Although western medicine would have us believe that sickness is caused by mysterious “disease” processes, the origins of which are rarely known or understood, eastern traditions have long held that it is the quantity of energy and the efficacy of its distribution in the body that determines health. That is why I recommend spinning on a daily basis.

• Never allow yourself to get too dizzy. Only spin ‘til slightly dizzy, then stop.
• Don’t overdo. Too much spinning can be as detrimental as not enough. Start slowly, with 3 to 6 spins, adding one or two more per week, up to a maximum of 12 - 21 spins per day.
• Only spin once a day.
• ALWAYS spin clockwise.

Spinning increases the energy flow through all the vortexes, especially the upper chakras and knees, enhances blood circulation, and aids the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. It is believed to stimulate the revitalization of cells, provide relief from varicose veins, help prevent headaches (don’t do it while you have one though), tone the arms, contribute to mental clarity, and spark a process of rejuvenation in the whole body. There’s really no limit to the effects getting sufficient energy can have. The lamas of Tibet both halted and reversed aging using this, among other, methods. So, if you want to stimulate your chakras and start feeling vibrantly healthy, consider adding spinning to your daily regimen of exercise or spiritual practice.

Christ energy flowing in. 

Feeling every stage, every dimension,

     as energies dance with my being. 

I burn with light

     DNA pulsing in goodness; love.

So excited, so ignited.

Ancient memories surface,

     long-forgotten codes remembered,

     disabled functions activate.

Eternal being am I,

     forever young, self-renewing;

     perfection in my bodily form.

Quantum flowing, ever growing

Infinite poetry in breathing, being,

     living light.

copyright 2008 Ashandra-Aah

I’m not saying this from any judgmental standpoint. Not at all. We all chose to enter the valiant struggle of 3rd dimensional density for a reason, to experience certain lessons. We are here by choice and we have power to learn and change and grow. If we feel we aren't fully awake, it is time to escape the web of illusion and go about learning our lessons. So take one from the book of Yellow Jacket -- and FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE!

copyright 2008 by Ashandra-Aah

Greetings Friends, and welcome to the last cycle of spring: the Flowering Time. This is a time of expanding awareness and an influx of knowledge but also one of immaturity. Like the seedlings in a garden, which have grown enough to approximate the form of adult plants but are not yet fully grown, so, too, is this a time when true understanding, though on its way, can seem blocked and not yet here. Hence, it is time to redouble our efforts, taking care to water the young plants and nurture the soil so they may grow to full stature, bearing fruit. Use every opportunity that presents itself to extend your vision, exercise your intuition and expand the stretch of your senses so that you, too, can grow to produce fruit in the coming season.

During this month, solar influences are strengthening, growing toward summer solstice, and people born in this cycle feel the need for increasing and intensifying their creative expression. It is also a time of powerful East Winds, bursting forth with an energizing force that moves beyond the awakening and activating of spring into full transformation. Because it is a time of air and fire, things tend to happen quickly and radical changes may occur to those who yield to the winds blowing about them. If you feel you have only got so far and desire true change or breakthroughs in your life, now is a good time to water your own garden. Concentrate on self-development, hold an openness of spirit, and maintain a broad vision, looking beyond the immediate trees to the greater forest. In due season, you will reap the harvest.

The totems for the Flowering Time are Deer, Agate and Mullein. The elemental influence is Air with Fire, the direction is South-east, and the clan is Butterfly. More about these later. :-)

People of this clan, ruled by the element of air, are very much like the symbol which represents them. Curious and constantly moving, they flutter from place to place, situation to situation, ever searching for beauty and new things. Real explorers, they are fascinated with new places, new ideas, and new ways to do things, but they rarely stay put very long. Like the element of air, they shift constantly, bringing about change like the winds. And this is their strength.

The gift of Butterfly people is much the same as the beautiful butterfly itself, which pollinates the flowers as it flutters about, making the blossoming of continued beauty possible. Just as the butterfly carries pollen from plant to plant, Butterfly people bring new ideas and fresh energy to help others in their path.

The weakness of Butterfly people is their inconstance. Their strong tendency toward mobility and their drive to explore can cause them to become easily bored, impatient and unreliable, if they are not careful. And, like the wind, which can bend the trees to its will, they can be manipulative if they so choose. Their need to find constantly new things can also interfere with their ability to be faithful to a mate or to deepen relationships of every kind.  

Hence, people of the Butterfly Clan face the life challenge of finding contentment. Since they rarely stick with things or stay in one place long enough to go deep, the contentment they seek often eludes them. Because of this, Butterfly Clan people may often feel directionless or depressed. This issue can only be effectively addressed by recognizing their true nature. Butterfly people must first learn to accept their transient nature and not fall into the trap of judging themselves by another standard. If they can learn to appreciate their true strengths -- to bring beauty and energy and freshness to people and situations around them -- then they can come to appreciate all that life offers. In service, albeit temporary or short-term, they can form bonds with others around common needs and concerns while simultaneously bringing their beauty and vitality to bear on problems and situations in need of their freshness. In this way, they help the world be a much better, richer, more fertile place and can find true satisfaction in their accomplishments.

