Shamanism
Don’t Add Drama To The Chaos In Your Life!
I had a very stressful situation recently, too personal to be written about here, but I can assure you my Italian temper blew up completely due to my frustration. I had to humble myself to people I did not feel comfortable with, and had to set my ego aside entirely.
I felt I had to hit or break something. I took a good box of empty jars and shattered every one of them against a rock outside. The explosive sound of the breaking glass was a source of relief. It is not something I am really proud of doing, but I am only human, and sometimes our more base instincts rise to the surface in this way. I am normally a highly sensitive, compassionate, and spiritual person, but I was not setting much of an example in this case. I had clearly lost it this time. Continue reading
The Ancient Art Of Smudging
There are many effective ways to purify ourselves of old baggage or toxins in our lives. A great place to start is a very ancient art popular among indigenous peoples known as “smudging.” This refers to the burning of sacred or blessed herbs, or grasses to cleanse yourself and your space.
If you are just beginning try burning sage, one of the most popular and fragrant herbs. As you become more adept, you may want to customize your herbal blend. Bundles may be purchased at an esoteric store, or a Native American or natural market, and burned in a vessel of your choice.
Before you start, make sure there are no fire hazards and open a window or two for ventilation. When you light your sage stick, make sure you are only using the leaves and not the other parts. Continue reading
Prairie Dog Wisdom
In Native American tradition the “prairie dog” brings with it a special message of retreat when it crosses our path. In times of stress and over-exertion it reminds us to take some time out, withdraw from our busy modern lives and recharge our batteries.
This is what the prairie dog does when it gets into trouble. It withdraws into the safe depths of the earth, with several escape routes waiting in case of emergency. The prairie dog teaches us to pick our battles carefully. Prairie dog medicine is also symbolic of the opposite. In times when we have become too withdrawn and disconnected from family, friends and the world around us, this magical animal encourages us to reach out to others and join in social activities. Continue reading
The Hunter’s Moon Brings A New Day
This year we were up on four occasions, watching as the Sun, and the Moon, Lady Moon, were in the sky at the same time. The sun passed over the Moon, turning the Moon and sky blood red… four times in a row. The whole of the purple, darkened sky lighted up as if thousands of fireworks had burst into colors raining down on our spirits with beauty.
The first Blood Moon eclipse in this total series of four happened on April 15, 2014 and the last one happened on October 8, 2014. This special occurrence is known as a lunar tetrad. The next total eclipse will take place on April 4, 2015.
The majesty and wonder of the Hunter’s Moon, the Blood Moon, reminds us of the glories of the universe. With this we see the doors to Other Worlds, the Other Side opening up, allowing the lights to come back in. With this, we can expect great events, wondrous omens of changes to come. Continue reading
Spirit Guides Communicate In Many Different Ways
Do you feel that your guides are helping you to connect with your soul or higher self on a daily basis? If not, it is most likely because you are not asking. Our spirit guides do not come to our aid without being requested. We must pray and ask for messages or signs.
Spirit guides communicate with us in many different ways. They speak to us through our intuitions, our senses, our dreams, as well as during readings and channelings, and through signs. All things in the Universe are capable of serving as a communication from Spirit Guides. To gain access we must simply believe and become more aware. Continue reading
Butterflies Are Messengers From God
The butterfly is often a messenger from God. It is a sign from your spirit guides.
A few years back I told a new client that I saw a butterfly around her. The more I read this client, the more I kept seeing this butterfly.
Several weeks passed and then she called me up about a yellow and black butterfly that she had seen in her backyard. There were in fact two of them that were following her around. I thought it could be a departed family member from the past looking over her. But I was not sure. Neither was she.
As years went by I started to see butterflies more often around certain clients. These clients always returned saying they had seen the butterflies. Some saw several butterflies. As I would do more readings, the colors of butterflies I saw also changed. Continue reading
The Secret To Smudging Is In The Smoke
“The secret to smudging is in the smoke.” These were the words of my mentor when I undertook my Ukuthwasa as a shaman initiate many years ago in Southern Africa. I have also come to know that the true intention behind any smudging ceremony is a very significant part of its success.
An initial part of my rigorous training as a Sangoma, or traditional healer, was a self-cleansing ritual using Mphepo, made up of herbs indigenous to Southern Africa.
“Smudging,” simply put, is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath. The smoke is used to cleanse areas used for rituals and ceremonies, as well as any tools or objects used for such cleansing, as well as to cleanse people. Continue reading