Author Archives: Dana Taylor

Dec 11 2012

Noble Peace Prize Nomination for Activist Mother

This week Susana Trimarco was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts at ending sex trafficking in her native Argentina. After her 23 year old daughter was abducted in 2002 and forced into sexual slavery, Trimarco began a quest that has taken her into the shameful underworld of Argentina’s sex trade. Read the full story written by Emily Schmall.

It seems appropriate to re-post this review of Sibel Hodge’s novel that deals with the issue of sex trafficking.

Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex-Slave  by Sibel Hodge

Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex SlaveSibel Hodge paints a vivid picture of a woman caught up in a global travesty of our time: Sex-Slave Trafficking. Using the Diary format to tell Elena’s story of betrayal, helplessness, and degradation, Hodge sheds light on an industry that preys on thousands of young women every day. Using a novelist’s skill, we come to care for Elena quickly. Women readers can easily relate to Elena and how she feels caught in the trap of prostitution. The piece is gritty, but not gruesome. I read it in one sitting. It left me feeling like I wanted to DO SOMETHING, which I imagine was the reason Sibel diverted from her usual chick-lit fare to tackle a serious subject. Hopefully, the pen truly is mightier than the sword, and “Diary” will help raise awareness and action against one of the most shameful cruelties of modern times. Change begins with resolve. I admire Sibel Hodge for devoting her time and talent to keep this issue in the spotlight.

Change begins with awareness and then the decision that enough is enough. Hopefully, communities and countries will begin to decide that treating their girls as sexual commodities is not acceptable. Susana Trimarco continues searching for her daughter and her tireless battle against the darkness of the sex trade. Follow Human Traffic Watch to keep up with this global travesty against women and children.

Dec 9 2012

Supernal Reading–Three Mystic Books

As my life grows increasingly multi-dimensonal, I am drawn to books that mirror my interests and experiences. Here are three I’ve recently read that are definitely “Supernal” in nature.

Lessons from the Light: A True Story of Angels and Healing by Myra Starr with John Mulkey.

Lessons From The LightThe day she died is the day she began really living. Today Myra Starr is known as a healer and mystic living a quiet life surrounded by nature. Her former occupation as a corporate shark came to an abrupt halt after a Near Death Experience that took her to new realms. Writer John Mulkey does an excellent job of unfolding Myra’s transformation. From her visionary lessons with an angelic guide, Maya, to her beginnings as a healer, Starr strives to offer the best of herself as a healer and teacher. There is a lot of instructional material for spiritual development in the book, that makes it more than a memoir. Mulkey sets an authentic tone that makes for easy reading. Great reading for the spiritual adventurer!

Shadow of the Final Storm by Carol McCLain Craver

Shadow of the Final Storm (The Pink House Series)Time travel and reincarnation weave together in this novel set in present-day Galveston that flashes back to the weeks leading up to the great Galveston hurricane of 1900. By coincidence I read it as Hurricane Sandy was devastating the North East. The main character, Sirena, returns to her childhood bungalow on Galveston on a mission of self-discovery. Greeted by the ghosts of her great-grandparents, she confronts her issues of the present and past to find her future. Craver has a lot of elements working here–basically that a person can be living two lives simultaneously. She manages to pull it off without totally confusing the reader. I admired her courage at taking on the complexities of the storylines. An interesting read–especially when a big hurricane is actually making landfall.

The Opening by Ron Savarese:

The Opening“Visionary Fiction” is definitely on the rise. Reminiscent of Jacob Nordby’s excellent The Divine Arsonist, The Opening deals with a man who goes on a mystical life review. The opening line My appointment with death was less than a month away introduces us to Joe St. John–a typical American, successful middle aged white male. From the book description:

Joe St. John wanders out into a blizzard and falls through an opening that leads him to amazing, sometimes harrowing places where he encounters the major turning points in his life. Along the way, he revisits his missed opportunities, uncovers his life’s core trauma, and is given mysterious geometrical symbols that hold the key to his future. As Joe’s soul hovers between two worlds he will discover the truth about life and death, and be confronted with the ultimate choice: save his own life, or give it up for someone he loves.

