Finally, Spring has arrived and the boots and coats can be put way! We all in our own way attempt a fresh start by doing some form of spring cleaning. But what if all the cleaning in the world still didn't get the 'real' clutter out? I am referring to all the nonphysical residuals we cannot see but definitely feel. We've all had an experience of walking into a restaurant, shop or someone's home and something just didn't feel right.

Perhaps you've bought a new house and it never felt like home. If you're renting a place for the summer you may feel as if you're living in someone else's emotional environment. And how about when an office, shop or restaurant location is deemed unlucky because whoever or whatever goes into that location fails? There are many factors that contribute to this situation.

Every environment acts like a sponge. So, whatever happens in a space leaves an imprint in that environment. Then whoever comes into the place is impacted to a greater or lesser extent depending on their circumstances in life and how much time is spent there.

If the people you rented or purchased your home from were happy and moved to a bigger home you inherit their good 'chi' or life energy. If the guy whose office you take over was fired, it doesn't bode well for your success. The same thing goes for sickness, divorce and bankruptcy. So how do we preserve the good and cleanse the less auspicious?

Cleansing of an environment or site is an ancient ritual that has been practiced in every culture. It was both a means of honoring the land and spirits as well and consecrating a sacred place.

The proverbial question...'which came first the___ or the egg?' Well no matter, the important thing is there is always an EGG! In every culture (and I won't attempt to give an anthropological report here) there is an EGG story or ritual.

The ancient Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians, and Hindus all believed the world began with an enormous egg, and while particulars may vary, most cultures around the world use the egg as a symbol of new life and rebirth.

Of course Spring is aligned with Easter and Passover in the West. As it happened, the pagan festival of Eastre occurred at the same time of year as the Christian observance of the Resurrection of Christ. The early name, Eastre, was eventually changed to its modern spelling, Easter. The goddess, Eastre, was worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit...hence the Easter Bunny! The hare and rabbit were the most fertile animals known and, in pre-Christian times, served as symbols of the new life during the Spring season while again the egg represented fertility and re-birth.

For Jews, too, a roasted egg on the Passover Seder plate has stood for life and the hope of salvation for many, many centuries. For Slavs the Easter custom of Pysanky creates eggs that are used in religious celebrations and given as gifts. Traditionally they were placed near houses and barns to ward off evil spirits.