The Role of Intuition: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern NeuroScience

INTRODUCTION

We’ve all had those gut feelings - that quiet nudge or whisper that tells us to pause,

reach out, turn left instead of right, or take a leap we weren’t planning. For centuries,

mystics and healers have trusted these inner voices as guidance from the divine or the soul. But in our modern, logic-driven world, we’ve been taught to favour the rational mind and dismiss the intuitive one.

For the longest time, I did exactly that. I ignored that gut feeling because I believed my brain knew better. I wanted to do things my way and in my time. But what I began to realize was that this often meant learning harder lessons, delaying the inevitable, and making things much more difficult than they needed to be. The outcome would usually be the same… so why was I making it harder?

This blog explores what intuition really is - from both a scientific and spiritual

perspective - and how learning to trust that quiet inner voice might be one of the most powerful things we can do.

THE SCIENCE OF INTUITION

Modern neuroscience is beginning to validate what ancient traditions have always

taught: that intuition isn’t just a mystical idea - it’s a real, measurable process in the body and brain.

• Pattern Recognition & Subconscious Processing: The brain is constantly gathering and analyzing information beneath the surface of awareness. What feels like a “sudden insight” is often the result of your subconscious recognizing patterns your conscious mind hasn’t caught up to yet.

  
  

• The Gut-Brain Connection: The enteric nervous system (the “second brain” in your gut) communicates directly with your brain via the vagus nerve. This is why we literally “feel it in our gut.”

  
  

• Somatic intelligence: Your body holds memories and wisdom. It often reacts before your brain has a chance to process what’s going on - like the tightening in your chest before something goes wrong, or a sense of peace around someone who’s good for you.

  
  

• Heart-brain coherence: Research from institutions like HeartMath shows that the heart sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. Intuitive decisions often arise from this heart centered space of coherence.

  
  

THE SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE

In spiritual traditions across many cultures, intuition is seen as sacred - sometimes

described as the voice of the soul, higher self, ancestors, or even the divine. It’s an

internal compass that doesn’t require proof or logic but guides from a deeper place of knowing.

Over time, I started to trust that little voice. I couldn’t shake it - even when I tried to

ignore it. And when I finally started listening, everything changed. I realized I was saving so much time and energy by just trusting. Even more than that, it felt good - like I was finally on my own team instead of constantly fighting myself.

One of the clearest examples for me is when my mind feels scattered. My intuition will gently suggest, “Take 10 minutes. Breathe. Meditate. Centre yourself.” And often I’ll argue - “I don’t have time,” or “I’ll just power through.” But I always regret ignoring it. I either get overwhelmed, unproductive, or burnt out. When I do listen, even for 10 minutes, I come out feeling clear, calm, and suddenly I know exactly what to do next.

It reminds me of my youngest daughter. She’s got that same independent streak. If I tell her what to do, she resists. But reverse psychology? Works almost every time. I recognize that part of myself in her - that resistance to being told what to do, even if the advice is spot on. And yet, when the choice comes from within - when it feels right - she’ll go all in. That’s intuition in action.

BRIDGING THE GAP

So how do we bring these two worlds - spiritual knowing and scientific understanding - together?

It starts with recognizing that intuition is not irrational. It’s simply beyond the conscious, linear part of the brain. It draws from our biology, our experience, and something even deeper - call it soul, source, or spirit, whatever resonates with you.

When you learn to trust your intuition, you’re aligning both your inner world and your

nervous system. You’re moving from reactive thinking to embodied knowing.

Here are some ways to cultivate and strengthen intuition through both lenses:

• Mindfulness & breath work: Quiet the mind to hear the subtle cues
  

• Body awareness (interoception): Learn the language of your body’s wisdom

  
  

• Meditation: Build space between thought and insight

  
  

• Journaling or automatic writing: Let the inner voice speak without censorship

  
  

• Spiritual tools: Oracle cards, pendulums, synchronicities, or dreams can help bring intuitive messages forward or clarify them

CONCLUSION & TAKEAWAY

You don’t need to earn your intuition or be spiritually enlightened to access it. It’s already within you - it always has been. The more you listen, the stronger it gets, just like building muscles. The less you question it, the more you’ll find that it was right all along.