The quality of the writing kept me engaged. Sometimes it’s not so much what you say, as how you say it. Savarese has an adroit ability to create mood and characters. The Opening borrows from “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” in theme and throws in a layer of current metaphysical philosophy. An interesting spirit quest for the modern man.

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streamshandsmall     Ever-Flowing Streams: Tapping into Healing Energy by Dana Taylor

From customer reviews:

“shares so much information on different ways of accessing all that is available
to us in the vibrational, energy realm of the Universe”

“Highly recommended for anyone with an open mind and an open heart.”

“She covers a lot of territory, sharing the many paths she explores, and does it
with a sense of humor and delight we get to share with her along the way.”

Dec 7 2012

Reluctantly Reiki

It’s that time of year again–Andy Williams singing, strange blow-up Santa’s on people’s lawns and I’m selling “Shiny Green Shoes” in the Christmas story anthology, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

shoes300The story centers on a black child of the Depression and her unlikely friendship with an aging white actress. Where did the story come from? I’ve rarely told the origin of the idea because people might think I am a little crazy (like that’s something new.) I’ve used the audio version as Christmas card in the past. A friend’s husband (fine Christian fellow) once asked me where the story came from and I told him the truth. I never got invited to their home again.

But, maybe times are changing. I recently received my Reiki Master Certificate from the local community college. Hospitals are offering Reiki treatments. People are now calling me for Reiki treatments. When Bette Lee Crosby invited me to guest blog at her site today and talk about HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, I decided to reveal the Reiki connection to the story’s inspiration.

Hop over to Bette’s site and read “the rest of the story”– HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS at Words, Wit and Wisdom.

Dec 6 2012

Keep Your Teeth!

The mare looked pretty good until the wise horse trader opened her mouth. She was declared “Too long in the tooth.” No sale.

People, like horses, can get “long in the tooth”–gums recede, teeth loosen, and ultimately fall out. Want to avoid such a fate? Here are a few suggestions to add to your dental hygiene that just may save you a bundle of money, pain, and–your teeth!

BRUSH AND FLOSS— Hopefully you’re already doing those everyday. Commercial toothpastes have improved dental health over the decades. While there is controversy about fluoride, most of us are taking our chances and seemingly tolerating any toxicity in our favorite squeeze. Flossing is essential for getting in between the teeth where food particles gather and decay. But, that is simply a good start!

TEA TREE OIL CHEWING STICKS—Tea Tree Toothpicks, Cinnamon*** - 6 x 100 Toothpicks Triple action Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Toothpicks deliver therapeutic grade
Melaleuca alternifolia oil between teeth and at the gum line, help remove debris and plaque in places where brushes can’t reach and leaves breath fresh and clean. Uniquely designed from renewable, fast-growing birchwood trees, each toothpick is infused with a powerful array of natural plant extracts, including peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, fennel and menthol. Infused with a powerful array of natural plant extracts, including
peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, fennel and menthol. Trace your gum line with these toothpicks after brushing and you’ll be amazed at the plaque still to be removed. The tea tree oil kills bacteria at the gum line. If you’ve had a history of bleeding gums, you should definitely add this step to your dental cleaning routine. Freshens breath also! Available in health food stores and on-line.

BAKING SODA —Want to make your mouth feel squeaky clean? Brush with basic baking soda occasionally. The natural oxidizing agents in baking soda whitens stains. Not recommended on a daily basis, due to the abrasive nature it may have on enamel, but a couple times a week is fine to add a nice polish to your smile.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE—  At a cost of about $2 a bottle, hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive whitening and disinfecting agent. Use as a mouthwash a few times a week to cleanse the mouth. It doesn’t have much taste and fizzes!

Don’t become like an old nag who is long in the tooth!

As time goes by, maintaining healthy gums are the keys to retaining teeth into a ripe old age. Adding a few minutes of additional care for your gums can lead to a life of pleasureable eating and dazzling smiles.

Dec 3 2012

What are Akashic Records?

