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In the rich tapestry of ancient Celtic symbolism, the Caim symbol stands as a powerful emblem of protection. In this blog, we will explore its origins, delve into its relevance and practical applications in our everyday, modern lives.



Origins and Meaning of the Caim Symbol


The term 'Caim' is thought to have originated from the Old Irish word 'coaim,' meaning sanctuary or protection, or from the Gaelic word ‘an caim,’ meaning sanctuary or circle, and is often referred to as a circling or encircling symbol. The sign is often represented as a circular design and is a powerful representation of the idea that the physical and spiritual worlds are closely intertwined, emphasising the importance of seeking protection and refuge in times of need.


Using the Caim Symbol Today


In Celtic spirituality, the Caim symbol was often employed in rituals and ceremonies as a means of invoking divine protection. The act of physically or mentally drawing the circle during prayer or meditation was believed to create a barrier of safety. The act of encircling symbolised a spiritual boundary, shielding the individual from harm and negative influences.

This profound connection between the symbol and spiritual protection has persisted throughout the ages and the Celtic Caim symbol can be used for protection in everyday life even now.


Practical Applications:


The versatility of the Caim symbol makes it applicable to various aspects of our daily lives. Here are some examples of how one can incorporate the Caim into their everyday life:


Personal Protection


The Caim symbol is often depicted as a circle drawn in the air or on a surface, representing a protective boundary. It is a spiritual gesture used for invoking divine protection and safeguarding oneself or others from harm. The act of creating the Caim involves tracing a circle with one's finger, the hand, or a physical object while reciting a prayer or incantation, creating a sacred space of safety. The symbol is often represented as a circular design, typically drawn by the practitioner as a gesture of creating a protective boundary around themselves or someone else.


Meditation, Contemplation, Mindfulness Practices


Many individuals incorporate the Caim into their meditation, contemplation, or mindfulness routines. By drawing the symbol and reciting affirmations, one can create a mental and spiritual shield, fostering a sense of inner peace and protection against stress and negativity. Further, envision the circle ‘filling' with the positive energy generated.


Example of Caim, Celtic symbol used for protection

Protection in Family Life


The Caim symbol's protective nature can be seamlessly integrated into the fabric of family life. Imagine a parent performing a modern adaptation of the Caim ritual when their child embarks on a new chapter, such as starting school. As the parent draws an invisible circle around their child, they silently invoke blessings and protection, creating an emotional shield against the challenges that may arise.


Workplace Harmony


In the professional sphere, the Caim symbol can be a potent tool for establishing personal boundaries, enhancing resilience, and fostering a positive work environment. Visualising the symbol before a challenging meeting or presentation can instil a sense of confidence and protection, empowering you to navigate professional challenges with grace. Or, it can be employed to foster harmony and protection within a team. Picture a leader metaphorically drawing a Caim circle during a team meeting, setting the intention of creating a positive and supportive environment. This symbolic act can contribute to a sense of unity, shielding the team from discord and promoting collective well-being.


Example of Caim, Celtic symbol used for protection

Educational Setting


Teachers and students alike may embrace the Caim as a symbol of protection within educational spaces. Before exams or important lessons, drawing the Caim can serve as a symbolic act of shielding against distractions and promoting a focused and secure learning environment.


Travelling Safeguard


Before embarking on a commute or a journey, use the Caim to create a protective barrier around yourself. This practice can bring a sense of security during travels. In turn, this practice fosters a positive and calm environment.


Conclusion


The Caim symbol, with its deep spiritual roots, offers a profound way to be conscious and invite protection into our lives. As we embrace this ancient Celtic tradition, we can find solace in the notion that we have the power to create a sacred space, a sanctuary, wherever we go. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the Caim symbol serves as a reminder that we can draw upon ancient wisdom to find comfort, strength, and protection in our everyday experiences.


Drop me a line if you would like guidance in your spiritual and physical journey.



 
 
  • Writer: Freya Ingva
    Freya Ingva
  • Feb 25, 2022
  • 2 min read

Herbal tea, or tisane, strictly speaking, is not a ‘tea’ at all.

Technically, a true tea must contain Camellia Sinensis, the evergreen plant from where all true tea varieties come from, from white to black, from Pu’er to Oolong.

Herbal tea, tisane, botanical, or herbal infusions can contain anything herbal but the Camellia Sinensis plant.


The name tisane comes from the Ancient Greek ptisánē, meaning peeled barley, or what we would call pearl barley today. There was the practice of drinking something similar to our barley water for good health and enjoyment.

Previous to that, herbal teas were equally drunk in ancient China and Egypt and various documents refer to this therapeutic practice. This continues to this day if you make use of Ayurvedic medicine from India or Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In Middle English, the word meant a medicinal drink of some sort. It was only in the last century, that the word tisane acquired the modern meaning of herbal tea or infusion.


The vast majority of tisanes do not contain the caffeine compound, so they can be safely consumed before bed or by people sensitive to such stimulants. If that is your case, always check the ingredients of your decoction, avoid cocoa or guarana for instance.

Herbal teas can be consumed hot or cold and be added to other recipes.



Tisanes can be typically divided into six major groups, named after the part of the plant they come from: bark, roots, flowers, leaves, fruit or berry, seeds, or spice.

