Category: Spirituality

Manifestation as Modern Self-Help

Manifesting your desires and dream life has become big business.

I recently purchased access to an app by an influencer I follow, who describes herself as a manifestation expert and high priestess. After trying one of her affirmations, I had a small but striking experience, I repeated the affirmation in my mind and moments later notice a £10 note lying in the road ahead of me.

Experiences like that are captivating. And to be fair, I enjoyed her content. The affirmations felt, at their core, like positive self-talk, a way of directing attention and shaping internal dialogue.

But the app itself raised ethical concerns that quickly overshadowed any initial curiosity.

When Intuition Says No

After entering personal information about my dreams, wishes, and desires, I was prompted to type in the name of a specific person I wanted as a partner. My instinct was immediate and clear: don’t do it. Yet I overrode that instinct, entered the name, and felt regret almost instantly. I deleted the app the next day.

That moment has stayed with me.

On a personal level, it highlighted something I am still working through, the tendency to act against my own internal knowing. To feel a clear “no” inside, but respond with a “yes” externally. I understand this as a pattern shaped by conditioning, trauma, and neurodivergence. It is a vulnerability, and one I am learning to take more seriously.

The Ethics of Influence and Consent

On an ethical level, it raised a more fundamental question: should products like this exist at all?

With experience in yoga, tantra, and esoteric traditions, I am familiar with practices that aim to influence outcomes. At a basic level, we can all understand how attention, belief, and behaviour shape reality. But understanding how something works does not make every application of it ethical.

For me, the line is clear: consent and autonomy must come first.

Practices that involve focusing on or attempting to draw a specific person into your life, whether through writing their name, visualisation, or other techniques, risk crossing that line. They shift the focus from mutual connection to unilateral desire. From relationship to acquisition.

Even if one does not interpret these practices literally, psychologically they reinforce a mindset that prioritises control over connection. That alone is worth questioning.

Attachment, Projection, and Control

There is also a deeper issue beneath this. When desire becomes fixated on a particular person or outcome, it often narrows perspective. It is driven less by clarity and alignment, and more by attachment, projection, or unmet needs. Acting from that place rarely leads to something grounded or sustainable.

I believe that what and who is meant for us will unfold through alignment, not force.

No amount of manifesting or ritual can override the fundamental reality that relationships require mutual willingness. What we can shape, however, is ourselves, our awareness, our choices, our actions, and the way we show up in the world.

In that sense, manifestation is not about control. It is about alignment.

Dharma, Trust, and Letting Life Unfold

I also hold the view that life has an underlying order, whether one calls it God, nature, or something else entirely. From that perspective, trying to impose our will on specific outcomes, especially when they involve other people, can be seen as a form of interference. Acting from a limited viewpoint, rather than trusting a broader intelligence. In yogic terms, this moves away from dharma.

A more grounded and ethical approach to manifesting is inward rather than outward.

To cultivate health, resilience, discernment, compassion, and clarity. To develop self-respect and integrity. To align thoughts, words, and actions with those qualities. From that place, life tends to organise itself in ways that are more stable, reciprocal, and meaningful.

And importantly, it leaves space for others to meet us freely, rather than being pulled into a narrative we have already written for them.

Overriding Ourselves Less

This experience reminded me of the importance of listening to instinct. That initial moment of resistance was not confusion, it was clarity.

So perhaps the real practice is not manifesting more, but overriding ourselves less.

Being more attentive. More honest. More willing to pause when something feels off, even if it is presented as normal, popular, or desirable.

There is a difference between creating a life and trying to control one.

It is worth knowing which one we are doing.

With love,
Karmic Rebelle

The importance of having a consecrated space to undertake sādhana is something to consider — something tangible that connects you to God.

In the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali — one of the foundational texts of the Yoga tradition — Īśvara is mentioned several times, and its meaning has long been the subject of reflection and debate. Some scholars interpret Īśvara as a personal deity, others as a special kind of consciousness, and still others as anything that holds deep spiritual significance for the practitioner.

Rather than a rigid definition of “God,” Īśvara can be understood as a transformative force or guiding presence — a principle that assists the yogin on the path to liberation. It represents the aspect of consciousness that remains untouched by suffering (kleśa), karma, the fruits of actions (vipāka), or the impressions stored in the mind (āśaya). It is the ever-pure, unaffected Self — the inner divinity that transcends the fluctuations of life.