If you love butterflies, click here to view more photos.

In spite of good intentions, it seems I am still not finding the time to complete my write-up for this month. So, in order for you to at least have a focus, I offer you this brief overview for the monthly totems. Hopefully, I’ll get back to finishing this in a few days. If not, you will at least have the basic info.

Growing Time

This month is the second in the spring cycles and marks a time of dramatic growth and change. It is also a time for putting down roots for new life and securing stability for the transformations ahead.

Totems

• The totem mineral is Jasper Bloodstone, the green variety flecked with red, brown and yellow colorations. This stone was believed by ancients to aid in uplifting human consciousness to the spiritual Sun, and was used by Native Americans to stem bleeding, ward off insect bites, and soaked in water as a general tonic. (The stone contains iron, which may be what made people stronger by drinking it.)
  

• The plant totem is wild (red) clover. A favorite of organic gardeners for fixing nitrogen in the soil, this plant has traditionally been used as a tonic for liver and gall bladder, a curative for constipation, and to increase appetite. Its flowers are also used by bees to make a light, sweet honey.
  

• The Elemental Clan for this month is turtle, an animal which represents the earth for many native peoples. Turtle clan people feel the need to establish a stable base and to be surrounded by solid and constructive things. Like beaver people, they progress slowly and methodically, with persistance and tenacity. Their challenge is to keep the earth energies in balance. Otherwise, they may become stubborn and inflexible and their tenacity -- though usually a strength -- may cause them to have trouble letting go when appropriate.

• Direction: East

• Influencing elements: Earth and fire

• Influencing wind: East

For those who truly desire to learn to manifest your spiritual intent, here is a list of practices to get you started. With daily practice and meditation upon these items, you will find yourself not only moving closer to your spiritual goals but will also begin to see a change in how easily things come to you and work out in your life. Obviously, the list is not intended to be fully self-explanatory, therefore, it may contain some things on which you'll need to do more research. But this should, hopefully, serve to give you some ideas and direction. If some of the things make no sense to you at all, simply ask Spirit to reveal to you their meaning or value for you personally. If it is time for you to understand, don't worry, you will. If the list is too much to tackle at once, pick two or three things to focus upon at a time, moving forward as you master or incorporate each into your life.

1)      Consciously command, will and intend:

• The evolvement of your DNA
• An acceleration of your personal evolution
•  An acceleration of the opening of your ancient eyes
• To call energy into your body and utilize it
• To stay clear and centered and to always bring yourself into the moment
• To not base any of your current experiences on your past
• To stay in your intentions every day
•  That you will consciously direct your awareness and energy to work in an uplifting capacity & that all things come to you effortlessly, joyfully; in harmony

2)      Know:

·        That there is divine order and divine purpose in everything

·        That you are divinely guided

·        That all events are drawn to you for your growth, healing and ultimate freedom

·        That you are in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing

·        100% of the time that you create your own reality

3)      Learn:

·        To use your feeling center

·        To activate, and act on, the information inside of you

·        To trust what you create

4)      Commit

• To not judging yourself
• To accepting responsibility for what happens
• To being open to reading the symbols as they come to you
• To living 100% of the time by what you want
• To Love, honor, cherish, be good to, and speak well of yourself
• To discovering what will bring you happiness and begin to want that; calling it to yourself
• To cultivating altered states
• To participating in events, rituals and ceremonies
• To opening the energy centers, inside and outside the body, every day and calling in the frequencies of light. Pull light into the body
• To going into meditative states, receiving pictures of your identity and reality and assignments from Spirit day by day

5)      Take care of your body:

• Do deep breathing; oxygenate
•  Do spinning to align chakras
•  Drink lots of water
• Learn to call ideas and experiences into the body
• Listen to what it wants to eat; what it feels, etc.
• Get enough rest

6)     Practice visiting other realities

• Utilize a symbol, ride a tornado, shamanic journey, or use any other technique that works for you but do it regularly.

7)   Get centered, stay clear, and allow tones to come through you

• Sing and tone freely

One of the most basic principles taught in the study of psychology is that all organisms seek pleasure. Therefore, behaviors that are rewarded tend to be incorporated and solidified while behaviors that have a neutral effect or are blatantly punished tend to get extinguished. What exactly is pleasure? Anything -- whether it be physical, emotional, spiritual or mental -- that provides a sense of well-being. Indeed, just the act of receiving praise, which can give one a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, an experience of lightness in spirit, or a sense of positive self-image is often enough to strengthen certain behavior.

