Innholdsfortegnelse for Apr-2018 i Chat It's Fate

I love this time of year – not least because it’s my birthday on 20 April! I’m born right on the cusp of Aries and Taurus, which is apparently known as the ‘Cusp of Power’ – well, I promise to use my powers for good! For fascinating astrological insights, check out Lucy Lam’s horoscopes for the month from p37. I’ll be getting out into my garden this month, maybe even planting out a few seedlings if the soil feels warm enough – and with spring in the air, it feels like the perfect time to sow the seeds of change! Why not be inspired by our psychic class on p12, which shows you how to channel the future to improve the present? Or how about turning your spiritual hobby into…

Celebrity Past Life Former X Factor winner James Arthur suffers from depression. He was an Indian woman in Mediaeval times and was treated with disdain – stand up for yourself now, James! Meditation mandalas Do you have trouble ‘switching off’ in order to meditate? Jenny digitally paints channelled meditation mandalas specifically for you. You just stare into the image and take flight into a spiritual connection with your guides. Visit her website for more info. THE WAR CONNECTION Ever wondered why so many past lives seem to be connected to the Second World War? One reason is because many of those born in the 1950s, who became the 60s ‘peace’ generation, were souls who’d died in the war. Sickened by what they’d witnessed, they were determined to be the ones…

You’ve heard of past life regression – well, Future Life Progression (FLP) gives you a glimpse of the future so you can make the right choices to achieve your heart’s desires. Now that spring has begun, there’s no better time to look ahead and shape the rest of 2018 in the way you want it to be… What's FLP all about? FLP is similar to past life regression, except it takes you forward instead of backwards. It is a form of hypnosis, aided by visualisation techniques, that enables you to see and experience events or feelings that haven’t actually happened yet. In other words, you look into your own future. It works by connecting you with your Higher Self – the part of you that exists outside of space and…

Dear Cara I seem fine on the surface but I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety. I suffer from feelings of self-doubt, lack of self-worth, and sometimes just getting the bus to work makes me feel extremely panicky. It’s having a negative impact on my work and social life, as I don’t believe in myself – and sometimes I don’t want to leave the house. Can you help at all? Linda, 42, Reading Dear Linda We all have a certain level of stress which is normal and enables us to function on a daily basis, but if the anxiety has come on quite recently, is it because your life has changed in some way? Take a good look at your life: can you make it simpler? For example, if your job is…

My godmother, Aunty Hild, was a wonderful, warm-hearted lady. She’d do anything for anyone, and give you her last pound if she thought you needed it. The night she died, I dreamed that I was at a 1940s dance with Hild. Suddenly, a young man ran inside, grabbed her hand and said, ‘Come on, it’s time to go!’ I ran after them and watched as she climbed into a car and was whisked away, the sound of her laughter echoing in the summer air. I firmly believe I was seeing her husband, Reuben, come to fetch her. It’s certainly helped to confirm my belief in an afterlife. I’d love to hear your stories, too! HOW DIVINE! Angel Chatter by Christine Alexandria £12.99 Helios Press Whatever your faith or tradition, angels…

This month Think of a question and – before you read the text below - choose one card out of the two for your answer. Don’t cheat and read the answers first! I’ve used Lucy Cavendish’s Faery Forest deck this month. Card 1: Your card is Astrild. The answer is a yes! The message is that the situation you’re asking about is pulsing with life and passion and potential. Go for it! Card 2: Your card is Ragnarok. The answer is probably not. The message is: ‘Cease exhausting yourself by clinging on to that which is already over!’ A CARD FOR EACH ELEMENT Every month, I draw a card for all of the four astrological elements. Think of it as heavenly advice! FIRE (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius). Your card is the…

Everyone knows mines are dangerous places. In 2010, in what’s now known as the ‘Chilean mining accident’, 33 men were trapped for 69 days 700 metres underground in a copper-gold mine in Copiapo, North Chile. But they got out – thousands of other miners have not been so lucky. As a result, mines are amongst the most haunted places in the world. Talk about tunnels of terror… Evil intent It's always dark underground. Maybe that's why mines teem with monsters. One of the scariest is the 'kobold' of Germanic legend. Kobolds were said to be hunched, deformed and ugly from living beneath the earth. In medieval Germany, people who lived in mining communities prayed for protection from evil kobolds, who were blamed for maliciously causing mining accidents. Bad boss One…

Aries SIGN OF THE MONTH The Arien nature You’re all about the thrill of the new. You’re a leader who can start new projects and inspire others. But you’re never jaded – you’re an eternal child, so full of wonder at what life has to offer. Every experience feels fresh. Some might find you brash – but most appreciate your sheer dynamism! Love life Loving, passionate, with a high sex drive, you’re uncomplicated, but no pushover and never dull. Some partners may find you too direct in the sack and rather ‘wham, bam, thank you ma’am’ – but if they do, they’re not right for you! You don’t like to feel tied down, but with a suitably enthralling partner, fidelity is possible. You're not keen on playing second fiddle so…