TODAY'S REFLECTION:

• Where have I ignored my intuition because logic seemed louder?

  
  

• What’s one small way I can start listening again?

Try this: The next time you feel that nudge - pause. Breathe. Ask, “What would happen if I trusted this?” And just see what unfolds.

Citrine: The Crystal of Creativity and Clarity

INTRODUCTION

There’s a piece of citrine that lives permanently on my desk. I don’t keep it there because I think it magically writes blogs for me - but because something about it helps me show up. When I’m feeling foggy, distracted, or doubtful, I hold it, breathe, and it’s like the static clears. Ideas start to flow again. It’s become my quiet writing companion - an amplifier, not a magician.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND CITRINE

While science doesn’t (yet) confirm that crystals emit mystical energy, there are a few grounded reasons citrine can affect how we feel:

• Color Psychology: Citrine’s golden-yellow hue is tied to joy, optimism, and mental clarity. Studies show that coloUrs like yellow stimulate the brain, supporting focus and creative thinking

  
  

• Sensory Anchoring: Holding a smooth crystal engages your senses and helps ground you in the present moment - similar to other mindfulness tools

  
  

• Symbolic Activation: Our brains respond to symbols. When you associate citrine with abundance or creativity, it becomes a tangible cue that shifts your mindset - thanks to intention, repetition, and even the placebo effect

  
  

• Piezoelectric Properties: Like all quartz, citrine may generate a small electric charge under pressure (a real phenomenon used in technology). While subtle, it adds to the idea that this crystal interacts with energy

THE SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE

Metaphysically, citrine is often called the “Stone of Abundance” and the “Merchant’s Stone.” It’s linked to:

• The solar plexus chakra, your centre of confidence, clarity, and action.

  
  

• Creativity and personal power, especially in areas of work, leadership, and expression.

  
  

• A mindset of positivity and flow, helping dispel self-doubt and stagnation.

  
  

• Manifestation energy, especially related to prosperity, inspiration, and aligned momentum.

It’s also believed to be one of the few crystals that doesn’t absorb negative energy, making it “self-cleansing” in energetic terms.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Whether you see citrine as a spiritual tool or simply a symbolic anchor, the results can be surprisingly real.

• Placing citrine in your workspace helps train your mind to associate that space with creativity, focus, and abundance.

  
  

• Its colour and texture engage both your sensory and emotional responses, helping shift you into a more productive state.

  
  

• And belief matters - what you believe influences your thoughts, and your thoughts shape your reality. If a crystal helps you feel more confident, more present, more inspired… that’s real enough.

  
  

WHERE CITRINE COMES FROM & COMMON FORMS

Natural citrine is relatively rare in the mineral world. Most citrine on the market is actually heat treated amethyst or smoky quartz - still quartz, still energetic, just transformed.

Natural citrine is found in:

• Brazil (the most abundant source)

  
  

• Madagascar

  
  

• Russia

  
  

• Spain

  
  

• The USA (notably Colorado)

  
  

  Common forms include:

  
  

• Raw or natural points, often pale yellow to smoky gold

  
  

• Tumbled stones, for pouches or meditation

  
  

• Polished towers and spheres (often heat-treated, but beautiful and vibrant)

  
  

• Jewelry, where it’s worn close to the body to enhance confidence and creative energy

  
  

HOW TO TELL NATURAL FROM HEAT-TREATED CITRINE

Most citrine on the market is heat-treated amethyst, which has a distinct look and feel:

Colour Differences

• Natural citrine: Pale yellow, honey, or smoky gold with soft, even colour

  
  

• Heat-treated citrine: Bright orange, reddish-gold, or burnt amber, often with uneven coloration and a white base

Crystal Shape & Formation

• Natural citrine tends to be more subtle, with point formations and gentle colour.

  
  

• Heat-treated citrine often appears in amethyst-style geode clusters with colour concentrated at the tips.

Tell-Tale Signs

• Thermal fractures or bright orange tips? Likely heat-treated.

  
  

• Even, soft colour and no purple or white base? Possibly natural.

  
  

• Price too good to be true for its size and clarity? Likely treated.