When working on self-healing, this is an important concept to remember. For if you are trying to heal yourself with behaviors that don’t bring pleasure, you are in for quite a challenge. This is why so many diets fail. Since diet is a good example, let’s continue with that analogy for a while…

One of my specialties as a therapist was eating disorders. I spent a lot of time with people fixated on their body image and food. Most had tried so many diets, pills, hypnosis, 12-step groups – a myriad of things -- all to no avail. Time after time dieters would fail to lose significant weight, berating themselves for their weakness and feeling all the worse. Or, even more frequently, reach a weight target, only to gain it all back. The famous “yo-yo” syndrome. This diet behavior is epidemic in our culture because it is spawned by a fatal flaw: it relies on punishment rather than reward. What it doesn’t realize, and fails to incorporate, is that organisms seek pleasure. In fact, it is the reason for our being. Pain is meant as a warning, like a light coming on in our dash, that something needs tending but pleasure is our natural state.

So! If you want to reach a certain weight target – or any other goal – you must make it pleasurable. This can be pleasure in the now, or fantasized pleasure of delayed gratification. It doesn’t matter, as long as it is real enough to you in the moment. For instance, some people are more successful at dieting when they join a diet group. This is because they have added the pleasure of making new friends and adding support and encouragement to their venture. Others have permanently lost weight by focusing on a long-held dream. Perhaps the person always wanted to study dance, run a marathon, or climb a mountain. By consistently visualizing engaging in these activities, reading books on them, watching television shows on them, and meditating on how great it feels (not will feel) to move in that way, to cross the finish line, to see the vista at the top, etc., one is already giving one’s self pleasure, with the promise of more to come. The body responds to this, becoming more cooperative with the plan.

There are many ways to seek pleasure without sabotaging your goal. For instance, many people who want to get fit enroll in aerobics or yoga classes. Instead of trying to jog, bike or walk in a solitary way, relying on one’s so-called willpower alone, joining a class engages the mind/body/spirit in pleasurable activities such as learning new moves, being in a like-minded group, listening to exciting music, experiencing new sensations, etc.

Likewise, if you want to heal, seek to bring yourself to a state of pleasure. If something hurts, do active visualizations of when it didn’t. Pull up memories of how it felt to move in a way you currently can’t, or had energy that is now lacking. Fondle the memory, squeezing out every detail. If you were a competitive runner, remember how your whole body held taut and ready at the starting gate, how your legs surged beneath you at the sound of the gun, the feel of the air brushing your skin, cooling your sweat. Experience the body memory of your heart pounding, the emotional thrill of sprinting just inches ahead of the runner behind you, straining to keep the lead. Remember the times you won, the pride of loved ones, the praises, the sheer joy of life in the moment. And use that as motivation. Rather than berate yourself for getting into this mess, feel sorry for yourself, or accept a proclamation (diagnosis) of hopelessness, remind your body it knows how to be healthy and that you command it to do so again. Then find ways to have fun with it. Use imagery, memory, active visualization, fantasy, music, dance, writing, books, meditation tapes or any other thing you can create or access to have fun healing. And don’t work so hard at having fun that it’s work! Let it all go… Watch a funny movie, dance barefoot on the beach. Whatever it takes. The point is, if you want to be whole, you gotta have fun.

Soaring high in the sky, hawk is considered a messenger of Great Spirit, carrying messages down to us on earth. When we see a hawk, it is time to listen up.

Hawk’s shrill cry has been considered by many native peoples a signal to be aware or beware. It is a powerful omen meant to jar the awareness, telling you to pay attention; something is about to happen. It could be the birth of child, the approaching of an enemy, or your own power about to burst forth. Whatever may be, it is your responsibility to perceive, receive and utilize the message. Those born with hawk as totem also have a responsibility to bring the forth the messages of Spirit without interpretation or judgment, passing them along in pure form. Hawk urges us all to raise our awareness, awake from our slumber, and put ourselves in full gear, preparing for what is to come.

If you need guidance for something in your life, hawk is an excellent ally to pursue. Take a hike out where you can sit with the hawks, meditating on their grace and power. If you find hawk feathers, tie them in a bundle and hang them above your bed, asking for dreams to come from Spirit. Also, be very aware if hawks show up unexpectedly in your life, cutting in front of your car or presenting other strange encounters while you are out and about. These are definite calls to be vigilant in your awareness.

Hawks are fearless birds, with powerful beaks and talons that can tear the head off a snake in an instant. And this they do, often attacking poisonous snakes with such speed and precision that the snake has not a chance. If you have difficulty speaking your mind or expressing your true self, hawk is a great totem to call upon for it can give you great strength. But those born under this totem must be mindful that their own energy can be very intense, and be careful not to “bite people’s heads off” for, if uncontrolled, hawk energy can hurt and damage others.  

