Calling on the Allies: Introducing Shamanic Healings
Post Date: June 8th, 2010
Many years ago, I was asked to teach yoga in Mexico. My first thought was Mexico, Maine, which would have entailed a long, icy commute. When I learned the classes were in Puerto Morelos on the Yucatan peninsula, I leapt at the opportunity.
After morning yoga, we had lots of time to explore. I walked the ruins of Tulum and felt my clenched muscles relax in the earth’s warm embrace. I was so moved by nature’s transformative power that I wrote a song about it. (Click on the photo to watch the music video).Since then, I have sought a more conscious relationship with the world around me. To that end, I have studied and travelled with Jose and Lena Stevens, and their daughter, Anna Stevens Harrington at The Power Path School of Shamanism in Santa Fe. They have devoted their lives to learning and helping to preserve indigenous peoples’ traditions. Here’s a link to their website, the Center for Shamanic Education and Exchange: http://www.shamaniceducation.org/
While proponents of major religions wage wars to prove they have the one and only way to salvation, I am grateful that these indigenous ways are still with us, and that I have had the opportunity to learn from their gentle, skillful adherents.
Shamans are trained to have a foot in the material world and a foot in the spirit world. I have learned through experience that something as delicate as a feather remains infused with the power of the bird who wore it.
Shamans speak to nature as a child might, talking with trees and animals and drawing strength from the environment. Shamanic healings use a variety of natural tools including stones and feathers to invoke the forces of nature on our behalf. A session may include song, and some hands-on work as well.
Each time I use shamanic methods, I reinforce my wonder at the latent wisdom and support all around us. We are never alone. Come schedule a shamanic healing session and remember. They are available in person, by phone, or Skype.
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Jupiter and Uranus in Aries: Chaos is the New Norm
Post Date: June 6th, 2010
Fasten your seatbelts. Between June 6 and August 14, Jupiter and Uranus will both reside in the belligerent sign of Aries. Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, unafraid to initiate, and unconcerned about the results of his impulsive action. Uranus is the individualist and rebel who rules unexpected change. Jupiter magnifies the nature of the sign it inhabits.
With Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, many people will take matters into their own hands for better or for worse. We could see uncoordinated terrorist activities on an unprecedented scale, or we could witness a populist movement for justice that no government or business can ignore.
Uranus is best symbolized as a lightening bolt, brilliant, but destructive of what lies in its path. Perhaps upheaval is the only way to deal with a stagnant, corrupt system. But don’t expect the demolition crew to clean up after its self. Each of us must play a part in seeking and generating solutions, drawing on personal resources and creative thinking we didn’t realize we possessed.
The BP oil spill has broken our country’s heart. People are appalled that those in charge are not stemming the toxic gush from the bottom of the sea. As frustration at the Gulf’s broken economy and ravaged ecosystem mounts, some will lash out in anger. Others will promote innovations like oil-eating bacteria and a conversion to environmentally friendly, energy-efficient technologies.
Another example of Jupiter and Uranus in Aries is the escalating reaction to the Israeli killing of a flotilla of peace activists. The activists were expressing the Uranian urge to liberate an oppressed people. Their murderous reception was an Aries response. Jupiter in Aries could intensify the tempers that have already flared around this event. But it would not have been the wish of those who died to see violence perpetrated in their name.
Global events reflect of our personal challenges. We can use Jupiter and Uranus in Aries as a time to examine what happens when we feel out of control. Do we lash out at others or do we increase our capacity to evolve?
Jupiter rules growth. He will expand whatever he encounters. Violence will lead to more violence, but a compelling new idea will stimulate others. Jupiter is the optimist. If we see the big picture rather than simply in the horrors of the current crisis, we will find our way.
Uranus seeks liberation. There is a freedom from something, which feels exhilarating at first, as the albatross falls from our necks. But as we find freedom from something, we are still pointing the finger at what we didn’t like. We need to focus on positive possibilities and exercise our more daunting freedom to take constructive action.
This potent duo of planets will resume their tandem tenancy of Aries between March 12 and June 4, 2011. Jupiter will then move into Taurus, while Uranus will stay in Aries until 2019. Forget about returning to the old ways. To paraphrase Ghandi, we must be the change we want to see in the world.