The post I ran last August on Akashic Records is one of my most-viewed articles. Several people I know have made appointments with Helen at Ripples of Light for Records Consultations. Here is a revised version for your information:

What are Akashic Records? Metaphysical literature is rich with references to the records. I’ve seen them called a Heavenly Library— a center where all the history of the universe is contained. Lately, analogies to the Internet have been appearing. Some believe the Biblical Book of Life is actually the Akashic Records. Everyone has a separate record that contains their individual history of all their past lives, relationships, life contracts, and between life events. You name it, it’s in the Records.

I realize this represents a tremendous paradigm shift for Westerners who still believe this is the one go-around on the earth plane. After that, it’s heaven or hell for eternity. If you firmly stand in that camp, then the Akashic Records are the stuff of fantasy. If you can entertain a different point of the view—read on.

Is an Akashic Record reading like a Psychic Reading? Yes and no.

Akashic Record readers certainly must have psychic abilities. It is the source of their information that should be clearer than the psychic on the corner. The AR Reader knows how to go to the guardians and guides of the records and communicate with those entities. It’s akin to going to the National Library and seeking the assistance of the Head Librarian.

What’s the value of an Akashic Record Reading?

Picture going to counselors who know everything about you before you ever enter their office. When I say everything—I mean everything. Not that they will tell you everything; being wise they edit their comments. But they have access to information that can shed light on puzzling life situations.

For instance, perhaps there is a troubling relationship—somebody who holds unexplained animosity and causes continual turmoil. An Askashic Record reading might reveal a past life where you transgressed and hurt that person. You might gain a broader understanding of what is happening between the two of you and figure out a way to heal the relationship now that you know you are not merely an innocent victim of unfair treatment.

In another situation you may have a sudden feeling of recognizing a total stranger, an odd attachment out of the blue. A Reading could reveal that person was in your family circle. There is the concept of Soul Families, where people often incarnate repeatedly, playing different roles in each other’s lives. Discovering someone has been a spouse, child, or sibling can explain a lot. Record Readings can also shed light on habits, ruts, and destructive patterns. When you feel the need for a soul check-up, an Akashic Record Reading can be an enlightening experience.

How to prepare for an Akashic Record Reading: It’s best to prepare a list of questions. Go through the various areas of your life–relationships, finances, personality quirks, health, career, and talents. Here’s a few ideas

  • What is my life purpose?
  • What lessons am I here to learn?
  • Why am I dealing with this particular life issue?
  • Why do I have conflict with this person?
  • What am I suppose to learn from this relationship?
  • Why do I have this fear?
  • Is there an area that I haven’t considered that I can gain helpful knowledge about?

Who offers Akashic Record Readings? Learning to read the Records requires training. There are actually established associations to certify intuitives as official Akashic Record Readers. Obviously, it requires a certain psychic talent that is refined in the training process. You can find more information on the web with an Akashic Record search and see the various places that offer training and certification.

Like selecting any professional from a plumber to a doctor, due diligence is recommended before engaging a Records Reader and investing in a session. I highly recommend Helen at Ripples of Light. She sets up appointments by phone and Zoom at a reasonable price. You will enjoy her gentle spirit, insights. and lilting British accent.

Nov 18 2012

End Pain with Energy Medicine

12 Weeks to Self-Healing: Transforming Pain through Energy MedicineCandess Campbell, Ph.D., asked me to preview her book on energy medicine a few months ago. I was very impressed with the broad range of subjects the book covers. Dr. Campbell is part of the growing vanguard of physicians creating a new paradigm of treatment. Her book is now released for the general public. If you’re serious about taking charge of your health, 12 Weeks to Self-Healing Transforming Pain through Energy Medicine is an excellent place to start.

“If you’re tired of feeling sick and powerless, grab a copy of 12 Weeks to Self-Healing: Transforming Pain through Energy Medicine by Candess Campbell, Ph.D. This book offers a comprehensive explanation of the mind-body connection and presents practical ways to break old habits that lead to illness. As an energy worker, Campbell understands the dimensions beyond accepted Western thinking, and yet is well-versed in the advances of modern medicine. This is a book that will help people transform their lives.”  Dana Taylor, Reiki Master and author of Ever-Flowing Streams: Tapping into Healing Energy