Hawks are sometimes attacked by smaller birds ganging up on them and this is something good to remember. Sometimes, when you are flying high, others may be resentful or not understand your unique creative journey. When such attacks come, Hawks are well protected. In addition to their beak and talons, they also have scaled legs to protect them from poisonous bites. If you feel someone trying to take a bite out of you, remember that you can soar above the pettiness and attacks, circling around your life to view the whole with detachment.

The color of the tail feathers on red-tailed hawks is associated with the activation of kundalini and the expression of it in your life. When red-tailed hawk shows up, it is a signal that your visions and/or childhood dreams are awakening and ready to come forth. It is time for you to wake up, be fully activated, and allow the expression of your vital energies on earth.  

Red-tailed hawks often make one place their home for life and this permanency is reflected in their faithfulness as allies. It is said that hawks will generally not become an ally to one until they are ready for mature work or have activated their kundalini. Yet, once they do, they can be permanent guides on the path.

Hawks are long-lived birds, often living up to 14 years. This number is significant; associated with astral projection and, again, the activation of higher energies. If hawk comes into your life, it could be signaling a time of rapid development and an increase in psychic abilities and hawk teaches the balance of those energies for right use in discovering and manifesting our true life purpose. When these powerful and fiery energies activate, you may find it helpful to meditate on the 14^th card in the Tarot deck, Temperance, as well as the number 14.

In summary, Hawk spirit carries messages between heaven and earth and can assist in activating and developing our higher energies. Hawk can teach us to effectively hunt for our life’s purpose, to express ourselves in powerful ways, and to fly high above it all, viewing our life as a balanced whole. Hawk medicine is most powerful around the time of spring and fall equinox, so don’t delay. Now is the time to wake up, pay attention, and grab some of the creative, activating energy of Red-Tailed Hawk. Ho! Thank you Spirit.

Welcome to spring! At this time of the year all that seemed dead and forgotten springs back to life, bringing exuberant energy and hope, fulfilling the promise of new life in the life-death-life cycle. Natives called this cycle "The Awakening Time" and aptly so, as all is awakening from winter’s dormant, quiet slumber. The totem for this cycle is Red Hawk, the mineral is Opal, the clan is also Hawk, and the plant is the fun and fabulous Dandelion. Fire is the elemental influence and northeast is the direction, with easterly winds prevailing.

Awakening Time People

People born at this time are like the plants and trees of spring which push up their first shoots and blossoms, full of life, yet not fully aware of all that is around them. Their initial task, as they shoot up from this slumber, is to dynamically express themselves and their own individuality. Hence, those born at this time are great starters, pioneering people subject to flashes of intuition, who blaze new trials for others to follow. They’re weak on follow-through, however, and need the advice of others to help them fully develop their intuition. One of their tasks in life, therefore, is to learn to be true to themselves while simultaneously discovering the lessons of inter-dependence, learning that others are needed on life’s path. This will help them move beyond bud to full flowering. The influence of Falcon – related to the mythical phoenix which rises from the ashes in brilliant, radiant energy -- is strong in these people, driving them to seek the prey of new ideas and projects. Hawk, the other totem animal for this cycle, helps bring more grounding and balance to the flighty start-but-not-finish Falcon energy.

Totem Animals

The totems for this cycle are Falcon and Hawk. Falcon is similar to hawk, except that it is more flighty and inconstant. Hence, I prefer to utilize hawk medicine. Because of the importance of Hawk and all the lessons it has to teach, I have written a separate blog for hawk medicine so please refer to that blog for more information.

Awakening Time Clan

The clan for this cycle is also hawk. The Hawk Clan is considered the leaders, the inspirers, the trail blazers of the community. With the heat of their own fire, they set activities into motion. Since fire is the elemental influence of this cycle, they must be careful, however, to not become too intense and burn out themselves or others in their path of flight. 

Totem Mineral

The mineral for this cycle is Opal. Opal is a milky, translucent stone that comes from hot places where there is a lot of pressure. Hence, opal is considered a great stone for use by people undergoing pressure from the “fiery trials” of life. Ancients regarded opal as solidified cosmic light and it is said to contain cosmic rays that amplify the energy of the person holding it. Opal is, therefore, not considered a good stone to wear. Rather, it should be held with the intent to bring to light one’s true feelings and to assist one in harmonizing one’s fiery emotions. Because opal actually contains some water, some native tribes considered fire opal the “fire that spreads like water” and believed opal should be used by those whose fire springs from the watery emotions. If you’re given to drama or feel you have little control of your emotions, this stone may be of aid in your quest to dowse the fire a bit and find harmony.

Totem Plant

Although I have spent a good deal of time working with plant spirits, I don’t tend to write much about them. The plant for this cycle, however, should not be overlooked. Dandelion, the bane of lawn-keepers and the joy of children everywhere, is one of the most wondrous plants at our disposal.