MORE-ISH MASK It’s worth getting muddy with this moisturising mask from beauty brand 7th Heaven. Cocoa butter and beans blend with shea butter to leave skin smooth, silky-soft and smelling lush. £1 from Boots.com SCREEN QUEEN Make like a movie star with these fun mini-sized lip balms and lip glosses, which replicate some of the world’s fave chocolates. The perfect way to celebrate Easter! £8.50 from Boots.com SUGAR LIPS For lips he’ll want to lick, apply Mary Kay’s Gel Semi-Matt lipstick in Rich Truffle. The lightweight gel formula cushions lips so they feel soft and supple. Mwah! £14 from marykay.co.uk JUST DESSERTS Chocolate Nourishing Body Soufflé treats your skin, leaving a long-lasting, delicious aroma – and it’s organic for extra virtue points! £7.99 from…

Mum smiled, holding out a strangely long and lumpy-looking parcel. 'Happy birthday, darling,' she said. I tore the wrapping off eagerly. Inside was a broomstick! ‘Thanks, Mum,’ I gasped in delight. ‘It’s exactly what I wanted.’ It was my 12th birthday – and no, I wasn’t the world’s biggest Worst Witch fan! I was a trainee witch. The journey begins My magical journey started when I was just seven years old. One night, I woke up to find a strange child sitting on my bed with one of my soft toys on her lap. ‘Are y-you a ghost?’ I stammered. She smiled at me and vanished. I was terrified – but curious, too. It was the start of a lifelong fascination with other worlds and all things mystical. As I…

SIGNS ACROSS THE Divide Strange times I read the article on time slips in February’s Chat it’s fate with great interest, because something similar happened to me. During the summer of 1979, aged 19, I spent a few days working in Grasmere in the Lake District. I spent lunch times exploring the village. One day, whilst walking along the road towards Rydal, I entered what I thought was a knitware shop. Old building The building was long and low with a heavy, gloomy atmosphere. It was bright and sunny outside, so it took my eyes a while to adjust to the dark. As my eyes acclimatised, I realised I must have entered a woollen mill, as there were a lot of big old-fashioned weaving looms clattering away, making lovely woollen…

My spiritual journey has taken me somewhere totally unexpected at our local church. In the tradition of centuries gone by, I am now a fully trained campanologist – or to use the simpler term, I’m a church bell ringer! I participate in white wedding ceremonies, which gives me the opportunity to encounter new friends and people from all walks of life. On one particular occasion, the happy couple even had their very own ‘Wings of Love’ ring-bearer – a female snowy barn owl called Molly. Very Harry Potter! Our unpredictable everyday life has elements of the magical in it – if you just look beyond! Barbara Coleman, Coventry Face forward I took this photo of a tree which was planted in memory of my granny and grandad, near Glencoe, Argyllshire…

TIRED AND FRIENDLESS Dear Jenny I can’t make female friends. When I was slim, women lost me jobs. I’ve changed career but it’s tiring and badly paid. Elvira, 49, Weybridge, Surrey Object of fear Paris, 1905. You’re an exotic dancer. Women fear and hate you because their husbands love you – but they’d defend you if they knew the real you. You were regularly beaten by your alcoholic ex-husband, who flaunted his mistress in public. Your darling son, Norman, was killed by his promiscuous father’s syphilis. Divorced now, you do what you can to support yourself and your daughter Jeanne. So you dance – even though you’re branded a harlot by other women. Weight gain You’ve grown too heavy to earn much now, and your lover has been blinded. Some…

Lowering myself down onto the sofa, I groaned in agony. ‘Are you OK, Mum?’ my daughter Natalie, 34, asked me in alarm. ‘Help me up to bed, will you?’ I asked her. ‘It’s no good, I’ve got to lie down.’ I’ve suffered badly with spondylolysis, a degeneration of the spine, for 25 years. When I have an attack, it causes my back muscles to tense up and tighten. Then the muscles go into spasm, which triggers severe pain. Dreadful pain ‘It’s getting worse,’ I groaned to Natalie as she tucked me up under my duvet. I used to be able to manage the pain – just about. But now, if I had an attack, I had to take a strong sedative and lie in bed and wait for it to…

Pushing open the front door, I kicked off my shoes and went into the kitchen to put the kettle on. I’d had a busy day at work. I was absolutely exhausted. All I really wanted to do was put my feet up. No chance. I went into the living room. My mum, Vivian, 83, was watching television. ‘Hello, Mum,’ I said brightly. ‘I’m back! Would you like a cup of tea?’ Mum turned to me, her face confused and angry. ‘Tea, why would I want a cup of tea?’ she snapped. Erratic behaviour I took a deep breath. Mum regularly flew off the handle for no reason at all – but it wasn’t her fault. She had Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia. People with this condition are either sweet or…