Let’s take a closer look:

  • Roots, such as ginger, liquorice, chicory, dandelion, burdock, echinacea, turmeric, sarsaparilla

  • Bark, such as cinnamon, slippery elm, willow, pau d’arco, wild cherry

  • Flowers, such as chamomile, lavender, hibiscus, rose, elderflower, red clover

  • Leaves, such as rooibos, mint, verbena, lemongrass, nettle, sage, thyme, tulsi, moringa

  • Fruit or berry, such as rose hips, citrus peel, strawberry, blueberry, elderberries, raspberries, apple, peach

  • Seeds or spice, such as cardamon, caraway, fennel

Extras, and less common, are:

  • Mushroom teas, such as chaga, reishi, cordyceps, maitake, lion’s mane

  • Moss or lichen teas, such as oakmoss, usnea or beard moss, Iceland moss

Since time immemorial, tisanes have been used for health, wellbeing, and longevity thanks to their medicinal properties.

Here are some examples:

  • Calming (chamomile, lavender, verbena)

  • Detoxifying (ginger, liquorice root, dandelion)

  • Cold-busting (often a mix with lemon verbena, cinnamon, elderflower)

  • Anti-inflammatory (blueberry, turmeric, cranberry)

  • Digestion (hibiscus, fennel, cardamom)

  • Beautifying (bamboo leaf, rose petals, lime flower)

On top of their fragrant smell and delicious taste, the colours also play a part in helping through our senses. No wonder, so many people drink them just for pleasure and to top up their antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients.


I do read tea leaves and herbal teas equally. Get in touch to book your afternoon tea or tea party.



 
  • Writer: Freya Ingva
    Freya Ingva
  • Nov 26, 2021
  • 3 min read

It is widely experienced, especially by native communities, and understood that our planet is alive, not only on the surface with visible growth but also inside its core.


Earth, Gaia, Terra, Tellus, is our precious planet. The living being we inhabit, a source of energy in its own rights, is placed at an amazing juncture on the galactic net.

Its energy body has points and paths of energy, just like our own body has chakras and meridians.


Connecting to nature and regularly grounding is essential to our own wellbeing. In fact, the quality of our connection impacts directly our health.

Further, tuning into the planet chakras can enhance and open up new ways of being for us, from healing to discerning new energy levels.



How to connect to the Earth’s energy?


Wherever you are, the first thing to do is follow your instinct to go to or stop at certain locations.

To connect to the frequencies tune in to the place, or look at pictures of it, and meditate, fully focusing on your intention of being present and ‘in tune’.


A map akin to a body diagram of the world chakras (ley lines, grids, portals, vortices, etc) has been designed, identifying areas of very high energy. Starting from the


Root or Base Chakra

Location: Mount Shasta, California


This area is understood to be the interface between body, mind, and spirit. Mount Shasta is recognised as an electrically charged place. It represents creative power at its best.


Sacral Chakra

Location: Lake Titicaca shared by Bolivia and Peru


The area is highly charged with the presence of Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Iquitos, Aramu Muru (Gate of the Gods), Tiwanaku nearby.

Two major ley lines intersect at Lake Titicaca, the male and female Great Dragon lines, also known as the feathered serpent (male) and rainbow serpent (female/androgynous).



Solar Plexus Chakra

Location: Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory, Australia


This area is still sacred to the Aboriginals and it is a source of insight, memory, and learning.

It represents personal power, vitality, stillness, and harmony.



Heart Chakra

Location: Glastonbury/Shaftesbury/Stonehenge, UK


The bridge chakra balancing spiritual and physical, mind and feelings, upper and lower, etc.

Stonehenge is the highest charged of these places. All these locations have a highly regarded magical reputation, through times and civilizations.


Throat Chakra

Location: The Great Pyramids, Egypt, or Mount Sinai, Egypt/Mount of Olives, Israel


The throat chakra is one of the largest energy centres on Earth. It stands for communication, the voice of our planet, self-expression, a portal to other dimensions.

It is the only energy centre not connected to the two major ley lines, the male and female Great Dragon lines.


Third Eye Chakra

Location: Western Europe (in transit to reach Brazil around 3500CE)


It is understood that this chakra does not have a fixed location and moves according to the Earth’s rotation and eons described through astrological ages. In the current Age of Aquarius, the Third Eye chakra is believed to be located in Western Europe near Stonehenge in England. With the following Age of Capricorn, the chakra is believed to be moving to Brazil.



Crown Chakra

Location: Mount Kailash, Tibet


Oneness and unity. Connected to the concept of death and rebirth,

the Scorpio Full Moon (around the end of April-beginning of May) is apparently linked to the energy of Mount Kailash. This Full Moon marks the beginning of a new cycle, transformation and change, deep emotional experiences.



There are many other high-energy points around the world. For instance:


Mount Fuji in Japan

Tulum in Mexico

Maui in Hawaii

Kiev in Ukraine

Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Easter Island or Rapa Nui, Chile

Cape Town in South Africa

Lake Taupo in New Zealand

Bali in Indonesia

Sedona in Arizona



Which place will you connect with first?




 
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