Kate Winslet. in Collateral Beauty this Christmas

Winter 2016 Magazine We can guide you to the answers you need... SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER INSIDE Kate Winslet in Collateral Beauty this Christmas PLUS: Phoenix Rising, Earth Element, Hygge, Witch Balls, Stress Free Christmas, Reader Profiles & December Horoscopes. Image - Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Call our Credit Card Hotline 0800 138 8847 Calls cost 32.95 for 20 minutes 1.50 per minute thereafter Call Jim enter PIN 3151 Jim is a very experienced medium with a long established record in the Spiritualist church. He feels his own tragic life experience of losing his wife in childbirth has allowed him to understand others loss and their need for connection and closure. 2 www.bestmediums.co.uk Speak directly to a Medium 0906 112 0239 Calls cost 1.50 per minute plus your phone company s access charge All calls are recorded. Readings are for entertainment only. You must be 18 or over. Call Marcus enter PIN 9399 Marcus is a very experienced reader with strong spirit guide connections. He offers a refreshing and enthusiastic approach with real empathy and warmth, which has made him very popular with clients who consult him. Call Martyn enter PIN 3322 Martyn is a mature and experienced reader. As a medium, he is fully confident in his work and comes across as compassionate but authoritative. He is tremendously clear and articulate in his delivery leaving the caller feeling much clearer about complex issues. Call Paula enter PIN 5454 Paula is an experienced medium who has taught folk how to connect to the art of mediumship. She has done a lot of public and police work to reveal hidden secrets. Paula is a gentle soul and will guide you in times of need, both passionately and with empathy. Call Julie enter PIN 3123 Julie has a wealth of experience as a medium, through her strong connections to the spirit world and her gifts of clairsentience and clairaudience; she can give tremendous comfort and reassurance with messages from loved ones. Call Mariah enter PIN 1881 Mariah has worked as a platform medium in the Spiritualist church, as well as working on her own spiritual development she has taught others to do likewise. Mariah has a wealth of learning and experience behind her and her goal is to guide you in whatever way she can. Call Mavis enter PIN 1010 Mavis is an experienced medium clairvoyant, who guides her clients in making decisions to achieve positive outcomes in all aspects of their lives. Clients, who have lost family or friends to the spirit world, come to her for comfort and strength to cope. Call Ruth enter PIN 2022 Ruth has devoted her life to spiritual development, as a medium Ruth works closely with her angel guides to affect change in the lives of her callers. Her total dedication and sincerity is immediately apparent to all who speak with her. Customer Care: 01133 847099. More Mediums are available - visit www.bestmediums.co.uk Contents WINTER 2016 4 6 8 10 11 13 Christmas Offer To celebrate the season we are offering a special credit card rate - but it is only open to our loyal clients, who subscribe to our magazine Earth Element The element of Earth is the subject, receptacle and mother of all living things. It is the basis and foundation for all of the other elements. Reader Profile - Martyn In this issue, Martyn explores the meaning of life and what you can do to ensure you stay on the right path. Let it go Christmas can be a very stressful time of the year, so we give you tips on how to achieve a hassle free Christmas and New Year. Collateral Beauty Kate Winslet, Will Smith and a host of other stars are our pick of the movies this Christmas. Showing that when tragedy strikes, we are all connected. Horoscopes As December develops and Christmas comes nearer, there is a definite change of atmosphere on the way, as might be expected, with the seasonal spirit around. Kate Winslet - Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com Editor s letter Welcome to the December issue; firstly I would like to draw your attention to page 4, where we have a Christmas loyalty offer, exclusively for magazine subscribers. The offer is available from the 15th - 31st December, so why not give yourself an early Christmas present? It is not unusual to ponder the meaning of life at this time of year, and so we check in with Martyn who had this question and more from a very early age... Our movie review of Collateral Beauty, also deals with the poignant topic of life and how you move on when tragedy strikes. When you start decorating the house for Christmas, your baubles may just remind you of witch balls, which we explore on page 5 - it might inspire you to purchase a modern day version for a friend. If you find the holiday season a bit much at times, then turn to page 7 where we look at Hygge, the Danish way to take small pleasures in life. Or you may prefer a more direct approach to getting through the to-do list in Let it Go on page 10. This time of year is a season for renewal and rebirth, so if you feel like you could do with making some life changes, don t wait until New Year, make like the Phoenix and rise up now! Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of the team at Best Mediums. Charlotte www.bestmediums.co.uk 3