Classes in Permaculture, as well as foraging for wild foods, teach that dandelion is one of the best plants out there for humans and for the earth. Every part is edible; containing huge bunches of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus. Dandelion is a blood purifier and acts as a general tonic and stimulant. It promotes the formation of bile, helps remove toxins, and the root can be used as a healthy coffee substitute. Furthermore, its taproot assists in breaking up hard soils, allowing nutrients in the earth to be recycled, making them more available to all plants. As if that weren’t enough, who can resist those bright yellow flowers beaming energy, like little suns, from their happy place. Far from being a bane, dandelions are among earth’s most precious environmental protectors and should be treated with great respect. Anyone who thinks nutrition-sucking, water-guzzling grass is more important than a plant which can sustain our bodies and nourish the earth has got at least one screw loose! So, before you spray “weed” killer on these precious beauties, please think twice! 

Hello readers. Sorry for being a bit late this month with the post. I have been very busy howling at the moon but there is still plenty of time for you to join in and enjoy Wolf Moon month.

This month is the time of the year when the winds of change are blowing. The dark times are shortening but summer is not yet here. The earth and everything upon her is shifting, preparing for the coming spring. This is an “in between time,” a period of transition and anticipation of the promise of what is to come. The animal totem for this season is wolf, the mineral ally jade. The clan is frog, the plant is plantain. And, for the musicians out there, the key is F sharp.

This cycle is affiliated with the north wind, which is associated with wisdom and knowledge, the action of purity and renewal. The element air is associated with the power of the mind. Thus, the blustery winds is a time for cleansing ourselves of negative thought forms to make way for the new creative energies of spring. While in the blustery wind, it is good to watch one’s thoughts, watching for the answer to “what holds me back?” As you stalk your thoughts, you may find worry, anxiety, fear, envy and other thoughts cluttering your mind like debris.

Because this is a time where air and water meet, the energy is supportive of bringing the mind and feelings into balance. Indeed, this is a large part of its very purpose. The mind is dispassionate, analytical, while the heart can be passionate and irrational. As water needs air and air needs water so, too, does the mind need the emotions and emotions the mind. The purpose of blustery wind is to allow us to make this connection and find the harmony.

Wolf as Teacher

Wolf is an interesting balance of yin and yang. On the one hand, wolves are friendly, playful, and known for their strong family ties. Wolves move, hunt and live in packs, mate for life, and care for their pups as a family. And, like a tribe, wolves will even care for the young of others if something should happen to the parents. Conversely, wolves also have a fierce individuistic drive; hence the term “lone wolf.”

The image of wolf that often comes to mind is wolf baying at the moon. Wolves are attracted to the moon and governed by its power as an ally. This association of wolf with the moon caused northern American natives to associate it with the spiritual characteristics of the moon: psychic energy and the realm of the unconscious from which proceeds deep knowledge and wisdom. Because of this, wolf became known as a teacher.

If wolf medicine is speaking to you – either in the physical, in dreams or other symbols – it may be a message that it is time for you to seek the teachings that you need. These could come to you from the Teacher in yourself, in Nature, or in others. Wolf is a pathfinder and, sometimes, wolf comes to guide us to our own pathfinders: elders, shamans, or others whose wisdom and experience is greater than our own. Wolf can also provide the courage and vitality to share your own wisdom and knowledge, inspiring us to write, offer workshops, or partake in other venues of teaching. Wolf may also be urging us to look to our own families. What needs attention in our own tribe? Wolf knows how to adapt and live in constant companionship and can teach powerful lessons in right relationship.

The month of Wolf moon is a good time to ask ourselves what is lacking, personally and communally. What do you want to learn? What do you seek? Are your relationships strong and affectionate, or weak, distant; stressed? Now is the time to receive wolf medicine, asking wolf to bring you the teachings you need. And don’t forget to occasionally be a “lone wolf.” Take some personal time to soak in the energy and howl at the moon.   

Jade as Ally

Jade, has been a mineral ally to humans for literally thousands of years. In Asia it was much revered as a stone that brought both health and good luck; hence, the Buddhist monks and Tibetan shamans used it to carve talismans of good will. Today, it remains a prized mineral in much of Eastern world.

Jade is associated with the root and crown chakras and can be used in both physical and spiritual endeavors. Physically, it is associated with the immune system, thymus, heart, kidney and nervous system and is believed to stimulate white blood cell and adrenaline production. Mentally, it is associated with practicality, wisdom, tolerance and peace. It is often prescribed for people with stress in theirs lives, including busy parents, as it can aid in reducing stress as well as eliminating fear and negative thoughts. For this reason, it makes excellent prayer beads and is an effective “worry stone.” (Personally, I do not like the term “worry stone”, as we create what we think about. I prefer to call such pieces helpers, allies, or friends.) Jade can also aid in lightwork toward world peace and is a good stone for environmentalists, as it promotes earth healing and compassion for “all our relations” on the planet. Jade is further believed to bring harmony to body, mind, and spirit, helping one find balance between his/her various needs. Spiritually, it is associated with the Mayan Dreamtime and is believed to assist one in entering realms of the ancient elders.

