California Artist

California Artist

Life is unfolding rapidly before our eyes and we sometimes don't realize how truly far we've come in a relatively short span of time. It's time to take stock of what we have in our life and truly feel gratitude for the beauty that we DO have, regardless of all the aspirations and desires we feel we have yet to attain. As spring continues to blossom and unfold, the revving new energies of the year are beginning to truly take form and all that we've intended has grand opportunity to come into manifestation. These are exciting times for us all and it is a blessing to be able to share the journey together.

Not only can we all benefit from a little spring cleaning on all levels right now, but could also benefit from a bit of "living" and breathing in of those parts of ourselves and our lives that await our embracing and remembrance. Being in the now and realizing the power of this now moment can be transformative in big ways. There is much we can learn through the symbolism of nature all around us. One such symbol that speaks so deeply of spring and sheds some wonderful light on the now of this moment is that of our friend the frog. Quite an interesting little fellow that most would not pay much mind to, in general, yet has some powerful messages and insight for us, indeed. The frog hops into our experience of spring to share with us his wisdom and offers us the chance to embrace and utilize his gifts to help support our processes during this very exciting time.

So here's what our friendly frog has to impart and share:

The frog speaks of luck, purity, rebirth, renewal, fertility, healing, metamorphosis, transitions, dreaming, and opportunity. In many cultures, the frog symbolizes shamanism and magic as well, teaching us to leap swiftly from one level of consciousness to another - from this world to the Otherworlds. Frogs help us to find courage in accepting new ideas, to foster a sense of self-nurturing, and to discover connections between ideas.

When a frog jumps into your life it may be indicative of the opportunities that can be discovered in the now of your transition. The frog has a unique growth cycle and undergoes some incredible transformations in its progression and attainment of full adulthood, just as we humans do. Hence he understands what it feels like to endure some serious growing pains, and uncomfortable and even yucky feelings, along that transition. And their ability to lay enormous amounts of eggs lends to their fertility symbolism as well as being synonymous with abundance.

Different meanings are found from all over the world. The Egyptians share with us the Frog-headed Heket who is an Egyptian Goddess of birthing and creation. The Celts believed the frog represented curative and healing powers because of its connection with water and cleansing rains and to them, was deemed lord over all the Earth. Western and European views see the frog as a symbol of resurrection and spiritual evolution, deemed by the 3 stages of development (egg, tadpole, and fully formed amphibian). The 3 stages also associate the frog, for Christians, as a symbol for the holy trinity and resurrection and are found often in Christian art under this guise. To the Chinese the frog is an emblem of yin energy and good luck. Feng Shui practices recommend putting an image of a frog in the east window of your home to encourage child birth and a happy family life.

Frogs have also been considered a link between the living and dead, represented by Asian custom believing if you placed a jade frog in the mouth of the deceased, not only would this insure safe passage for their transition, but would allow the spirit to communicate more clearly with living loved ones. In Japan, frogs are especially good luck charms for travelers and wearing one was thought to provide safe passage on long voyages, particularly across waters. The frog took on a more cosmic symbolism for Ancient Hindus however, believing frogs not only signify darkness, but that they project the world into orbit in space.

So as you can see, this green little guy is more mystifying and powerful than meets the eye and so synonymous with the energy at hand that spring provides us. We can simply call upon the energy of the frog to help in these changing times of our journey, especially when in need of support in moving more easily through the turbulent waters of some tough life-transitions, need a bit of positive encouragement along your travels, and when you are actively wanting to connect more deeply to the spirit world and focus on your intuitive development.

There is much in store as the year unfolds so it's nice to know you always have a little friend at hand that can assist. As there are many more adventures to come and so many available if we embrace the opportunities presented to us and optimize all that is in our present experiences. We can rest assured that if we support ourselves and take the necessary steps, we will be supported in return with many blessings and gifts.

Tania Marie is a Reiki Master Teacher, Visionary Artist, & Host of Sacred Journeys to Egypt, residing in Incline Village, NV. For more information about her work and services please visit http://www.taniamarie.com or call (775) 343-9244. Treatments & classes available by distance or at Reno & Tahoe locations.

Is it easy to get jobs as an esthetician or makeup artist in southern California?

I'm 26 years old and haven't really accomplished much. I want to do what I always wanted to do and become a makeup artist and/or esthetician. I'm thinking about taking classes but once I get my licenses, is it pretty easy to get started in this field? What would I expect to make starting out in southern California?

Girl, great choice! You have to be smart and driven - and it sounds like you are at that point in your life and you are ready to make a change. You go girl! Congratulations!

Ok, here's what you need to do to get started - it's pretty easy to start the process, actually. First you need to learn a little bit about the esthetics field and what it takes to become an esthetician. Here's more information about that: http://www.beautyschool.com/esthetician-schools

Next, you need to shop around for esthetician schools in your area. You can do that at the link above, or here is a list of most California esthetics schools, Just narrow it down to your area. http://www.beautyschool.com/search/california/esthetics-and-skin-care Just request more information from as many schools as you like, and find out which one is the best fit for you.

You can do this! Just start by finding schools to get more information about them. The links below will give you all the information you need. Good luck!