Carol Macrae, MIND-BODY-MAGIC: Hypnosis, Reiki & Essential Wellness

17/02/2026

17/02/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

Kimmy Hanson, Raelene Dess, Karen Anderson

Thank you for being a part of my circle.
❤️🙏❤️

17/02/2026

✝️ ASH WEDNESDAY
THE BEGINNING OF LENT
HISTORY, FAITH & DEEPER MEANING 🙏

Today is Ash Wednesday, which follows Shrove Tuesday also known as Pancake Day. This is he first day of Lent for many religions, a 40-day period leading up to Easter that has been observed for many centuries as a time of reflection, simplicity, and inner realignment.

🤔 WHERE ASH WEDNESDAY COMES FROM 📜

Ash Wednesday has its roots in ancient Jewish and early Christian traditions, where ashes were used as a powerful symbol of:
Humility
Mortality
Repentance
Letting go of ego
Returning to what truly matters

In the Hebrew Scriptures, ashes were often associated with repentance and reflection, a way of acknowledging impermanence and realigning one’s life with deeper values.

By around the 4th century, Lent had been formally established within Christianity as a 40-day period of preparation before Easter, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness in fasting, reflection, and prayer.

Traditionally, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday were made by burning the palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, creating a meaningful cycle of renewal, remembrance, and continuity.

When I was a kid we would go to Sunday School at the Church of England Sunday School a couple of blocks from home in North Dubbo every Sunday. On Palm Sunday we always lived making those little palm tree crosses, but if course had no real understanding of the deeper significance. This is one if the reasons I’ve looked into the deeper meaning.

Although it was all a but mystical, the words often spoken on this day were:
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

This was never intended to be morbid or frightening.
It was a reminder of perspective, humility, and impermanence, and an invitation to live more consciously and intentionally.

✝️ WHO OBSERVES ASH WEDNESDAY?

Ash Wednesday is a Christian observance, but it is not observed by all Christians, and it is not celebrated in Judaism or Islam.

It is observed primarily within Western Christian traditions, including:
• Roman Catholics
• Anglicans (including the Anglican Church of Australia)
• Lutherans
• Methodists
• Presbyterians
• Some other Protestant denominations

In these traditions, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.

Eastern Orthodox Christians do not observe Ash Wednesday.
Instead, they begin Lent on Clean Monday and do not use ashes, although their Lenten practices can be very strict and deeply reflective.

Judaism does not observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. However, the symbolism of ashes used in Ash Wednesday comes directly from ancient Jewish scripture, where ashes were a sign of repentance, humility, and returning to God.

Islam does not observe Ash Wednesday or Lent either, but it has its own profound traditions of fasting, reflection, charity, and spiritual discipline, such as Ramadan.

This is one of the beautiful things about studying history and religion. While the rituals differ, many traditions share common human themes of:
Reflection
Self-discipline
Letting go
Renewal
Returning to what truly matters

🌿 WHAT LENT REPRESENTED HISTORICALLY

Lent was never just about food.

While fasting often included abstaining from meat, dairy, and rich foods, Lent was also about simplifying life as a whole.

People were encouraged to step back from excess, distraction, and indulgence, and to focus instead on:
Reflection
Prayer or contemplation
Charity
Self-discipline
Inner growth

Across cultures and spiritual paths, we see this same rhythm repeated throughout history. Times of abundance and celebration are followed by times of restraint and reflection.

❤️ HOW CAN THIS SERVE US TODAY?

Even for those who don’t observe Lent religiously, Ash Wednesday carries a universal message.

It invites us to ask:
What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
What habits, thoughts, or emotional patterns am I ready to release?
What truly matters at this stage of my life?

In a fast-paced, overstimulated world, Ash Wednesday offers something quite rare.
Permission to pause.
Permission to reflect.
Permission to reset.

Whether through prayer, meditation, journaling, or simple quiet awareness, this day reminds us that real change does not always begin with action.

Sometimes it begins with stillness.

Hope you enjoyed this deeper look at the history and meaning of Ash Wednesday as we move through this season together.

Love & Blessings,
Carol xo ❤️🙏❤️

🔗 carolmacrae.com P: 0413346637
Change Your Mind - Change Your Life!

❤️

17/02/2026

🥞 PANCAKE DAY / SHROVE TUESDAY
A LITTLE HISTORY & A LOT OF MEANING 🙏

The year is already flying through and who would have thought we missed an opportunity to have pancakes for breakfast yesterday on Pancake Tuesday!