To celebrate the season we are offering a special credit card rate, which is only open to our loyal clients who subscribe to our magazine. From the 15 th to the 31 st December 2016, a 20 minute credit card reading will cost just 27.95 You can use the discount code as many times as you like during the offer period. Saving you 5.00 on every call! To use the offer, call Freephone 0800 138 8847 & Quote CHRISTMAS16 Witch balls are quite similar to Christmas baubles in look, but they have actually been around for over 600 years. They were incredibly popular during the Victoria era, where higher quality glass was hand blown to produce a refined glass orb. If you were lucky enough to discover one in an antique shop you would expect the glass to have been hand blown and as such small imperfections and an uneven surface would demonstrate its age, it would feel heavy and would have an aged metal mount and loop used for hanging. Many replicas were later made, so these are some of the things that would let you be sure the item had some age to it. It is thought that many of the early witch balls were crafted in the Nailsea Glassworks in Somerset, which was considered to be one of the finest glassworks in the UK and as such were a major influencer on the art glass movement in the UK and abroad. But just why would people purchase witch balls in the first place? Well, quite simply they are used to protect against evil, this could be in the form of black witches, ill health, bad fortune as well as harmful spells The balls would be hollow globes, often of coloured glass and the pieces were placed inside the home, often in an east window to ward off and absorb negative energy and to trap malevolent spirits. There are a number of legends about the mystical orbs depending on the era: Mystical Witch Balls We would like to wish all of our customers a Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year Some thought that the swirling colours of the ball attracted and mesmerised evil spirits, causing them to touch the glass, once they did their spirit energy was trapped into the webbed strands of the blown glass, thereby stopping their evil doing harm in the surroundings. Another thought is that witches themselves were trapped in the sphere for the rest of eternity, and therefore could no longer do harm to anyone. Others feel the balls act like a magnet, the ball itself represents good energy, and when it finds its negative counterpart (evil energy), it draws it in like poles of a magnet. The offer is available 9am - Midnight, between 15 th and 31 st December inclusive, 27.95 for the first 20 minutes, 1.50 per minute thereafter. At all other times the cost will revert to normal: 32.95 for the first 20 minutes, 1.50 per minute thereafter. 4 www.bestmediums.co.uk Witch balls are still made today, although they may be marketed with different names. They make very good housewarming gifts. Often they are used at an entry point of the house, such as at the front door to keep the occupants safe. Something to remember: it is considered bad luck to sell a witch ball on, and equally the breaking of a ball could release trapped negative spirit energy that had been kept inside! So treat them with care www.bestmediums.co.uk 5

The Power of the Elements Earth Season: Direction: Symbol: Colours: Governs: The element of earth is the subject, receptacle and mother of all living things. It is the basis and foundation for all of the other elements. Winter North Salt, rocks Green Fertility, money, prosperity, knowledge, grounding, and growth Working with Earth Earth is a nurturing, receptive, solid element and is often thought of as the foundation for all the other elements, providing all nature with nourishment and shelter. We are interacting with earth all the time, whether we are at home, surrounded by the earthly materials that built it, nourishing our bodies with its food, or running on the earth s surface. The earth element grounds and stabilises us so when you are feeling scattered or disorientated in life, the earth s energy should provide you with a sense of peace and order. Strive to accept and nurture yourself and allow the element of earth to bring you closer to your true you. There are many things you can do to truly connect with the power of earth, but the best thing you can do is get out into nature. Some people benefit from connecting to the solid physical nature of the earths structure by walking or running on the earth barefoot, feeling the support of the immovable nature of the element. Many people also find they can enrich their lives through gardening. Embrace the great outdoors and tend to your garden or plant some root vegetables. Potatoes, carrots or turnips are all regarded as grounding crops and can increase your personal earth energy. Earth personalities You may have heard somebody described as earthy before. These types of people engage with life through their five senses, and blend in with their natural habitat. Earth is associated with the star signs Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo, those born under the earth element tend to be trustworthy, loyal and reliable, making them great friends and partners. Earth personalities are very sensual and tend to process things using each and every sense. They could certainly appreciate a fine wine or good meal more than most. Because of their love of stability, earth people aren t big risk takers and don t tend to respond well to change. They can be very cautious and sometimes sluggish in their lifestyle, tending to have sedentary and inactive habits. Earth personalities may be drawn into hands on careers or work that allows them to interact with nature. Farming, engineering, construction or design jobs would all play to their strengths. The element of the earth can truly enrich your life if you learn how to harness its power. 