Īśvara-praṇidhāna, devotion and self-surrender to God, is one of the core methods in Yoga for attaining enlightenment. What this sutra asks of the yogin is not blind worship, but the surrender of the ego — the offering of one’s actions, fruits, and identity into the vastness of the Divine.

It is important to remember that in this context, “God” is not separate from life itself, but the essence that connects all beings. Īśvara is the supreme consciousness — not the individual soul, but the universal Self.

Union with God is the real Yoga.

But how do we become one with what is nameless and formless — what remains beyond the reach of thought?

In Yoga, Īśvara may also be experienced in personal terms: as a deity, symbol, teacher, mantra, or even a presence that holds spiritual meaning for the individual. It is both the unfathomable source of all things and the tangible something that helps us connect to that source.

Patañjali offers Om — the primordial sound — as one such catalyst. Yet, there are many ways to find that space of connection, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

The Power of a Consecrated Space

This brings me to the transformative power of a consecrated space — not just a physical location, but a spiritual sanctuary that elevates your practice and deepens your connection with the Divine.

In Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda fondly remembers his attic room in his family home, where he first practised kriyā yoga and meditated. Later, when he moved to his teacher’s ashram, he found himself once again with an attic room — a blessing he saw as the Divine Mother’s way of providing the perfect environment for his communion with God. From a young age, Yogananda’s most fervent desire was to experience God directly.

Having a special place for spiritual practice is essential and profoundly effective on a metaphysical level.

When you dedicate a room in your home to spiritual practice — and return to it daily for prayer, meditation, āsana, prāṇāyāma, or kriyā — a particular energy begins to build. This subtle vibration supports and strengthens your inner work over time.

Have you ever noticed that when you enter a temple, there is an immediate sense of calm — a stillness that makes you want to pray, meditate, or light a candle? That is the power of consecration. Spaces imbued with devotion and spiritual intention radiate serenity, carrying the energetic imprint of years of practice and prayer.

Similarly, when your personal practice space becomes charged in this way, you can return to it at any time — even in your imagination. Simply visualising that space can reconnect you to the Divine presence you have cultivated there.

My Space of Prayer

Our altar stands on the east side of the room. It holds objects of deep personal and spiritual meaning — yantras, crystals, pictures of gurus and deities, feathers, wood, and other elements from nature.

Each morning, I sit before it to consecrate the day: expressing gratitude for life, offering the fruits of my actions to the Divine, asking for guidance, and sending blessings to those I love.

When I practise āsana, I move on my mat before the altar; when I practise kriyā, prāṇāyāma, or meditation, I sit facing it. Over time, this space has witnessed both the depth of my devotion and the shadows of my ego. It is here that I have come to know God.

When I step out into the world, challenges arise — anger, disappointment, fear — yet returning to this space, even inwardly, restores my balance. Whenever I feel unsteady, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine sitting in front of my altar. Almost instantly, I feel enveloped by love and peace, even if only for a brief moment.

And that is what we seek: more and more moments of absolute truth and connection.

Finding Your Īśvara

A consecrated space for sādhana can be one form of Īśvara. A Guru can be another. A Guru — a self-realised being who has experienced the direct perception of God — serves as a living bridge between the human and the Divine.

Even a photograph of one’s Guru can awaken that inner connection. For me, there have been countless moments when merely recalling my Guruji’s face brings me into a state of infinite stillness.

We all have something that opens the door to the Divine — something that makes the vast universal presence feel near, tangible, and real.

Īśvara, whether experienced as a personal God, a sacred space, or the quiet inspiration within, is what helps us transcend māyā and return home to the Source.

May you find your Īśvara, and may you always find your way back home.

— Karmic Rebelle

“Caitanyam ātmā.”
Consciousness is the Self. — Shiva Sūtras I.1

The opening aphorism of the Shiva Sūtras points to the heart of self-realisation: our true nature is pure consciousness. In everyday language, you could say: the more we become aware and refine our energy, the more fully we recognise who we really are.

What is self-realisation?

Self-realisation isn’t merely “knowing who I am” or “finding my purpose.” It’s a transformative process that aligns us with our soul’s purpose — the highest aim of human life. It rises beyond basic needs and desires and orients us toward a deeper understanding and direction.