I saw an article and thought I’d share a bit about this tradition. I used to teach Sunday School when I was 15, but would say I am an more spiritual rather than religious, as I have studied many religions over the years, and have found that there is something valuable in all of them, whith a common thread of treating others the way we would like to be treated. So this year I’m going to try to stay on top of things and share a little about lots of different areas because I feel that knowledge brings tolerance and understanding.

Pancake Day is also known as Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday which is today, and this is the beginning of Lent.

Many of us grew up knowing Pancake Day as something fun, but it actually has a long and fascinating history that’s worth remembering.

🤔 WHERE SHROVE TUESDAY COMES FROM 📜

The word shrove comes from an old English word meaning to confess or be prepared.

Shrove Tuesday dates back to at least the early Middle Ages (around the 8th to 10th centuries) and was a day of spiritual preparation before Lent.

By around the 4th century, Lent had already been established as a 40-day period of reflection, fasting, and renewal leading up to Easter.

During Lent, people traditionally fasted from what were considered rich or luxury foods, including:
Meat
Eggs
Milk
Butter
Cheese
Animal fats

WHY PANCAKES? 🥞

In medieval times, food couldn’t be stored easily. Eggs and dairy would spoil, so families needed to use them up before Lent began.

Pancakes became the most practical and popular way to do this, especially in England.

While the religious day itself is over a thousand years old, the name “Pancake Day” appeared much later, around the 15th to 16th centuries, when pancakes became strongly associated with Shrove Tuesday.

In other cultures, the same day is marked differently:
In France, crêpes
In many Catholic countries, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday
All reflecting the same idea of using up abundance before a simpler season begins

🙏 A MEANING THAT STILL MATTERS

Beyond food, Pancake Day symbolises something deeply human:
• Clearing out before moving forward
• Preparing for change
• Letting go before renewal

Across cultures, religions, and spiritual paths, there is a shared understanding that life moves in cycles. There are times to gather, enjoy, and celebrate, and times to pause, simplify, and reflect.

Pancake Day marks that turning point.

✝️ TODAY BEGINS ASH WEDNESDAY

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and a day traditionally dedicated to reflection, humility, and realignment.

I’ll share more about Ash Wednesday shortly, but for now, it’s nice to remember that these traditions form part of the rich, multicultural, multifaith tapestry that connects us across generations.

They remind us that slowing down, letting go, and choosing what truly matters has always been part of our human story.

So when we have our regular pancakes every weekr d in our house this coming weekend, I’ll be thinking a out the deeper meaning, as we get closer to Easter and our bunny pancakes will have everyone hopping around!

Hope you enjoyed that little bit of history!

Love & Blessings,
Carol xo ❤️🙏❤️

🔗 carolmacrae.com P: 0413346637
Change Your Mind - Change Your Life!

16/02/2026

💜 Our next Reiki Level 1 & 2 will be held in Dubbo on March 14th & 15th. 🙌

Learn more on our Event Page:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/16eu3jzGZd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Or book your placement on my website at carolmacrae.com.

Namasté
Carol 💜🙏💜

16/02/2026

🧧 WELCOME TO THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE ❤️🐎

Today we step into a brand new Lunar Year, and with it comes the powerful, dynamic energy of the FIRE HORSE.

This is not a quiet or passive year.

This is a year of movement, courage, truth, and forward momentum.

The Horse never stands still for long, and when combined with the Fire element, this year carries passion, intensity, inspiration, and a strong call to live authentically.

🔥 WHAT THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE MEANS

The Horse represents freedom, independence, confidence, and drive.
Fire adds enthusiasm, charisma, boldness, and transformation.

Together, Fire Horse energy encourages us to:
• Break free from limitations
• Speak our truth
• Follow our inner calling
• Take brave, heart-led action
• Reclaim personal power and direction

This year supports big decisions, bold changes, and stepping into your true path, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first.

It’s a powerful year for anyone who has felt stuck, restrained, or ready for a fresh chapter.

🌙 THEMES OF THE NEW LUNAR YEAR

This Lunar Year invites us to:
• Release old cycles and outdated identities
• Move out of fear and into trust
• Choose alignment over obligation
• Act from intuition rather than overthinking
• Restore passion, vitality, and purpose

It’s a year where energy responds quickly to intention, so clarity matters.

What you focus on, you fuel.