A spirit voice whispered in my ear Leaning against a pillar in the In Flanders Fields Museum, in Ypres, Belgium, I closed my eyes. The buzz and chatter of the crowds around me faded away. Suddenly, I caught a whiff of gas and decay. Yuck! But I could smell something else, too. Roses. Puzzled, I opened my eyes. There was nobody around me – but my left hand had started buzzing. It always does this when spirit is present. I felt a hand touch my coat, and a voice whispered in my ear. ‘Elisabeth,’ it said. Then, ‘Gas.’ Ghostly woman The figure of a nun was standing next to me. I could clearly see her black habit and white wimple. I wasn’t scared. I’ve been psychic all my life, have…

I dreamt of a park with a swollen river flowing through it It was October 2008. I was drinking coffee in my kitchen one morning when my phone rang. My friend, the journalist Jules McCarthy, was on the line. ‘Angela, how you are fixed this week?’ she asked. ‘I need you to come to Shrewsbury with me!’ Jules explained that she was reporting on the case of a missing woman called Mandy Franks, who’d disappeared earlier in the month. Mandy, 40, had last been seen coming out of a nightclub in Shrewsbury town centre…and nobody had seen or heard from her since. Her partner and family were understandably beside themselves with worry. The trail had gone cold. With no leads, detectives were baffled. Was poor Mandy alive or dead? Nobody…

I smoke in my sleep Dear Roi, I hate cigarettes and have never smoked. Yet sometimes I dream I’m smoking and enjoying it – why? Tina Fisher, 40, Frome Dear Tina The dreams aren’t about smoking per se, they’re about habitual or addictive patterns of behaviour. Your subconscious is trying to tell you that you’re regularly doing something that isn’t all that good for you. Look into yourself and see if you can work out what’s triggering your subconscious into sending you these warnings. Culture Corner The 1972 surrealist film The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie by Louis Buñuel features the dreams of six middle-class people ('bourgeoisie' in French) who are attempting to hold a dinner party together. In one ‘dream,’ the French army invade the dining room; in another,…

I was at my wits' end with my crying baby Invisible nannyy Jiggling my 4-month old son in my arms, desperate to stop him from crying, I felt like bursting into tears myself. He was a restless baby who cried a lot and barely slept. I loved him more than life itself – but I was at my wits’ end. ‘Please stop crying, Henry,’ I begged him. And, suddenly, he did! He stared upwards, his gaze intently focused on one spot. Then he smiled and waved his little arms happily. Relief washed over me. I gently put him down, as he giggled and cooed at whatever had caught his eye. I didn’t think anything more of what happened – until it happened again. Henry burst into angry wails – and…

READY TO RUMBLE! Get set for an action-packed month! The Aries’ New Moon on the 16th signifies that the new astrological year is very much here, and that’s not all that’s on the menu. With Venus, Mercury and Mars making multiple connections with power planets, you'll notice a livelier vibe. Mercury finally finishes its retrograde stage on the 15th, freeing up communications. However, heavyweights Saturn and Pluto are going retrograde (on the 18th and 22nd respectively), which may cause a few delays. Use the time to ensure plans are solid. With the Sun moving into Venus-ruled Taurus on the 20th and the Full Moon in Scorpio on the 30th, love lives should be looking up! DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2nd Mars joins with Saturn in Capricorn creating a powerful force…

Walking past a bric-a-brac shop in King’s Lynn, I grabbed my husband Cameron’s arm. ‘Hey! Maybe we should buy one of those?’ I said, pointing to a group of old-fashioned china dolls sitting in the window. Cameron shuddered. ‘They’re a bit creepy!’ They were a bit creepy, especially the one in the wedding dress, but I wasn’t fussed about that. ‘Those are collector’s items,’ I said. ‘I bet they’d fetch a few quid on eBay.’ Good investment I was always looking out for things to eBay. I put the money I made into a bank account for my six-year old daughter Holly, to spend when she turns 18. My aim was to save up £100 a year for her. We went into the shop and asked about the dolls. The…

Kicking off my work shoes, I pulled on high heels and a slinky dress. I stuffed my work clothes into a bag then raced out of the office to grab a taxi to celeb hangout, The Ivy. Just a typical day in the office. As a showbiz reporter for a women’s magazine, I mingled with the likes of Alan Carr and Alexa Chung until 2am. Then I’d be back at my desk at 7am to write up my stories. It sounds glamorous – but my eyelashes fell out from the stress. I hardly slept, didn't eat properly and had no social life. So stressed Run down and exhausted, I was desperate to boost my energy levels and reduce my stress, so I started to explore alternative health treatments like reiki.…