Jade comes in many colors, including green, red, purple and yellow, with differing uses associated with each color. My own experience is to use green for good health and red or yellow for prosperity but always listen to the stone and what it is telling you.

Frog Clan

As might be expected, the frog clan is associated with the element water. During its life cycle, frogs go through several phases, morphing from swimming tadpoles to four-legged creatures that can take to the land. Because of this adaptability, its ability to fit into any environment, frog became associated with the flexibility of elemental water.

Frog clan people like to “go with the flow,” preferring malleable situations to rigid structures. They are deep feeling and can experience strong empathy for others. Understandably, frog people find water soothing and love to be near lakes, rivers, the ocean or any water. People of the frog clan often have a mission to stand as ally to the waters of the world, fighting to preserve them.

If you are part of the frog clan, you may want to ask yourself if you are getting too bogged down in the mud of your feelings, or are in need of jumping into some fresh creative waters. Are you swimming in your emotions, enjoying the flow? Or have you been out of the water too long and become “dry” and stale? Remember that you are part of the water clan and need to return often to your feelings and deep intuitions. Honor them and find cleansing and refreshment in the deep waters of your soul.

******

As always, please feel free to write in with any questions you would like to see addressed in this blog. Until next time, may you be filled with light and love, giving and receiving any and all teachings you need for the higher good. Ho!

The totems for the Cleansing Time are Otter, Turquiose, and Fern plants. The elemental clan is Butterfly.

The characteristics of Otter are well-defined. Otters are playful, joyful, and naturally curious. At this time of the year it is good to feed your own curiosity and focus on creativity and tolerance, and watching otters at play can inspire us to do this.  

Otter’s strong connection to water associates this animal with the primal feminine energies. Their focused mothering and nurturing of their young, as well as their habit of kicking the father temporarily out of the den when offspring are born, further indicates their feminine nature. Hence, otter is a good animal to call upon for strengthening our feminine side or evoking our maternal instincts. Otters are also freely affectionate and sharing and can help us learn largess of spirit.

The main message of otter is to remember and reawaken our Inner Child. Do you work too hard and play too little? Call upon Otter to help lighten you up? Do you spend too much time away from your children, or find yourself too much of a disciplinarian? Let otter lead you back to affectionate, warm times of sharing. But beware, otter may also come into your life with an inverse message. If you lack focus and are playing around too much, let otter remind you of your responsibilities too.

All in all, the message here is to clear out the clutter and welcome in new joy, creativity, and wonder. So be it!

TURQUOISE

This blue, veined mineral has a long history of use in spiritual circles. From ancient Egypt to modern America, turquoise has been worn by healers, wizards and shamans as means of power and protection.

Turquoise is a mystic’s stone, said to open us to loving communication and telepathy. It centers, harmonizes and brings peace of mind. If the wearer is attracting misfortune, it is said to absorb it, protecting the wearer until it can hold no more, at which point it may shatter. If you’ve ever seen this happen, that is the reason why. Because of this tendency, it is a good idea to regularly clear and cleanse turquoise.

BUTTERFLY CLAN

The butterfly clan is ruled by the element of air, which is associated with the power of thought and intellect. Air is clear and uncluttered and represents unseen movement, the power of the unmanifest just before it comes into being. Hence, air signifies the power to bring dreams or thought forms into being in the outside world. Without air, there is no sound. Thus, air supports communication of all forms of ideas and creativity coming forth in the Cleansing Time.

Butterflies are about change and transformation. Therefore people born in this cycle are enabled to effect change in themselves and others, bringing fresh energy and perspectives. However, like otter medicine, those who are born into or utilize butterfly medicine need to be aware to stay focused, lest they run the risk of flittering from one thing to the next, never bringing to fruition their good ideas.  

SUMMARY

This month harkens to us to clear the way for new thoughts and things and to welcome them into the clean space we have provided for them. It asks us to tap into our curiosity and playfulness and with, with focused intent, create new projects and manifest blessings. Using our feminine side, we can further boost our creativity and relationships with the warm and nurturing energies of the archetypal mother.

Here’s some scary statistics: nearly 19 million Americans – 10% of the population – is clinically depressed. One in three women are depressed and the rate among men is growing. And – are you ready for this? – the rate of depression among preschoolers is an astounding 23%! In fact, according to an article in the journal, Psychiatric Services[i], preschool children are now the fastest growing market for anti-depressants. Clearly, something is awry with humanity.

