Tuesday, June 2, 2020

No Justice, No Peace

By: Angela Mayah Solstice

2020 is the year of the return for me, I will be turning 40 in the fall. In African Spiritual Tradition, you are named after the day you were born on. I was born on a Tuesday and rightfully named Abena. To be born on a Tuesday also correlates with the planet Mars, which is to be fiery, burning hot. Those born on a Tuesday includes the likes of Malcolm X and Harriet Tubman. My birthday this year will fall on my original born day, a Tuesday…

                           “How confusing this must be for those who lack ritual and vision.” 

In 2014, after the shooting of Michael Brown whose death originated the chant, Hands Up Don’t Shoot, I was infuriated. I made plans with a family friend who lived near St. Louis, created signs and was packed up to leave the next morning to protest. What I wasn’t prepared for was the change of pace at nightfall as I tracked what was happening in Ferguson throughout the night via social media. I made the hard and conscious decision that as a mother, I couldn’t risk being hurt or jailed. So I cancelled my plans right before I would need to leave and make the four hour drive to Missouri that day to join in the demonstrations. My only way to join others was showing support to a few small protests in my neighborhood from my car, and offering up a compassionate poem on Facebook…

“‘You’ll be alright if you just get yourself organized. You can do almost anything you want as long as you organize yourself to do it.’ I decided he was right. It was time to get my life in some kind of order. It was time to take control.”
~Assata Shakur Assata An Autobiography

The blessings of significant change or unrest is the enlightenment and unanswered questioning that comes forth emotionally and intellectually. The death of Michael Brown led me to reading Elaine Brown’s A Taste of Power A Black Woman’s Story, Angela Davis An Autobiography, and finally Assata An Autobiography. I listened to more Malcolm X speeches and researched relentlessly other names I knew to be important to the movement like Fred Hampton and Huey P. Newton. I found solace in their teachings and words as I felt the hurt and rage about Michael Brown. Finally learning about my leaders as an adult, was resonating with me fully.


                                                       


Now 6 years later, global protests are happening after the death of George Floyd. I keep asking myself , “Will the revolution be televised?” Well by all means, the stage has been set. Organizers and activists who have been on the frontline all along, well prepared and making movement. Most young people showing support without needing reasoning or long explanations on what is happening. Elected officials stepping up to the plate, or showing their discontent and disconnect for their communities. The country, quarantined and immobilized, having to do soul searching about what they truly believe in. And God, moving heaven and Earth to let the spirit of the ancestors prevail.      

“All Power to the People”
Black Panther Party

As I reflect on the magnitude of being on the Earth forty whole years, I am amazed and grateful. I think of our leaders who died before the age of 40, like Malcom and Martin. Who weren’t allowed the privilege to evolve and live to be elderly simply for being black, loving themselves, and being servants to their community. I am humbled before God to be black, female, and loving myself. I am equally grateful to those before me and who are now fighting for justice in this country. I am understanding now more than ever, there truly is no peace without justice and equality for all.





     


Sunday, January 6, 2019

2019



By: Angela Mayah Solstice

Another year around this Earth has brought to my life more truth, love, enlightenment and revelations. My tribe is small but mighty. My emotions have deepened but so has my ability to stay afloat amongst its sometimes burdening truths. I have successfully done away with most of the conditioning, practices, and thinking that paralyzed my true essence and reason for being. I will at the end of this current decade be ascending into a new age gap a new body and a new person altogether. I have watched the clouds move in the sky awed by the Creator who does so. Feeling such an intense closeness to nature has forced me to contemplate my own spiritual immortality, yet limited physical time here on Earth. I have most of all, become synced to the moon cycles. I have now ebbed and flowed my intentions, wishes, and dreams within the magic of the universe. I am standing more confident because of it. I am very close to detaching from all of my worldly attachments. My security now resting in the realm of the Ancestors and Creator. I am also eternally grateful to the elders who are teaching and leading so many of us back to our true selves. 2019, the year of manifestation power and realization. May we all tap into the magic within us and all around us. Peace, blessings, and love to you all.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Survival of the Empaths