CONCLUSION

Citrine doesn’t do the writing for me, but it reminds me that I’m capable of creating something meaningful every time I sit down. It holds a certain lightness, a creative pulse that nudges me forward. Whether you see it as a spiritual tool or a symbolic anchor, citrine can be a beautiful companion when you need clarity, confidence, or a spark of inspiration.

The Power of Crystals: Energy, Intentions, and How to Work with Them

INTRODUCTION

Crystals have long been valued for their beauty and energetic properties, but the true power of working with them comes from your intention. While each crystal carries a unique vibration, it’s the energy you put into it that creates meaningful results.

Let’s explore how we determine what crystals do, the most popular ones and their uses, how to cleanse them, and how to incorporate them into your daily life.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT CRYSTALS DO?

The meanings and uses of crystals are based on a combination of tradition, observation, and personal experience. Some of the ways we understand their properties include:

• Color and Composition – The colour of a crystal often corresponds with energetic associations. For example, green stones like aventurine and jade are linked to the heart chakra and emotional healing, while black stones like obsidian and tourmaline are protective and grounding.

  
  

• Scientific Properties – Some crystals, like quartz, have measurable vibrational frequencies. Quartz, in particular, is used in watches and electronics because it can store and transmit energy.

  
  

• Ancient and Cultural Wisdom – Different cultures have observed how certain crystals influenced energy and well-being over thousands of years.

  
  

• Personal Experience – Ultimately, your connection to a crystal is what matters most. If a certain stone resonates with you, trust your intuition!

THE MOST POPULAR CRYSTALS AND THEIR USES

There are countless crystals to explore, but some are more commonly used for specific intentions:

• Clear Quartz – The “master healer” that amplifies energy and intentions

  
  

• Amethyst – A calming stone for meditation, intuition, and spiritual growth

  
  

• Rose Quartz – The stone of love, encouraging self-love and emotional healing

  
  

• Citrine – Linked to abundance, confidence, and motivation

  
  

• Black Tourmaline – A protective stone that absorbs negative energy

  
  

• Lapis Lazuli – A stone of wisdom, communication, and inner truth

  
  

• Carnelian – Boosts creativity, passion, and motivation

  
  

• Selenite – Cleanses energy and promotes spiritual clarity

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANSING CRYSTALS

Crystals absorb energy from their surroundings, so regular cleansing helps reset them. However, not all crystals can be cleansed the same way - some are water-soluble, while others may be damaged by salt or sunlight.  Always research your specific crystal before cleansing to ensure you choose a safe method.

Here are some common cleansing techniques:

• Smoke Cleansing – Pass the crystal through the smoke of burning sage, palo santo, or incense

  
  

• Moonlight – Leave crystals under the full moon to recharge them

  
  

• Sound – Use singing bowls, chimes, or even clapping to clear energy

  
  

• Water – Some crystals, like quartz, can be rinsed in water, but others (like selenite and malachite) can be damaged by moisture

  
  

• Salt – Burying crystals in salt can help draw out stagnant energy, though some softer stones should avoid this method

  
  

• Other Crystals – Selenite and clear quartz can cleanse other stones simply by being placed nearby

HOW TO WORK WITH CRYSTALS

Once cleansed, you can use crystals in many ways, always keeping intention at the forefront:

• Set an Intention – Hold your crystal and focus on what you want to manifest, whether it’s love, protection, or clarity

  
  

• Carry Them – Keep a small crystal in your pocket or wear it as jewelry for continuous support

  
  

• Place Them in Your Space – Positioning crystals in different rooms can shift energy (e.g., black tourmaline near the front door for protection)

  
  

• Meditate with Them – Hold a crystal while meditating to deepen focus and connection

  
  

• Use Them in Rituals – Incorporate crystals into journaling, manifestation, or spiritual practices

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE POWER IS IN YOU

Crystals are beautiful, fascinating, and can serve as powerful tools - but their real magic comes from the intention and energy you bring to them. Whether you believe in their metaphysical properties or simply appreciate their beauty, working with crystals can be a meaningful way to enhance mindfulness, self-reflection, and personal growth.

What’s your favourite crystal, and how do you use it?