6 www.bestmediums.co.uk Getting Hygge with it, Danish style. Have you heard of Hygge, pronounced heurgha - well, it is a Danish concept, it doesn t really have a direct translation but is about taking pleasure in the small things in life - gentle soothing things. It is the difference between a so so day and a special day. It could be as simple as burning a candle, having freshly brewed coffee, or spending time with those you love. It is easy to dismiss this idea as just another lifestyle fad, but the Danes have actually been embracing hygge since the 18th century, it is only now with a wave of new books that they are trying to spread the word on what it means to a wider audience. Hygge in essence is enjoying life s simple pleasures. Studies do show links between feeling gratitude and our overall wellbeing. Perhaps Denmark being voted the happiest country in the world on a regular basis has a lot to do with how they integrate hygge into their everyday lives If you want to learn more then there is a best-selling book on the subject: The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well by Meik Wiking who just happens to be the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. Penguin who published the book says You know hygge when you feel it. It is when you are cuddled up on a sofa with a loved one, or sharing comfort food with your closest friends. It is those crisp blue mornings when the light through your window is just right. Here are some small ideas to bring hygge into your life: Prioritise the people you love and care about, strengthen your relationships and spend quality time together. Let petty squabbles go, be affectionate, let those you love have no doubt of your thoughts for them. At home think cosy, cosy, cosy - make your living spaces warm and inviting - low level lighting, natural materials, candles, throws, rugs... Try to keep things uncluttered and relaxing. (In Europe Danes burn the highest amount of candles per head). In the kitchen it is about being mindful, but eating without guilt. Think comfort food, rather than clean eating. It is about having a little bit of what you fancy, whilst savouring and enjoying what you are eating. www.bestmediums.co.uk 7

I guess most people throughout the ages since well before the pyramids, and the very first human life walked the Earth have asked these questions: hy am I here? hy are we here? hat is the purpose of my life? hat s it all for? hat s it all about? Many people ask these questions, some seek to give their life purpose by obtaining material wealth and possessions, things that make them feel artificially happy, this is often the glue that holds their lives together. But I feel that if we have been given a life - isn t it best to get the maximum from it? If we need glue to hold our life together we must accept sooner or later that this may not be the right way forward for our own soul journey. by Reader Martyn PIN: 3322 From a young age I questioned what is this life stuff all about? I saw my mother, father and grandmother go to work, have their evening meal, go to bed, wake up and then do it all again, apart from a holiday every year or two and some days out I thought this seems a lot of hard work and effort just to exist. It was a very simple and humble sort of life but I felt there just had to be more behind it than that! This really confused me as a child, I noticed that other children were not concerned at all in this concept and even most adults did not seem very interested and it was never mentioned or taught at school - how strange I thought to myself I asked my teachers, but they just said that I asked too many questions and that I should go and sit down and stop looking out of the window day-dreaming. But the thought stayed with me, that there had to be more to life than this. As I grew older I put all questions relating to the meaning of life to the back of my mind, as like most young men my life was full of other activities like work, my car and socialising. It is not unusual for those in their mid-twenties to start to ask the same questions again, and I was no different. This thought process might be triggered after a failed relationship or some negative or even positive experiences in life. Their mind is pushing them to follow their intuition and soul pathway. Nearly all of the spiritual teachings throughout the ages will say follow your intuition and you can t go wrong, it will lead to a much happier and enriched life. But how can we