"The people who are sensitive in life may suffer much more than those who are insensitive. But if they understand and go beyond their suffering. They will discover extraordinary things."
~Jiddu Krishnamurti

Hello, I hope you are well! As always, the world is turning, burning, and churning out all new kinds of revelations and occurrences. If there ever was an applicable Bible verse for these times for me it would be, be in this world, not of it. A strange thing for a God to ask of us…to create a world us at Spirit beings living among humans, must protect and be cautious of. With all my heart and soul I have often times, and still, do want to belong in this world. Yearning to be understood, not judged, and accepted for who I am. Yet I am conscious of the reality in my every failed attempt to do so as I was met with judgments and soon rejection of others who hurriedly put their labels upon me. It is frustrating to experience time and time again….people’s need to fit you into their “boxes”. The possibility of someone being a real living spirit, exempt and free of worldly conditioning, to confronting for his or her fragile psyches.
           
Just last week, I was riding my usual commuter train where I have become accustomed to the intense energy being on mass transit comes with. This morning though, the energy was felt more than usual when suddenly a man began bellowing out, “you're not rejecting me, you're rejecting God”, repeatedly. Before exiting he eerily stated, “It’s going to be a long day for you all.” Had I been on a subway in the city where these things happen more often, I wouldn’t give it a second thought. But this man’s piercing voice among the conservativeness of a suburban commuter train jarred me completely. I asked God later was that man’s words for me, and the reply was, “yes.” It was confirmation that every morning, whatever I was feeling from others, was their rejection of God, not of me.

Being a person who feels too much and overall sensitive to the energies from people, places, and things is not easy. Yet if you can stay with it, do your healing work, and turn this beautiful gift given to you into your strength, you will find endless possibilities for your life. A life of less suffering, more confidence, and purpose. Please continue to learn how to love yourself for who you are, as oppose to shaming yourself relentlessly. May you find your tribe, the information, and opportunities that complement and appreciate your sensitivity. Be Blessed.

Are you needing some energy work to clear your aura and inner body of toxic energies? A Reiki healing session can help tremendously in clearing and restore your energy to a more balanced, empowered, and grounded state of being. Click HERE to learn more.

Have questions about your sensitivity or want more resources/info to help you on your journey? Email info@angelamayahsolstice.com.

Reading Recommendations for Empaths:
Earth Angels By: Doreen Virtue
The Empath's Survival Guide By: Judith Orloff
Beyond Codependency By: Melody Beattie
The Four Agreements By: Don Miguel Ruiz
Journey to Ixtlan By: Carlos Castenada
Woman Who Run With Wolves By: Clarissa Pinkes Estes
The Dream Book By: Betty Bethards


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Friday, December 22, 2017

End of Year Gratitude & New Year Blessings


"You're going to be happy, " said life, "but first I'll make you strong."


By: Angela Mayah Solstice

The year 2017 brought to me the gift of gratitude. It wasn’t so much the lack of gratitude I possessed, but having gratitude when life was unfair and uncertain. At times I was tempted by the lures of a less virtuous path or some surely disastrous distraction to take my mind to another place, but I learned to hold on. I learned that the spiritual path wasn’t necessarily the easiest or carefree, but an endless cycle of strengthening my spiritual and personal fortitude. I finally learned that I had the power to persevere, that threats were imminent, but that with God’s grace, I would get through it strengthened and wiser. With this new confidence, gratitude became easier to practice in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Gratitude is not a prerequisite to sainthood or to receive blessings. Gratitude may come after you weather storms and finally, have a moment to look back and assess the damage. Gratitude may come to a realization all your own. The final days in December leading into the New Year are a great time to reflect. Fasting, praying, cultural celebrations, and more can assist in celebrating and finding gratitude for all the year brought to you. Simple exercises such as lighting candles, journaling, and vision boards can also help to get grounded and find new ideas and inspiration for the year ahead.

I want to thank all of you who have visited my blog. If simply curious or having found true insight and inspiration here, thank you for your willingness to read through my writings. May this New Year bring all that you're imagining and more!


Happy Winter Solstice and New Year!

