Meditation Tools

Sage Smudge

The use of sage smudge sticks is based in Native American tradition and can help to cleanse and purify your environment. These smudge sticks are made from natural botanicals and are mostly used for cleansing spaces such as homes. In addition to their metaphysical cleansing properties, these natural botanicals also have an amazing, calming aroma and are perfect for use in soap-making, crafts, scented sleep pillows and more. Our sweetgrass braids are used in conjunction with smudge sticks in purification rituals, especially to welcome in positive energies after a cleansing ceremony has been performed.

Instant Karma2020-06-09T14:39:25+00:00

How to Find Inner Peace

Peace is an essential element of happiness. Many people say they are searching for happiness, but what they are truly seeking is inner peace, an underlying sense of calm and quiet strength that remains no matter what upheavals might appear in life. In this blog we'll talk about how to find inner peace. People who can access this place regularly, find they can embrace change and go with the flow of life easier. Not only that, they find themselves more open and receptive to opportunities and willing to take chances. Joy, like sorrow and anger, all tend to be fleeting and

Instant Karma2020-06-08T21:25:11+00:00

Meaning of the OM Symbol

The OM or AUM symbol is widely popular and seen today on everything from tattoos to home décor. It is chanted by many during yoga classes and meditation, but how many truly understand the depth of meaning embodied in this simple symbol and chant? OM has its roots in very ancient history, with references to it found as far back as the 2nd millenium BCE. It has ties to all ancient Indian religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The sound of OM is considered in many cultures to be the most sacred sound there is. It embodies all things, and

Instant Karma2020-06-08T23:57:02+00:00

Symbols of Healing

Throughout the ages and across many cultures, healing symbols have been used to promote wellness on all levels. They elevate our vibrations and draw therapeutic, transformative energy. In nearly every culture, there is a belief in a universal spiritual energy that we can access. This universal life force energy goes by many names – chi, prana, the holy spirit, but the essence is the same. It is the life force energy that ties all together and flows through and around us. It can be invoked to protect, purify and heal. Energy healing practices like Reiki use special symbols to represent various

Instant Karma2020-06-09T16:24:57+00:00

5 Must Have Spiritual Tools

Here are 5 must have spiritual tools: Many people choose to create a space in their home that allows them to reconnect spiritually, a personal oasis or spiritual sanctuary, where it's possible to release the cares of the world and reconnect with Spirit. Creating a personal space for quiet reflection is a great way to enrich your life with a higher sense of purpose and meaning. Every sanctuary is highly personal, but there are several tools that can enhance the receptivity and positive energy of any sacred space. 5 Must Have Spiritual Tools Prayer Banners A prayer banner is a simple,

Instant Karma2020-06-10T15:27:12+00:00

Palo Santo

The Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens) grows in various regions of South and Central America. Palo Santo has been used for centuries by Shamans for its wide array of healing benefits. The Spanish translation for this tree is literally “holy wood”. The branches and bark are burned in ceremonies to promote healing and also for purification and protection against evil spirits and energies. One of the most intriguing things about Palo Santo is that it is 100% sustainable. The wood is harvested using only branches and twigs gathered from the ground; no trees are felled in the process. In Ecuador,

Instant Karma2020-06-09T17:29:11+00:00

Best Ways to use Candles in Ceremonies

From ancient times to modern; candles have long been a staple with many uses. Candlelight provides a special ambiance that enhances the energy of any space. Candles can soothe the mind and spirit after a long day at work, or add a touch of romance to any dinner. Lit candles can be festive at parties, or they can enhance the power of spiritual rituals and ceremonies. They can turn a regular bath into a spa treatment and are life savers in emergencies when the power goes out. With so many uses; they are by far one of the best tools

Instant Karma2020-06-22T19:04:00+00:00

Finding Your Sacred Space

Finding your sacred space within is easier when you take the time to create a harmonious area in your home dedicated to spiritual practice. It can be as simple as a small corner in one room. The only thing that is required is to have a spot that is quiet and free from clutter and outside distractions. This is your place, an oasis of sorts, where all the cares of the world fall away when you enter. Think of it as a unique refuge created just for you – because it is, and over time it will become a living part of you. When you allow

Instant Karma2014-08-26T18:50:54+00:00

Incense for Protection

Incense is a timeless tool for any spiritual practice. One of it's most popular uses, is using incense for protection. It has been used since ancient times, throughout many of the worlds traditions for purification purposes. Incense is believed to cleanse and consecrate sacred spaces, removing negative energies and allowing the higher spiritual vibrations to flow in. Incense is a simple and inexpensive way to enhance your spiritual practices and welcome protective, harmonious energies into your home. It comes in a variety of forms. Cone and stick incense are the most popular varieties. Cone incense tends to have a shorter