connect with our inner soul voice without the need to meditate for hours on end or go to a spiritual retreat for six months? The answer is so easy and straightforward; try this method at home yourself: Take 5 or 10 minutes to be still, calm and meditate, at a time to suit you, pick your favourite room and make sure you are not disturbed. Talk in your mind and send out your sensible question, the more important the question the better. One question at a time tends to work best unless questions are connected with each other. Talk in plain English and explain the question as if you were talking to a close friend, write the question down - and request an answer. Please do not expect an instant answer, most people give up when they don t get the expected instant reply. It can take a number of days. But at some point you will literally get a brain wave telling you the answer or solution to the problem, at this point send thanks for the message. Messages usually arrive when we least expect it and when your mind is still and free, you may be watching the television, gardening, cooking a meal, just an activity where your mind can wander. When you get your answer, write it down as soon as possible, most replies only last a few minutes and sometimes they are forgotten easily. Date and time the reply for future reference and of course, keep it safe. Sometimes the reply will say you are doing the right thing and should continue, often it s there to just simply fine tune our lives, in other cases it s a shout to tell us what we already know and avoid the situation at all costs. You can use this for any questions relating to love, finances, happiness - anything really. Think of it like you would type a search on the internet, instead you are connecting to your own home page, your very own spiritual website within you! Using this method will allow you to begin to connect with your inner self, your soul and your own natural intuition. If you are well adrift from your soul purpose your intuition will start to bring you back on the correct pathway, similar to a ship being brought back on course after being adrift. Remember no experience is ever wasted unless you think of it as a complete negative, good always comes from bad. Your soul and intuition are connected, access this and you will be much closer to your inner-self and begin to grasp the essence of life and to be much more content and happy. So it s all there for you, enter this new lovely world full of joy, ambition and satisfaction. www.bestmediums.co.uk 9

Just Let it go... The chances are if you have young children in your family, in the last few years you will have sung along to the Disney song from the famous film Frozen called Let It Go. I bring it up, because it is a fantastic mantra for the holiday season. To quote another song, It s the most wonderful time of the year, but of course in reality for many of us things are far from jolly and bright: dealing with work deadlines, Christmas parties, packed shopping centres, feuding relatives and more So, just how do you achieve a hassle free Christmas and New Year? Don t think everything will be perfect - it won t be, and nor does it need to be! Have realistic expectations If you are not a great cook, then don t imagine Christmas day dinner for 12 is going to be the day you will turn things around! If you have a busy period at work, don t make commitments every night that will wear you out before the season has really got going Don t forget to factor yourself in when making plans. It is easy to make arrangements with everyone else in mind, but at the end of the day you will feel resentful that you have not spent your valuable time off doing anything that you want. Pick days where you please other people - by going where they want or doing what they want, but schedule time in for you and your family where no one else will be setting the agenda. Pick your battles! Spending a day with relatives - is not always easy, especially with blended families and spending time with people you do not see on a regular basis. But today is not a day to address what wrongs your parents did when you were growing up, or to raise sibling rivalries. Or to argue with the dodgy relative who insists on asking inappropriate questions If you genuinely have issues that have to be resolved pick a more neutral private time to deal with them. For everything else - count to ten - keep calm, and carry on! Ask for help - very often, women in particular will take on more than their fair share of work. Cleaning the house from top to bottom, buying and writing the cards, shopping and cooking, buying and wrapping all of the presents, dressing the tree & house, making the social arrangements, all the time whilst likely dieting to fit into that new little black dress Stop - ask for help and accept help. Just like at work - it is okay to delegate, the chances are each person has favourite things they like to do anyway. Lastly, remember - that trying to change someone else is generally fruitless, but you can change how you react to a person or situation. In others words - Let It Go THE BEAUTY IS COLLATERAL THIS CHRISTMAS Unusually for a big film with a star-studded cast there hasn t been a huge