👶 BABIES BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE

Children born this year often carry strong, radiant energy.

Fire Horse babies may grow up to be:
• Independent and strong-willed
• Charismatic and expressive
• Natural leaders and innovators
• Adventurous and curious
• Passionate, sensitive, and emotionally aware

They tend to have big spirits and big hearts, and they thrive when encouraged to express themselves freely rather than being boxed in.

These children often arrive to change family patterns and inspire courage in others.

❤️ A GENTLE REMINDER FOR THIS YEAR

The Fire Horse asks us to balance passion with presence.

Move forward, but stay grounded. Be bold, but stay connected to your heart. Take action, but listen to your inner wisdom.

This is a year to trust yourself again.

🌱 AN INVITATION FOR CHANGE

If this New Lunar Year has you feeling like something needs to shift, not in a dramatic way, but in a deep, honest one
that’s often your inner wisdom calling you to do something different.

The Year of the Fire Horse supports forward movement, but it doesn’t ask you to push or force anything. Real change happens when the nervous system feels safe, when old patterns are released, and when you reconnect with your own inner direction.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, exhausted, or caught in the same cycles, this can be a powerful time to reset and realign, at your own pace.

I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation so we can simply talk, see what’s going on for you, and explore the best way to help you transition into a stronger, happier and healthier version of yourself.

Let the Year of the Fire Horse help you to release the past and step into a year of alignment and joy.

Book your free chat today!

🐎🔥❤️

Gong Xi Fa Cai
Happy Lunar New Year
Carol xo ❤️🙏🚪

🔗 carolmacrae.com P: 0413346637

Change Your Mind - Change Your Life!

16/02/2026

A huge day today!

15/02/2026

❤️ WHERE ARE YOU THINKING FROM? 🧠

Although both sides of the brain work together constantly, each hemisphere has slightly different strengths.

👉 LEFT HEMISPHERE
Often associated with logical, analytical and language-based thinking.

• logic thinking
• sequencing
• maths
• facts
• thinking in words
• planning

These functions are linked with conscious, deliberate thinking.
The left hemisphere also controls the right side of the body.

👉 RIGHT HEMISPHERE
Often associated with creativity, emotion and big-picture awareness.

• imagination
• intuition
• holistic thinking
• arts and rhythm
• nonverbal cues
• feelings and wmotions
• habits and patterns
• visualisation

The right hemisphere is more involved in imagery and emotional processing, which are important in subconscious work.
It controls the left side of the body.

Both sides are always communicating. We need both.

🧠 THE AMIGDALA - YOUR EMOTIONAL ALARM SYSTEM

The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain, part of the limbic system. You have two, one in each hemisphere.

Its role is to detect danger and attach emotional meaning to experiences, especially fear.

When it senses threat, it activates the fight, flight, freeze or submit response (sometimes called the fawn response in trauma psychology).

This happens automatically, before you consciously think. It is a quick reaction designed to keep you safe.

When we go into fight/flight, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, preparing your body to:

• increase heart rate
• send blood to muscles
• sharpen vision
• boost energy
• open airways

It’s brilliant for survival. But here’s the problem…

🧠 THE FRONTAL LOBES - YOUR RATIONAL BRAIN

Your frontal lobes (part of the prefrontal cortex) are responsible for:

• reasoning
• decision-making
• planning
• emotional regulation

When stress is mild, the frontal lobes help you respond calmly and logically.

But when stress feels intense, the amygdala activates rapidly and can reduce access to rational thinking.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman, in Emotional Intelligence (1995), called this an “amygdala hijack.”

In that moment:
• you overreact
• you say things you regret
• you can’t think clearly

Your emotional brain has temporarily taken over.

This response evolved to protect us from physical danger.

But modern life creates mostly psychological stress:
• relationship conflict
• financial pressure
• work stress
• trauma triggers

Your brain is reacting as if a tiger is chasing you, but this is not so helpful in our modern world while we are sitting at our desk, driving our car, raising a family or managing our money.

😃 THE GOOD NEWS - OUR BRAIN IS ADAPTABLE!

Through advanced hypnosis techniques, we can retrain the brain’s automatic response patterns, reduce old triggers, and strengthen emotional regulation.

When the frontal lobes stay online, you regain:
• clarity
• control
• calm
• choice

Energetically, in Traditional Chines Medicine, kinesiology and energy medicine, chronic stress patterns are often associated with imbalance between the Triple Warmer and Spleen meridians.