Previously, the medical take on depression was that our body was lacking or in excess of some chemical, such as serotonin, responsible for maintaining our mental balance. Hence, SSRI’s became the standard treatment. Yet, the research community – and even some in the medical profession – are now realizing how dangerous this course really is. Anti-depressants have been linked to suicide, violence, psychosis, and other maladies and, even more astounding, is evidence that anti-depressants work only as, or less, effective than placebos.[ii] In England, anti-depressants have been outlawed in children and the British Medical Journal reported they found no evidence that they even worked in that population.[iii]

To me, the most significant findings on depression are the numerous studies indicating that the largest percentage of cases are the result of childhood trauma, including all types of abuse and neglect, poverty, racism, family conflict; even exposure to violence on television.[iv] As a healer who deals with peoples’ energy imprints on a daily basis, this is not at all surprising. I have seen clients healed of behavioral habits, thought patterns and physical conditions by simply lifting the energy of various life and past-life experiences from their matrix.

In addition to traumatic imprints, I believe societal conditioning is also a factor. This could be especially true of the numerous children who are now showing signs of depression. Our world has changed a lot in a short time. As a culture, we are busier and more stressed than any other time in history. To many people, an 8-hour work day would be a vacation, as ten, twelve, and fourteen-hour work days become increasingly commonplace among professionals. Our expectations have changed too – for ourselves and our children. When I was a child, the primary goals of the zeitgeist were to find a mate, build a family, and make enough money to live comfortably with our loved one. On television, which was a fairly new technology, we saw models of happy families working through everyday problems. Today, the media is filled with thousands of images flashed at us daily of slim and sexy men and women, most of which are portrayed as CEO’s, doctors, successful lawyers and other wealthy characters. They travel in BMW’s and limousines, go to fancy parties and the finest restaurants, jet off to tropical vacations, and fill their days (wherever do they find the free time?) golfing, kicking back at classy bars, and melting away all their cares at the club or spa.

I’m not saying the characters of yesteryear were completely realistic but, compared to today’s models, they at least promoted values of human connection, rather than the race for wealth and affluence we see today. Clearly, most of us are not jet-setters with houses in the Hamptons.

Our culture is now so saturated with these images that there is virtually no escaping them. Even if you throw away your TV, these images and models still reach us in a myriad of ways, sending us messages of success and sexuality based on only 2% of our national population.

So what is my point?

Images of the media, the messages they give us and our children, are energetic imprints that permeate and penetrate our being daily. Because of these and other messages, received from family and friends (who are also influenced by media and events from their own pasts), we struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of failure or not reaching our full potential (which often means being one of the “beautiful people” we see on magazines and TV), anger, and other potentially harmful emotions. In short, we are being continually programmed to have ever higher expectations which drive us to work harder and longer, often denying ourselves the most precious things in life.

These higher expectations also drive us to want and expect more for and from our children. In the past, children could play every day, all day, from morning til night, at least until the age of 5 or 6 when they entered kindergarten or grade school. Now, children are placed in day care centers or “early learning centers” and expected to read – and even write – at two and three years old. In some circles, mothers are even ridiculed and shamed if their children are not “keeping up” with this new academic model for success. What is being ignored for the children are the very things that adults are more and more ignoring: the value -- spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically – of playing, making friends and having fun, not to mention the valuable life-lessons that are learned in “free time.”

Depression is a complex subject, with many potential causes. My intent in this article is not to oversimplify. However, this blog is about spiritual approaches to wholeness, health and happiness. Since I live by the tenet that thought is energy and energy creates reality, I am constrained to consider what we are missing or doing that so many people are now suffering. If 23% of our children are depressed, then clearly the mental/emotional component is strongly involved since it is unlikely that so high a percentage of people could suddenly have been born with genetic or structural bases of depression which, to date, are considered to be a factor in a low percentage of cases. Such a sudden change in the human structure would indicate a radical evolutionary shift in the wrong direction, also not likely.

I contend that one of the major causes of depression is our inability to any longer recognize the beauty all around us and all the blessings we have at our disposal. We are so caught up in what we want to have, think we should have and are, in fact, being programmed to have that we have lost sight of the wonder of our own being and all that we do have! We are running around, depressed and unsatisfied with our current lives, thinking it's the side dish, while searching and waiting for life to serve up the main course. And while we’re struggling to get to what we think is the meat, the “side dish” is growing cold. Yet, we can't see that our current moment contains a healthy, hearty meal. The soup's on and it's time to dive in but we still think there should be more! This may keep the economy going but it does little for our souls.

When I was little, many people “said grace” before meals, acknowledging the blessings set before them. It was also common to say prayers with one’s kids before tucking them in at night. Small rituals like this, that may seem quaint or smack too much of religion for peoples’ more sophisticated sensibilities today, keep certain feelings, ideas and beliefs alive for us. Taking the time to recognize the good things we have, even in hard times, and being taught to give thanks to a loving God who provides, instills in us a sense of peace and security, a foundation upon which to build a life potentially devoid of the fear and stress rampant today. While this may sound like a simple answer, there is much to be said for the ritual of giving thanks. Since we know now that our own thoughts create our reality – whether it’s sickness, depression, conflict, loneliness or any other thing we may experience – then changing our thoughts is the exit to these hardships and the latch to open the window for new blessings to pour in. Saying prayers of thankfulness is a key component of shamanism and, I believe, any spiritual practice, since it trains our minds to focus on all the goodness around us in the now.   