amount of information released about the movie - Collateral Beauty, which is out in the UK on the 26th December, but from what I have read I think it is set to be a poignant tear-jerker. Will Smith plays a once-successful businessman, having suffered a terribly personal tragedy; he falls into a deep depression. His friends played by Edward Norton, Kate Winslet and Michael Peña rally around him, but even with their support and a passing of time he is unable to move forward. At this point with no clue as to what to do, he begins to write things down. He writes letters, but they are not too anybody, but are written in the abstract to things like time, love and death. The surprising twist in the film without giving too much away is that they write back! Helen Mirren plays death, Jacob Latimore is time and Keira Knightley stands for love Naturally his character is sceptical at first, but gradually he is led by the spirit forces, in order that he can get back on track in his life. The film s Director is David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada), and many are saying that this is his spin on the iconic film It s A Wonderful Life, only time will tell if it can live up to that loved movie. In essence the film looks at the ways that even in the darkest moments of life and in loss, elements of beauty can be found. It is about the realisation that a life fully lived, is to experience the constants that are love, time and ultimately death. If you are impacted by any of the themes in this film, then remember that the team of Best Mediums readers are here to guide you throughout the whole holiday season. Don t hesitate to get in touch Movie poster image - Warner Bros 10 www.bestmediums.co.uk www.bestmediums.co.uk 11

The Phoenix Rising The Book of Enoch says that phoenixes are bird-like angels, in terms of rank they would sit alongside cherubim (these angels keep records of God s work; they establish how to carry out the Divine plan) and seraphim (these angels are sometimes referred to as the burning ones, they are thought to be the closest to God, and their red colour represents their burning love for him). YOUR HOROSCOPES BY Chrystalyte The mythical Phoenix is often associated with the sun, around every five hundred years the phoenix will feel death upon him; he will build a funeral pyre in which to immolate himself. But shortly after he will rise from the ashes (hence the phoenix rising), fully restored! As such the phoenix is the perfect symbol for Christmas time, as he represents immortality, resurrection and regeneration. But the phoenixes message should not just be of a rebirth in the hereafter, but a message of fresh starts and life beginning anew in the here and now. Occasionally we will experience tragedy in our lives, it could be a death, an accident or illness It doesn t necessarily have to be something or somebody that is related or close to us, it can be something shocking in the world - a death of a loved celebrity, a natural disaster But these events have a way of making us take stock of our lives. We say to ourselves that we won t sweat the small stuff, that we will be thankful for what we have got as there are so many worse off than ourselves. But of course, human nature being what it is - everyday life gets in the way, and often our renewed energy fades. The phoenixes message is to not wait for something bad to happen, but to remind us to appreciate life every day and to be present in the here and now. We should grab life by the hands and take up every opportunity, and make changes even if they scare us - move jobs, go on holiday to a faraway destination, start a new relationship - whatever scares/excites you in equal measure The phoenix is seen as an elusive bird of paradise, but the message is clear - grab your bit of paradise now, don t wait for tomorrow - start writing your new life chapter today! As December develops and Christmas comes nearer, there is a definite change of atmosphere on the way, as might be expected, of course, with the seasonal spirit around. It is a little like a running race with the planets, where Mercury picks up a practical Capricorn focus from Venus. And Venus emphasises the busy, inspired activity of Aquarius, that Mars will lose through a new focus on Pisces around the 19th. That is also the date when Mercury turns retrograde, enforcing a slow down and/or review of processes and old strategies. This all adds up to a need to get to grips with practicalities whilst moving towards a closer connection of some kind, especially on the spiritual and humanitarian fronts. 12 www.bestmediums.co.uk