Instant Karma2020-06-21T16:43:53+00:00

Mala Beads

Mala Beads, also known as prayer beads, are part of ancient Buddhist and Hindu tradition, dating back as far as the 10th energy. They can be used for the simple recitation of prayers during meditation, or to help reinforce positive mantras that promote personal growth and transcendence. Mala beads are strung and formed into a loop and often have a tassel at the end. The strands that hold malas together symbolize the thread that connects all life. Malas are commonly made with 108 beads to correspond with Buddhist teachings. In traditional Buddhism, the 108 worldly sins (kleshas), are derived from the six senses multiplied by 3

Instant Karma2020-06-10T16:02:12+00:00

Prayer Flags: What They Are and How to Use Them

Prayer Flags have a long history, dating back thousands of years. They are associated with Tibetan Buddhism but some historic sources say they are much older. According to tradition, prayer flags are believed to carry prayers and positive intentions on the wind, and are used to attract peace and harmony in both the home and community. It is said, the prayers of the one who places the flags are carried out to the universe with every touch of the wind. Prayer flags are imprinted with sacred mantras and images. They come in sets of five, each with a different color. The

Instant Karma2014-07-30T17:38:08+00:00

Healing Pendulums

Healing Pendulums are beautiful, come in a variety of shapes and are made from many different materials. Although most recognize them as tools of divination, they serve a variety of purposes. They are used to amplify energy, communicate with the collective consciousness and higher self, and can also assist in energy healing work. Learning to work with a pendulum is not difficult, all it requires is a bit of practice once you connect with, and properly calibrate it. To effectively use a pendulum, you need to be grounded and focused on full and present awareness. It is an almost meditative,

Instant Karma2020-06-10T16:27:21+00:00

Singing Bowls Make a Beautiful Gift

Instant Karma Asheville, we believe singing bowls make a beautiful gift. We offer a wide variety of singing bowl sets and they are among our most popular items. These beautiful, handcrafted bowls make a great gift for any occasion. Singing bowls are meditation tools that come from Tibetan tradition. When the rim of the bowl is rubbed by the wooden mallet it helps place the brain in a meditative state. The bowls produce sounds on the same alpha wavelength found in the brainwaves induced by meditation. Singing bowls aren't just for meditation either. They provide sound therapy and are used

Instant Karma2020-06-10T17:12:12+00:00

The Importance of Meditation

Meditation is both simple and complex. It is easy to start, costs little to no money, and is highly customizable. It is also life-changing and illuminating. A regular meditation practice will open your mind, body and spirit to a whole new level of understanding, healing and experience. Often, this involves some growing pains, but the final result is worth it. Many starting out with meditation come into the practice with little understanding of exactly what it is and how it works. There are many styles of meditation, something for everyone. The key is practice and patience. Start small and increase

Instant Karma2013-08-19T18:30:58+00:00

Spring Into Success

On the heels of the spring equinox, The New Age Source wants to provide you with resources to greatly enhance your lifestyle. A season of hope, rebirth, and the reemergence of life in nature, spring is the ideal time to start on your path to personal fulfillment. Many embrace success as a fundamental pillar of growth. They believe that once they have achieved success, whether it be monetary, love or another of life’s great joys, that they will indeed feel complete. When seeking success it is first important define success according to your individual wants, needs, and beliefs. Personal fulfillment varies

Instant Karma2013-04-01T17:45:26+00:00

Singing Bowls-Center the Body

Singing bowls have been used for centuries as a tool to center the body and mind during meditation. Although there is little written history on singing bowls, Tibetan oral tradition dates them to the time of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava brought them from India to Tibet approximately 2,500 years ago. There is an aura of mystery and secrecy that surround singing bowls. Many Tibetans say it is forbidden to talk about the bowls. Numerous legends state that powerful lamas would use singing bowls and their intense sound vibrations in secret rituals to evoke spiritual contact and astral

Instant Karma2013-03-15T19:36:30+00:00

The Master’s Tool – The Mala

Mala Rose Quartz and Iolite with Lotus A mala is a string of beads used for meditating and chanting a mantra or prayer in sets of 108 repetitions, to train the spiritual self. The use of beads in prayer is believed to have originated in India in the 8thcentury. Presently, more than two thirds of the of the world’s population use some form of prayer beads in their sacred rituals and religious practices. The most common malas come in strands of 27, 54 and 108. A mala comprised of 27 beads must be chanted upon for four revolutions

Instant Karma2013-02-25T22:38:39+00:00