When the stress response settles down, the whole system recalibrates.

Mind, body and energy come back j to balance and everything connects!

Thats why I love the power of 5-PATH Hypnosis!

We take back control of the parts of the mind that were out of control, get to regulate our emotional reactions, change our habitual response and go from living our life in default to design!

🔗 carolmacrae.com
P: 0413346637

✨ Change Your Mind – Change Your Life ✨

15/02/2026

🚪 CHINESE NEW YEAR, THE LUNAR CALENDAR & THE 12 ZODIAC ANIMALS 🙏

Although we live in Australia, our country is beautifully multicultural. With roots reaching back to the gold rush of the 1850s, Chinese culture has long been part of our shared story.

In this article I explore the origins of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the 12 Zodiac animals, Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and what Chinese New Year truly represents.

From T’ai Chi to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this wisdom continues to inspire balance, renewal and connection.

👉 Read more here:
https://carolmacrae.com/chinese-new-year-the-lunar-calendar-the-12-zodiac-animals/

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! 🧧

Gōng xǐ fā cái
Wishing you happiness and prosperity.

Carol xo ❤️🙏

15/02/2026

The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac

13/02/2026

❤️ Chakra Balancing Treatments at Mind-Body-Magic 💜

🌈 Each chakra holds a part of your life story.

❤️ I am – safety
🧡 I feel – emotions
💛 I do – confidence and personal power
💚 I love – connection
🩵 I speak – truth
💙 I see – intuition
💜 I understand – wisdom

When they’re blocked or depleted, you might notice things like:

• low energy or fatigue
• anxiety or overthinking
• relationship struggles
• digestive or hormonal issues
• feeling stuck or unmotivated
• trouble speaking up or trusting yourself
• or just that sense that something isn’t quite right

That’s where Chakra Balancing can help.

In my sessions at Mind-Body-Magic, I gently combine:

✨ Reiki healing
✨ Hypnotherapy
✨ Energy medicine
✨ Nervous system regulation
✨ Subconscious clearing

So we’re not just “relaxing”…
we’re actually clearing the root cause.

When these centres are balanced, life flows. Clients often say they feel lighter, clearer, calmer and more like themselves again… sometimes after just one session.

It’s like hitting the reset button for your whole system.

If you’ve been feeling out of balance, overwhelmed, or carrying too much for too long, this might be exactly what your body has been asking for.

Sometimes all you need is space to reset…
to feel safe…
to come back to yourself.

That’s what Chakra Balancing sessions are for. These sessions are beautiful, calming… and often deeply transformational.

Your body speaks through energy. Reach out if you’d like to experience Chakra Balancing for yourself, or book your Balance today:
👉 https://carolmacraebookings.as.me/chakra-balance

Namasté
Carol xo 🙏

🔗 carolmacrae.com P: 0413346637 Change Your Mind - Change Your Life!

13/02/2026

💛 REIKI STORIES- FIGHTING THE DRAGON- CAROLINE 💛

When my husband Kim and I had Chizen Mind-Body Studio several years ago one of Tai Chi students who was also my Reiki student came down with pneumonia. She got worse and ended up with double pneumonia, on life support at Westmead Hospital.

When my friend opened her eyes and scribbled on a piece of paper "ring Carol", and handed it to her partner. He rang me and asked if I could help. I told him I'd send Reiki immediately and get all my students onto it.

When I rang my friend’s partner a few days later, he said that my friend had opened her eyes and was on the mend. He told her that he had rung me, and she said “yes, I know!”

Later my friend told me that while she was in that place between life and death, she saw herself fighting a dragon with a sword. She was so exhausted she couldn't go on and threw down the sword, falling to the ground.

My friend told me that in that instant, God scooped her up and cradled her in his arms. She told him that she was so tired, and couldn't fight any more, and asked if she could stay. God told her that it wasn't her time and that she still had so much to do and had young children to raise so she had to return.

My friend said "then God laid me down in the centre of a Healing Circle, and you were there. That's how I knew you'd done the healing!"

That's when she knew she would be alright.
It's funny but I hadn’t seen Caroline for about 10 years, but after writing this story in my notes so I could share it in the future, she phoned me a week later to say she is moving back to Dubbo. We have now reconnected and I’m so blessed to have one of my Reiki Family back in my life.

Just love how the Universe works!

I ❤️ REIKI❣️