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Coming attractions: Uranus in Aries
Post Date: April 17th, 2010
Fasten your seatbelts May 28.
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Finding Peace in Combative Times: an astrological perspective
Post Date: April 17th, 2010
If you’re like me, listening to the news is guaranteed to make you angry or frightened at the pervasiveness of instability and conflict.
Politicians blame this on the other party, but we astrologers blame it on Pluto. Pluto slowly releases from our control that which we are least willing to surrender. In the sign of Capricorn until 2023, Pluto confronts the decay of existing structures.
Pluto humbles us. We can think green, live green, vote with our conscience and earn a right livelihood, but Pluto will still destroy the world as we know it. Though it will take a while for the total collapse of our outmoded system, it will ultimately be replaced by something more authentic and functional.
Meanwhile, what’s it going to take for us to feel secure again? (This may come as a shock, but I don’t think the Department of Homeland Security is going to do it for us.) If we depend on bosses, government and religious institutions to tell us what to do, we will feel like pawns, at best. With the impending breakdown of existing structures, it is critical that we align ourselves with the power that lies within, and flows through, us all.
The best way to work with any planet is to address its concerns directly. Pluto takes us into the dark in order to bring us into the light. We can let Pluto drag us, kicking and screaming into the parts of our lives we are unwilling to face. Or we can help Pluto do the job and move into our power with grace.
What are you unwilling to face? What would it take for you to be able to deal with this issue? What kind of outcome would you like to see? What can you do to help create this outcome for yourself?
The world outside will continue to change, but you have responsibility and plenty of control over your own thoughts and emotions. Perhaps you cannot control what emerges within you, but you can do something about it.
Breath by breath, thought by thought, feeling by feeling, you can take charge. Pluto takes the world through darkness into light, and us with it. When we face our shadow, it loses its power over us. Notice your thoughts, sensations and feelings. Intercept those that don’t serve you, and replace them with ones that bring you closer to meeting your goals.
I’m noticing that setting external goals in today’s changing environment seems less important than making a commitment to inner tranquility. Coming to the world from a peaceful place will help everyone find what balance they can in these troubled times.
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Performing to Celebrate International Women’s Day
Post Date: April 16th, 2010
Silver City held its first International Women’s Day parade on March 7. The parade included horses, goddess banners, men in T-shirts that said “awaiting instruction,” and a giant Venus of Willendorf.
Here’s a video of the fun:
It was a great chance to join with creative men and women from town and celebrate. I had lots of firsts that day – marching in my first parade, drumming a solo in public, and playing a set of songs at Javalina’s that combined my originals with inspiring works about women, social justice and unity.
Here’s a video of me playing part of my song, “Horse Sense” with Emay on flute.
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The Easier, Softer Way
Post Date: April 15th, 2010
In the 80’s, my boss told me I didn’t think the way he did. I think he meant it as an insult. It’s probably why I’m no longer marketing manager of Alpo Dry Dogfood. Much as I miss the Labrador and beagle puppies at Alpo’s Pet Care center, it’s probably for the best that I no longer work there.
I’m a little bit like those dogs, sniffing out the unfamiliar, and enthusiastically wanting to report on it.
This is my first foray into blogging. In recent years, I, along with most everyone I know, have wended my way through lots of new technology—most recently a new smart phone, which is clearly smarter than I am.
As I am introduced to each new tool, I vehemently resist. I’ll never be able to learn it. It’s not necessary. It costs too much. It’ll be obsolete before long. But once I realize I’ll save time and energy, laziness triumphs.
On my daily walks, I find many new trails, and marvel at all the different ways to get from here to there and back. I have never had a sense of direction. My GPS is my best friend. A new path is an invitation to get lost. But curiosity wins out, (especially if my husband, Oliver, who was born with a GPS in his brain, initiates the exploration). Perhaps there will be a beautiful mountain vista around the corner or a deer, or a jackrabbit.
Some say a sense of direction can be cultivated. But life continues to offer the unexpected, even if I think I know where I’m going. I’m always looking for easier ways to surf life’s vicissitudes, and hope you’ll be able to benefit from my forays.
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