ARIES TAURUS GEMINI LIBRA SCORPIO SAGITTARIUS Whilst Mars in Aquarius may assist kindling the flame with various old friends at this time of the year, Mars then moves on into Pisces from the 19th, suggesting you may also appreciate having some space to yourself for a while. Aries often gives a lot at Christmas, but remember it is fine and fair - to receive, as well! Venus s continued path in Capricorn at December s start shows you right at home with the practical, down to earth sides of festive arrangements. It could all get a bit more abstract from around the 7th, when Venus enters the sign of Aquarius, but maybe that s no bad thing. Remember: sometimes a different approach brings more fun and freedom with it. Whatever you aim to keep or set in place during the first fortnight of December, you can be pretty sure the pattern will change all by itself from around the 19th, when Mercury turns retrograde in Capricorn. The wonderful message is that you don t have to over-organise anything or anyone; events will have a magical way of working themselves out. A pattern in place for a time, which may have served you well, could need to change soon. Venus will be moving into Aquarius on December 7th and, as the famous Water Bearer is actually a fellow of yours from the Air sign element, some things could soon go faster and even more smoothly than anyone might ever have imagined! December is not a month for trying to force anything if the sign of the Scorpion holds a key place in your chart. Pluto, the planet that governs Scorpio, continues to plod through Capricorn and makes minimal contact with other planets now which is another way of saying wait until the dust settles and others are ready to lend support. Jupiter s passage through Libra continues smoothly, often assisted by other planets, making your life sunnier and progress with plans easier now. Jupiter growth can be tough sometimes but most of what happens around the 2nd, 9th and 25th should be positive. The period around the 26th, when Uranus shakes things up, looks more complex, but will likely affect others, too. CANCER LEO VIRGO CAPRICORN AQUARIUS PISCES Whatever you are heading towards, something looks bound to come to a head around the 14th December full Moon. There may be a need for earlier adjustments, with a Pisces half Moon on the 7th; the cue is to notice the flow and move with it. A new Moon at month s end coincides with a thunderbolt from Uranus changing direction. Confusion could be rife, with the Sun awkwardly linked with hazy Neptune. But do not lose hope, since a lot could come right around about the 9th, when the Sun is much more kindly connected with the beneficent planet Jupiter. There are also largely positive connections on the 10th, 12th, 27th, 28th and 30th - plenty coming to smile about! Knowing that others principles are in line with yours can add a creative boost and help progress. Where they are not, however, change is needed as may become clear from Mercury s December 19th retrograde turn. Aim to enjoy any festive activities and relax. A change of direction by Uranus on the 29th could bring a surprise opportunity or offer. With Saturn in Sagittarius, there continues to be a square peg and round hole scenario somewhere in the life of many a Capricorn. However, prompts to make changes sometimes have to be quite powerful for cosmic goats to take a leap of faith to fresh pastures. Events around the 10th or 25th could help make a new path clearer. If a breath of fresh air is needed in some department of life, the opening for that is now on the horizon. Uranus will move to forward motion on December 29th, five months from its retrograde swivel. With Jupiter and Uranus in opposition on the 26th, too, a massive turning point lies ahead. You must decide which way suits you. With Neptune in Pisces you could be said to hold the aces, but it may not feel that way when Neptune is at odds with the Sun as December opens. Whatever obstacle you are faced with, it is something you can get through or around with a creative approach. The 10th, 27th and 30th are dates for especially positive progress. 14 www.bestmediums.co.uk www.bestmediums.co.uk 15

Need to connect to your past? Have you lost a loved one? Or do you feel lost? < > Talk to a Medium now! 0906 112 0239 Pay via your phone bill. Calls cost 1.50 per minute plus your phone company s access charge. Credit Card Payments 0800 138 8847 Pay via credit card. Calls cost 32.95 for 20 minutes 1.50 per minute thereafter. Meet our spiritualist mediums. Who will you call for your psychic medium reading? Jasmine 5115 Mary 5055 Jasmine is a special medium with special abilities, including clairvoyance and clairsentience. Because Jasmine has such amazing insight she has become one of the team s most popular readers. Her spirit is gentle and authoritative but also compassionate and gracious. Jasmine will be direct and specific in her answers. Call her if you dare! No time to ring, just TEXT instead Text MEDIUM and your question to 84184 1.50/reply, 18+ only + standard text rate (max 3 replies) *. Get 10% extra with Pre-Pay Quick & easy, 24/7, 365 days a year. No waiting, No receptionist. Get 10% free bonus minutes when you top up 60 or more. Check on-line availability www.bestmediums.co.uk Mary is a lovely Irish woman who has a real charm about her. She has natural gifts of mediumship and healing. She is a qualified Bowen and EFT therapist. However, Mary prefers to work with angel and spirit guides in her work to affect change and healing in her callers lives. Mary gets right to the heart of any situation ensuring her clients get clear insightful information. 10% All calls are recorded. Readings are for entertainment only. 18+ or over. Customer Care: 01133 847099. *Text service provided by Psychic Light. PO Box 435, Sittingbourne, ME9 0WB.