The Shiva Sūtras teach that spiritual awakening depends on the level of our consciousness and the clarity of our energetic expression.

Yoga’s map of consciousness and energy

Yoga offers a structured view of consciousness and energy. The chakras are a key part of this system.

Think of a chakra as a spinning vortex with many spokes. The spokes act like antennae — receiving and emitting specific patterns (frequencies) of consciousness. Like a radio, the chakras attune to universal signals and broadcast them through your energetic system via sub-chakras and nāḍīs (channels/meridians).

Signal, receiver, and noise

The original transmission from Source is clear — one sound, one story. What you receive depends on the condition of your apparatus (chakras and nāḍīs): how open it is, whether energy can flow unobstructed, whether it must reroute, or whether the signal cuts out or becomes static. At times the transmission can be distorted or hijacked, producing a message quite different from the Source.

Each chakra resonates at a different frequency and reflects distinct modes of consciousness. In foundational yoga we study seven primary chakras, each linked to key aspects of living on earth.

Example: Anāhata (Heart)

Anāhata relates to unconditional love. The universe continually transmits: love is abundant; we are of love, from love, and to love; love cannot be lost.

But, depending on our inner conditioning (fear, jealousy, control), our receptors may misread the signal: love is scarce, must be controlled, and I am unworthy. That internal misreading travels through our system and out into our actions — self-harm, self-rejection, controlling or jealous behaviours in relationships.

Karma, choice, and vibrational clarity

Many factors shape our consciousness and energy. We are born with certain karmic patterns (a baseline of consciousness), life events add layers, and our choices either clarify or cloud our vibration over time.

This is not about “good versus bad” — it’s about clarity versus distortion, coherence versus fragmentation. Everything is energy. All living beings are manifestations of the same universal energy, vibrating in unique patterns that give rise to different forms.

Attunement: becoming an open channel

To connect with universal frequencies we must attune to those vibrations — to be an open, receptive channel. Our thoughts, emotions, actions, and behaviours all shape our vibration. When we indulge in low-vibration patterns, we draw in and reinforce experiences that match them. When we cultivate high-vibration qualities — love, gratitude, compassion, clarity — we experience lives that mirror those states.

The entire universe is within us. A low-vibe inner world projects a low-vibe outer reality. A coherent, elevated inner world is mirrored by an elevated outer life. The broadcast we receive depends on our tuning; the broadcast we emit shapes our reality.

“Things that wreck your vibe”

I don’t need to list every vice. We each know what helps or harms us, and in what quantities. This isn’t about applauding some behaviours and condemning others. I’ve met abusers who meditate for hours, visit temples, perform seva, and cultivate siddhis — yet their inner corruption distorts their practice and power. Conversely, some people are damaging themselves (cigarettes, cocaine, chaos), yet still shine with a striking luminosity.

The point: vibration is not reducible to external habits alone. It is shaped most deeply by our inner world — our honesty, intention, and the actions that flow from them.

The engine of elevation: self-enquiry

Direction matters. Self-enquiry (ātma-vichāra) reveals where our thoughts and feelings are pointing and what actions they produce. Honest enquiry lets us face our shadows and our strengths, align with truth and the Divine, and live that truth openly — regardless of others’ opinions.

Consider Jesus: he lived and proclaimed his truth to the end.

None of this excuses the long-term effects of alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, or chaotic sex. Over time, these lower vibration and fragment the field. But context matters: if I smoke daily to numb pain I stagnate energy; if, very occasionally, I use something in a conscious setting to relax or deepen meditation, it may momentarily expand perception. Ultimately, sustained elevation demands coherence, not loopholes.

“Jñānaṃ bandhaḥ” — Knowledge as bondage

Shiva Sūtras I.2 states “Jñānaṃ bandhaḥ” — “knowledge is bondage,” meaning limited or constricting knowledge binds us. When studying energy and raising vibration, our enquiry must be unbounded by rigid dogma. Many religious forms constrain; clung-to concepts can become cages. (A larger discussion for another time.)

How do we raise our energy?

• Relentless self-enquiry (honest, compassionate, unflinching).
• Align inner and outer (let behaviour match truth).
• Clear the apparatus (practices that open, stabilise, and purify the system: breath, meditation, mantra, ethical living, trauma-informed healing).
• Choose coherence daily (what truly nourishes clarity, love, and presence).