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Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Return To Self



" I know what the world has done to my brother and how narrowly he has survived it. And I know, which is much worse, and this is the crime of which I accuse my country and countrymen, and for which neither I nor time nor history will ever forgive them, that they have destroyed and are destroying hundreds of thousands of lives and do not know it and do not want to know it."
~James Baldwin from The Fire Next Time

By: Angela Mayah Solstice

Hello! I am writing to you from a crisp and sunny day here in New York. I hope you are well. So much is going on around the world, during prayer last night my teenager asked a question we’ve all felt or heard at one point, “Why does God allow so much suffering to go on in the world?” My middle child piped in and replied, “God gives us choices.” It’s hard to convince an intellect like my daughter on these sort of philosophies, so I held my peace and let her sister have a go at it for awhile. Finally, I closed up the conversation and said this…

God created this world and gave us free will. He didn’t create it to have control over us or to micromanage it all. I believe that to stay connected to God and seek God was originally a normal and natural way of being—not forced in any way. Over time people and society matured into whatever they became, guided and lead by whatever Higher Power came to be in their life. Although the world can seem like a chaotic, scary and unfair place—I believe that those who continuously seek God will find the peace and answers they are looking for. I always end the prayer with asking God to speak to each of the children in a way they can understand.

Are you afraid by what you see going on in the world right now? Do you have more questions than answers? Do you sometimes just not see the point of life? If so, I understand. I’ve felt strong emotions in concern to these sorts of questions. I realized to try and figure out the whole world or attach myself to all it’s suffering, was going to stress me out more than anything. I found solace in disconnecting from the world when possible and simply seeking God for the answers to my life and my purpose. God has answers for you, the more you allow yourself to hear from God, the better you will feel. The more you have faith that whatever you hear is not meant to shame you or bring you down, you'll be able to receive better. Soon you will begin to trust God more and even yourself.

May we all have the courage to quiet ourselves and seek answers from God. May the words we hear, the pictures in our minds, and the people here to love us bring the motivation we need to live purposeful lives and stay grounded in our faith in God.❤️

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Monday, September 25, 2017

Searching For Truth


“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 
Ephesians 6:12

By: Angela Mayah Solstice

Good Morning! I hope you are doing well. It is a beautiful day here in New York, summer seems to be holding on for a while longer and I'm not complaining!

Some intense energy has come into play these past few days. Some prophets declared this past Saturday as being the end of the world but we're all still here. I had one of my kids ask me late last week if Saturday would be the end, and I said no. She then asked, “But it will come one day right?”, and I said, “ Yup and God only knows when that time will be.” So, what do we do until then? A better question, why would God create something to end it one day? What's the purpose of having a world? I asked God this, not my typical sort of question, I'm usually busy with my personal business. So I thought to share the answer I received.

“Human potential is broadened or limited by its concept of God.”



As humans, we are created to withstand anything. We are durable, resilient, and steadfast. Sure there are such notions as trauma, depression, and sadness, but that is purely emotional and spiritual--all can be healed. God wanted our souls to have a chance to express itself in human form, with freedom of choice and will. Of course, over time, this created a lot of things--religion, money, rules, laws etc. I personally am not happy with it all, but my connection with God helps me to understand what's at play and brings me comfort. Meaning, God gives me the truth in whatever I would like to know, and I just accept it.

The biggest truths I've been uncovering is learning who I am as a Black woman, especially living in the United States. I've been reading a lot and this journey continues to deepen for me. I recently read a book called, Breaking The Psychological Chains of Slavery, a short but powerful read. It was recommended by the Pan African Alliance organization must-read books. I am currently making my way down the list.

Whoever and whenever it was said, the truth will set you free, I sure do believe it now more than ever. In our turbulent times, although I stand mentally in solidarity with many and their causes, I truly believe the answer to our plight is to search for truth. I know this may sound cliché or easy, but it is not. In fact, it is excruciating and liberating all at once. Or as my dearest ancestor Malcolm X used to say when traveling around teaching the lessons of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, " God has given Mr. Muhammad some sharp truth. It is like a two-edged sword. It cuts into you. It causes you great pain, but if you can take the truth, it will cure you and save you …”


I encourage anyone, to follow and search for your truth. About your culture, your family, your history—especially the history of your country. Then internalize that truth, and stand by it. Every advancement that ever impacted our world, community, or families started with someone who came to know a deeper truth about life. Perhaps it will be you who ushers in the next change.

