at, and it turned out that she knew it well. ‘Me and your Aunty Hilly used to play at the back of the house as kids,’ Mum continued. The cottage was in the village of Micheldever, Hampshire, where my mum had lived when she was young. It was a total coincidence that I was now being offered a council house which had belonged to someone she knew. ‘She was a funny old stick,’ said Mum fondly. ‘Always cleaning. Quite obsessive, she was. She was like Hilda Ogden from Coronation Street !’ ‘Nothing like me, then!’ I said. Although I…

You’ll know the beauty of the underwater world if you’ve ever been diving. Fish in your dreams bring messages from your subconscious that need to be deciphered to give you some much-needed emotional insight. They usually carry positive Space dictates that we can’t go into the meaning of every fish, but flying fish are a symbol of liberation from a situation that was holding you down. Gone fishing? You need answers fast. A big fish is a sign of good luck. Catching a fish means you know what your subconscious is telling you. Killing one shows you’re about to defeat an enemy. Some women dream about swimming fish when they get pregnant. So next time a mate starts chatting about a fishy theme… Beware feelings of anger, aggression and hostility…

Joanna’s monthly blog Saturn in Sagittarius After five months of a go-slow journey, Saturn switches direction in visionary Sagittarius on the 13th. This takes the brakes off a stuck situation. Take on board the value of the lessons you were sent – newfound wisdom will mark this positive turning point. Mercury/ Venus in Jupiter Mercury joins up with Jupiter in Virgo on the 22nd, followed by Venus on the 27th. This signals a run of good luck! Generosity of any kind makes a real difference, whether you’re on the giving or receiving end. Baby-bump news If you’re expecting in August, here are some auspicious names for your new arrival: Grace for a girl, James for a boy. Bridal accessories If you’re an August bride, your union will be the picture…

Your relationship Mars enters your Relationship Sector on the 2nd in a fiery combination. It’s passionate but also tempestuous. Any issues between you and your partner are raised to red alert. The 13th and 24th are the best dates to thrash it out. Best-case scenario with Mars in dominant form? Sex is rebooted! New love You’re in pole position to enjoy a few weeks of summer fun – your Social Sector is buzzing! Someone who reminds you of a person close to home will leave a lasting impression. With Mars in rampant form, you’d be wise to avoid any person with anger issues and steer clear of a married lover. Keep love sweet. Career and money Prosperity is linked to your Home and Family Sector. Consider how you can make…

Your relationship It’s vital to feel in control in your relationship. The Sun in Leo until the 22nd gives you confidence and you’re happiest when you get your own way. Issues concerning sex or kids dominate the month and you can’t halt a chain of events that take your relationship down a new path. The Lunar Eclipse on the 18th is a potential game-changer. New love Macho Mars returns to your Romance Sector on the 2nd. This signals the return of an ex-lover, but if there were problems in the past, it’ll happen again. This is a powerful month for new love if you give as good as you get. Mars rules libido, so your sex drive will be high. The person who’s with you on the 1st or 16th…

Your relationship This is a month when you’re on the same wavelength so if you want to discuss plans for the future, jump in! Encourage each other to follow your dreams and you’ll soon be revelling in the strength and closeness of your relationship. Monday 22nd promises a special connection, and it’s the perfect date to seal an intimate deal. New love Lusty Mars is in Sagittarius from the 2nd, and if you know what you want in love, go and get it. Your libido’s high and you’re on fire, but events around the 24th-27th may knock your confidence. There might be someone in your family holding you back from chasing after the passion you desire. You’ll be surprised when a light-hearted holiday romance turns into more. Career and money…

Your relationship Your Relationship Sector is buzzing with activity, which suggests that August will be interesting. Lucky Jupiter works its magic on the 22nd and 27th, two of the best dates this year for happiness. If a relationship is progressing too quickly or heading in the wrong direction, you may experience doubts. Decide whether you’re in or out before month’s end. New love If you attract lovers who need saving or looking after, choose someone different. Abundant Jupiter is flying high in your Relationship Sector and you deserve a partner who knows how to look after you. Someone who’s generous would be an added bonus. You’re being drawn towards a person who can teach you about life, someone wise. Career and money Mars enters your Career Sector on the 2nd…

She’s wearing Mum's ring Dear Miss Crimebuster Some years ago, I bought my mother a gold Claddagh ring. But, when Mum died recently, I noticed my sister wearing a similar design. I asked if it was Mum’s – and, if so, could please I have it back as a keepsake? She said it wasn’t, and that Mum had lost hers. If she isn’t telling the truth, I fear our special relationship may go down the plughole. Is she lying? Siobhan, 21, Surrey Dear Siobhan Your mum, who went suddenly to spirit, wants you to forgive your sister. She’s grieving, too, and will have a change of heart about the ring in time. You must patch things up, stay strong and support each other through these sad times. A grandchild may…

Ma'at is the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of truth, balance, harmony and law. Sporting a plume on her head, she weighed up souls using a feather as the measure. Woe betide if you were found wanting, as Paradise wouldn't be yours! Angels wear feathers, too. Put a feather in your hat, and use the Dreamcatcher to lighten your mood and help you through hard times! How to use the Feather Dreamcatcher Cut it out and stick it on a notebook. List the lightness you’d like in your life, for instance, humour or feeling less angst. Make the connection Meditate on where you’ve been taking life seriously. Imagine handling the situation with a less heavy-handed energy. Let the feather stroke away the issue and be full of joy!…

Yuppy flu – that’s what they called it back in the 1980s. But, actually, what I had was much more serious. Aged 25, I had a high-pressure job as a sales executive in publishing. Work was stressful enough, but then I bought a house with my partner. We split, then came the property crash, which sent me into huge financial difficulty. It was all too much… In the tub Constantly exhausted, I ached all over. Doctors diagnosed me with myalgic encephalopathy, chronic fatigue syndrome and acute anxiety disorder. I was signed off work. Some days I couldn’t even get out of bed. My life felt like it was over. Then, one day when I was in the bath, I decided to try a technique called toning that I’d learnt in…