And that’s it.

With love.

Karmic Rebelle

My daily use of Turmeric as part of a Vedic remedy, a traditional healing practice rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, has been nothing short of transformative. The fast-working effects I’ve experienced in just a few days are astonishing. Whether applied on my skin or ingested, Turmeric consistently delivers incredible results. A recent instance of using it on my skin for a few days resulted in a cheerful temperament and a bright smile, a stark contrast to my previous struggles with anxiety, depression and emotional instability. This transformation instils a sense of hope and optimism about the potential benefits of Turmeric.

Turmeric in Spirituality

In the context of spirituality, Turmeric holds significant symbolism. In India, it is associated with the life-giving and positive aspects of the sun. In Hinduism, it symbolises prosperity, fertility, and purity. Its use in auspicious rituals such as ‘Haldi’ weddings, where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for blessing and protection, further underscores its deep-rooted spiritual significance. This connection to India’s profound cultural and spiritual heritage can make us feel more connected and rooted.

Turmeric in Ayurveda, an ancient and scientific system of natural healing, is believed to contain many medical properties and is called “Jayanti,” one that is victorious over diseases.

Haldi ka doodh (turmeric milk) is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for sleeplessness, digestion issues, congestion, headaches, body aches, and more. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that is full of antioxidants that are beneficial to the body and brain.

Turmeric is associated with Jupiter, the guru planet in Vedic philosophy, and includes yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology says Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. Applying turmeric paste to the centre of the forehead can bring beneficial effects and blessings from the guru. The effect can amplify when combined with ritual and specific times and dates, bringing even more healing, benefit, and prosperity.

Turmeric is believed to attract wealth and dispel negativity. For its auspicious effects, it has been used traditionally in ceremonies, healing, and home remedies.

Vastu Shastra is the Vedic version of Feng Shui. One vastu remedy suggests tying a lump of turmeric in yellow or red cloth and placing it in a safe place to relieve financial difficulties. Combining Turmeric with sacred symbols like the swastika is believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Another belief in Vedic astrology is that adding Turmeric to water will bring good luck and prosperity.

Turmeric for Mental Health

The active ingredient in this golden spice is curcumin, which is used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. Research suggests that curcumin can be a beacon of hope for conditions associated with anxiety and depression, offering a potential path to improved mental health.

Turmeric, with its adaptogenic properties, is a holistic powerhouse. It can cater to the body’s needs, providing cooling and warming effects. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it a versatile remedy for various health issues, from stomach complaints to skin conditions. This comprehensive understanding of Turmeric’s benefits empowers us to holistically take charge of our health, instilling a sense of empowerment and control.

Although there isn’t enough scientific research to back the fact that Turmeric can benefit mental health, studies of curcumin in animals suggest that curcumin affects serotonin and dopamine, changes the parts of the brain that respond to stress and protects against damaging mitochondria. Curcumin also helps to improve brain health and reduces degeneration in Alzheimer’s. It increases DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) in the brain and liver and helps to reduce anxiety.

Whether used as a warm drink mixed with milk, in bath water, directly on the skin, or as a supplement, it’s essential always to consult your GP when combining natural remedies with prescribed medication. This practical step ensures you’re making informed decisions about your health and safety.

The use of Turmeric can be traced back 4000 years. It continues to offer incredible physical and mental health benefits. It is believed to provide powerful esoteric benefits to spiritual seekers.

May you find health and happiness on your turmeric journey!

With love.

Karmic Rebelle

As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves paint the world in warm splendour, nature invites us to embark on a spiritual and mental renewal journey. This transition offers an ideal opportunity to focus on mental health and embrace autumn healing practices that nurture the soul. Autumn gently reminds us, “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go,” allowing us to cultivate mindfulness that enhances our seasonal wellness. In this piece, we will explore healing practices that empower you to harness the beauty of fall, providing mental wellness strategies and wellbeing tips that inspire personal growth and spiritual awakening. Let us embark on this transformative journey together, welcoming the season’s wisdom and warmth into our hearts.