Marvellous Moringa Forget turmeric – so 2017! Moringa is the hottest new superfood on the block. Made from the leaves of a tree found in Asia and Africa, with three times the iron and twice the protein of spinach, it usually comes in the form of a protein powder that you can add to soups, smoothies or salads. Its benefits include aiding digestion, boosting energy, strengthening bones and improving skin – worth a shot, then! Treatment of the month: Unplug retreats The latest therapy is…switching off! As many of us grow uneasily aware that we’re addicted to our smartphones, there’s a whole growing movement to switch off your devices and reconnect with the world outside, with huge benefits for mind, body and soul. Time to Log Off offers workshops and…

Canny Crystal Dear Katie, I am seeking a deeper connection within my relationship. Which crystals will help? Jo, 48, Huddersfield Dear Jo Rhodonite links in to your heart chakra and encourages compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love. Moonstone will deepen your connection and help to bring your emotions into balance. Wearing or carrying both of these crystals will ensure your relationship flourishes. HAVE YOUR COLOURS INTERPRETED Dear Katie I need a new job with regular hours. My favourite colours are pink, purple and green. Carolyn, 50, Milton Keynes Dear Carolyn Green suggests you don’t take risks. Purple guides you towards work that helps others. Pink shows you need to love yourself more and be more self-reliant. Follow your dreams and believe in yourself. MAKE ME WHOLE AGAIN! Dear Katie I want…

SOUL MESSAGE Dear Barrie What message do you receive from these photos of myself and my much-missed father? Kayte Prentice, 40, Pembrokeshire Dear Kayte The man on the left is talking to me about his clothes being too big in the end. He describes a tumour or lump that made him uncomfortable. He also mentions that he would connect with either Margaret or Maggie. He always solved things and would never be afraid to stand his ground. He grew old quickly due to illness, and he also comes back with a large dog. Kayte, I see happiness on the outside, but sadness within you. You miss this person whom you held dearly, but his love is always around you, and you should never doubt this. You know he has made…

BRIGHT LIGHTS Light is essential for all life – and these days, it comes from many more sources than the sun. Of course, each comes with its own set of hidden meanings in the secretive world of our dreams… FIRE TORCHES suggest a strong desire to hunt something down and/or find something out, whatever may lie in your path. They can also symbolise self-determination; a wish to shine out amongst others in this world. FAIRY LIGHTS represent mysteries and magic. You want something or someone to bring such things into your life. LAMP POSTS indicate light being shed on a dark situation or event in your life, perhaps from afar. LAMPSHADES mean you’re trying to protect yourself, or even hide from some great power around you. Do you fear being…

1. Feathers Whatever the colour, finding feathers as you go about your day is a reminder that angels are close, loving and supporting you from behind the scenes 2. Lovely smells! The smell of roses or chocolate is often associated with angels and archangels. You may also recognise the scent worn by a loved one in spirit. If you smell your grandmother’s perfume, chances are that she is near. 3. Babies and pets behaving oddly Children and animals don’t have the filters that adults put up to block out anything they don’t really understand. If your baby or your cat seems to be watching something you can’t see, you could be in the presence of spirit. 4. Orbs Angels and spirit are light beings. You may sometimes find that you…

Witch report With demonic powers and a fatal stare, Karina is a witchy entity to avoid. She ate her own babies to gain magical powers and is known as the Bird of Illness and Sender of the Evil Eye. When King Solomon encountered her as a naked woman wandering the Egyptian desert, he invoked Archangel Michael. His sparkling armour scared her into submission and she transformed into a withered old crone! Bewitching ingredient! Associated with love, lust and vitality, ginseng should be carried in the pocket to attract romance. Carve a wish into the root then toss it into a stream. Make it! To boost love energy, pop a ginseng tea bag into a mug and add hot water and a tablespoon of honey. Stir, then add the juice from…

Ingredients To decorate Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan oven 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Lightly grease two 18cm (7in) sandwich tins with a little Trex and line with greaseproof paper. 2. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, Trex, unbeaten eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon to beat the mixture together for 1-2 minutes until smooth. 3. Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and level the tops. Bake for 18-20 minutes. To test that the cakes are cooked, they should be golden brown, and when touched lightly, the tops should spring back into place. 4. Put the tins on a wire rack to cool for…

Pet TIP BITS Sadly, some pets do get lumps and bumps. These should always be checked by a vet. If they do not need to be surgically removed at that time, go find a pebble of the same size. You can then use this for comparison in the future to see if it has increased in size or not. Paws for thought So your dog prefers to drink rainwater? It has no additives, unlike tap water. Put out a clean container to collect it. Use this water to fill their drinking bowl in the house. Remember to change it regularly. Did you know? It’s the time of year when swallows return to the UK. In folklore, it's lucky if a swallow builds its nest in your house and unlucky to…