“It is faith that sustains us in the fear and loneliness of this lifelong search to help restore who we are.”




May God give us all the strength to live righteously and courageously. To not wander lost in the wilderness, but walk curiously and astute in the garden of our lifetime. I wish you peace, miracles, and as a good friend shared with me this week, the most benevolent outcome in all things.

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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

If God Is For You


"We know that people who are hurt will hurt others. As a healer we should not feed another ones pain with negative words or action. That does not mean stand there and be insulted, it means be creative in finding ways to deal with someone who is rude or hurtful...Don't let their negative energy hurt or effect you. Recognize what is going on and stay at peace."

~Rekhit Kajara Nia Yaa Nebthet from "Ra Sekhi, Kemetic Reiki"


By: Angela Mayah Solstice

Hello! I hope you are well! I am writing you today from a rainy afternoon in New York. Summer is officially coming to an end and it truly seems as if a new wave of energy has come upon us. I have been in much meditation and prayer riding this wave of powerful insights and reflection since the Solar Eclipse last week. This is not always easy. I constantly have to remind myself, just as soon as I become out of sorts, that God is in control. That I am on the path he has set before me and to continuously disconnect from any thought that would have me to believe otherwise. I am also reading an amazing book by Alice Walker, Now Is The Time To Open Your Heart. Although it is not categorized as an autobiography, I suspect the story is a pilgrimage Alice may have taken to South America to spend time with a Shaman. As always when I’m reading, the story told hit home for me in so many ways. From the grappling with the pain of our ancestors and finding ways to honor and process it all, to the many quips towards anti-feminist ideologies. Yet, the heart of the story is what the Shaman calls entering into the covenant with The Grandmother. It’s explained this way within the book, “And now, perhaps it was time to leave that area of exploration, to enter another: The life of the Virgin, one who is whole unto herself.”

I have been, or better yet I thought, I had already been to this place. I’ve spent several years in celibacy at one point, solely for the purpose of healing my womb and body. Although much healing came forth because of this, I find myself back to this place. Yet, without the need to put forth so much work, but to let God do his work on me. To surrender may be the most complicated thing one will continuously do being on the spiritual journey. To surrender to a plan, a life, and God that is bigger than your self may sound grand, but the actual unraveling and unlearning one must do to get there can be excruciating and exhilarating. If we are to walk entirely within our Divinity and not our ego, or not of other’s fears and projections towards us, it will take courage.

I had to check back in with myself. This past weekend I went back to re-read my own published books and many writings. One, to be sure if I still saw it fitting for others to take a read from its messages, and two, to see if any hypocrisies existed. So many changes have taken place in my life, I had to be reassured that my healing work I give to all of you is still God’s will and meaningful.  Yet most of all, I hope all of you who are reading this are finding hope in such a hopeless time. My prayer is that you find the leaders, teachers, healers, or even friends who are giving you the truth about who you are and about this world. A close friend of mine shared with me that she came across healers and teachers close to her new home in California over the weekend. It had been her prayer that she and her husband find their tribe in their new area, and they did. The tribe of people she found were stationed within a swap meet, teaching and giving Reiki sessions for free. I envisioned people communing and loving on each other within the welcoming atmosphere. I was so happy for my friend that her manifestation of needing to find her tribe happened so quickly.


My faith and happiness rest wholeheartedly in these kinds of stories. I know that what and whom we need in our lives are here, simply waiting for us to arrive. We are by nature and design, peaceful people. We are only angered by the injustices designed to oppress and abuse us or prevent us from achieving our life purpose. Staying in peace is God’s way of sheltering us from this world. To engage in energy outside of peace is to momentarily disconnect from the love God has for our lives. Do not be swayed; do not give in to a life of seemingly struggle and pain. If God is for us, who can be against us? Keep your peace, keep your faith, and follow the path before you!

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