Embracing Autumn’s Transformation: Seasonal Wellness Preparation

As autumn unfolds, preparing for a season of introspection and rejuvenation is essential. Begin by acknowledging the natural shift and how it is reflected within your spirit. Create a sanctuary at home with cosy blankets and warm lighting to promote a peaceful environment. This is the perfect time to deepen your mindfulness in autumn by establishing a routine that supports your mental health. Practice gratitude daily, reflecting on the beauty that surrounds you. Incorporate autumn healing practices such as meditation and yoga to ground yourself, nurturing both body and soul. Engage in activities that resonate with the season’s rhythm, like journaling or mindful walks amidst the falling leaves. These practices are not merely about maintaining seasonal wellness but are steps toward embracing transformation. Remember, as the trees let go of their leaves, we can release what no longer serves us, creating space for new growth and possibilities.

Mindfulness in Autumn Practices

Autumn is an ideal time to cultivate mindfulness, allowing you to connect deeply with the present moment. Begin by engaging in mindful breathing exercises, which can be practised anywhere — whether enjoying a cup of tea or walking through a park. Focus on each inhalation and exhalation, releasing stress with every breath. Another way to enhance mindfulness in autumn is through nature meditation. Find a serene outdoor spot to sit quietly, observing the changing scenery with wonder and gratitude. Reflect on Lao Tzu’s wisdom: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Apply this calmness to your daily life, easing anxiety and fostering mental wellness. Additionally, consider keeping a gratitude journal to note moments of beauty or kindness each day. These practices enrich your spiritual journey and bolster your mental health, helping you navigate autumn’s transformation with grace and presence.

Spiritual Healing Techniques: Autumn Healing Rituals

Autumn healing rituals uniquely align with the season’s introspective energy, promoting spiritual and mental wellness. You can start by creating a simple yet meaningful ritual that resonates with you. This could involve lighting a candle each evening to symbolize reflection, inviting peace into your space. Consider practising a weekly gratitude ceremony, gathering natural elements like leaves, pinecones, or acorns and reflecting on life’s abundance. This ritual connects you to nature and enhances spiritual growth. Another powerful practice is journaling under the moonlight, harnessing the lunar energy to release emotions and set intentions. These autumn healing rituals encourage you to embrace the season’s quiet wisdom. Integrating these practices will foster a deeper connection with yourself, enhancing your mental health and spiritual wellbeing during this transformative time.

Empowering Mental Wellness Strategies

Additionally, priorities that bring joy and fulfilment, whether painting, cooking, or any creative outlet that speaks to your soul. Regular physical activity, such as yoga or tai chi, promotes endorphin release, boosting mood and reducing stress. Integrating these strategies into your daily life will cultivate resilience and enhance your wellbeing in autumn’s transition with renewed empowerment and hope.

Cultivating Positivity Through Change: Wellbeing Autumn

As autumn unfolds its tapestry of change, incorporating wellbeing into fall can help you maintain balance and positivity. Start by embracing the season’s slower pace, allowing yourself to rest and reflect. Create a nourishing routine with proper nutrition, focusing on seasonal foods like squash, apples, and root vegetables that warm and energize your mental health and wellness and ensure you stay hydrated even as temperatures drop. Carve out time for regular exercise that aligns with your interests, such as hiking or indoor wellness, to keep your energy levels steady. Additionally, practise digital detoxes and wellbeing, setting aside specific times to disconnect from screens and fostering deeper connections with yourself and those around you. Engage in creative activities that inspire you, whether writing, painting, or crafting. By integrating wellbeing tips, you’ll adapt to autumn’s changes and thrive, cultivating positivity and resilience in your journey.

Spiritual Growth and Reflection

Autumn’s serene beauty presents a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection. As nature transforms, so too can our inner worlds. Begin this journey by setting aside time for quiet contemplation, allowing yourself to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Consider maintaining a reflective journal to document your insights, dreams, and aspirations. This practice not only clarifies your path but also deepens your wellbeing. Embrace the art of letting go — a lesson nature teaches so beautifully. Release old habits or beliefs that no longer serve your highest good, allowing new perspectives and growth. Engage in activities that nurture your spirit, such as meditation, prayer, or reading inspirational texts. These practices enable you to connect with your inner self and the universe, fostering a sense of peace and purpose. By embracing spiritual growth and reflection, you align with autumn’s transformative energy, enhancing your journey toward positivity and enlightenment.

With love.

Karmic Rebelle