Sometimes, however – especially if we’re depressed -- we may feel hard-pressed to come up with anything to be grateful for. If this is true for you, take note. For the evidence is before you of just how much your mental state has succumbed to the messages around you. With a disease model, we are taught we are victims of mysterious chemicals floating around in our bodies over which we have no control. Today, we know this just isn’t so. There is ample research now verifying the effect our thoughts have on our own body. We are not the victims of our bodies; they are the victims of us! And we can change that. We can start right now, today, to change our thoughts. This energy will be picked up by the body, brightening, balancing, and restoring the chemical and physical structure.  

If you find yourself in that place today, here’s a small list to get you started:

I am grateful for:

·        This life, which gives me opportunity to move closer to truth every day

·        Freedom, to live and believe and express myself as I choose

·        My parents, for bringing me into the world and loving me the best they knew how at the time

·        Friends, who share with me the laughter and tears of everyday life

·        The sun shining on my face, shedding its warmth and life-giving light to me and all living things

·        Trees, beautifying my world as they lend to us their much-needed air

·        My lungs, breathing in and out without a thought, drawing in the breeze which blows about me

·        My heart which voluntarily, steadfastly beats, carrying nourishing elements to all the cells of my body

·        My brain, enabling me to comprehend and synthesize my world

·        The amazing wonder of my body, a vehicle to carry me through life

·        The earth, which holds our energy; receiving, recycling, and feeding us all daily

·        The plants and animals, which share their life force and bodies with me so I can live

·        The humble abode in which I take shelter from the elements

·        Awareness, to know beauty and truth, love and compassion

·        Spirit, which fills me with wisdom, knowledge and bliss

·        Music, which wakes me, shakes me, and soothes me

·        Film, which teaches, stimulates, and entertains me

·        Books: a friend for quiet times

·        Children laughing

·        Hugs

·        The ocean – churning, changing by the minute; spraying mist upon my face

·        My past, shaping me into the person I am

·        The ability to change anything I don’t like about myself

·        The power to create change and beauty

·        Myself, for showing up for life!

This clear to semi-opaque, limey-green crystal is the mineral totem for the Snow Goose Moon cycle of December 22 – January 19 and is a wonderful stone for all who seek purification, regeneration, stimulation, and renewal at all levels of our being. I have found it a great ally for those with physical ailments, as well as for healers. Diverse in its function, it is associated with chakras 3 though 7.

On the physical plane, Peridot serves as a balancer and tonic, balancing the glandular system, aiding in tissue regeneration and fortifying the bloodstream. It is also purifying to body, mind and spirit.

Peridot stimulates the mind, enhancing the comprehension and synthesis of lessons, thereby accelerating personal growth.

This lovely gem is great for use by therapists, as it tends to counteract negative emotions and dispel fear, guilt and depression.

And, though I have not had personal experience with this attribute, Peridot is also said to open new doors of opportunity.

If you are in need of healing in the blood or lymph areas, or suffer from depression, this is one friendly gem that is offering its services.

Stones and crystals have been around for as long as the earth has existed. They have witnessed every cataclysmic climactic change, the rise and fall of great civilizations, and the destruction and evolution of millions of species. Now they are witnessing over-population, global warming – all the maladies of the modern times. And, because crystals are an inseparable part of the planet, they care very much about actions that affect the earth.

Crystals represent an ancient, stable consciousness; one with deep wisdom and first-hand experience of the true nature of the earth and its changes. My own experience with crystals, as well as that of others, teaches us that – like all conscious beings -- crystals have their own mission and agenda on earth. Part of this agenda often includes assisting other creatures on the planet in their own healing and evolution. This is a great gift, to which anyone who has ever had a “miraculous” healing from using crystals can attest.

Many people take crystals for granted. They use them for decorative reasons, without thought of their nature[1] or, worse, they try to pervert the power of crystals for less-than-noble uses. Because of abuses pressed upon crystals in the past, some have shut down, refusing to allow their energy to be used for dark purposes. Others have stepped up their game, sending out energy to attract to themselves those who can utilize them according to their true purpose.

Selecting Chrystals for Personal Use

There are many reasons that one may be inspired to purchase or mine for crystals. If you're a healer, you may be interested in how they can be used to supplement your work, or you may have a particular malady you wish to self-heal. Often, a person's initial choice may be guided by experts' recommends. This is a good starting place but my guidance for beginners would be to use a more personal, intuitive appraoch as the starting point and expand out from there. Here are my suggestions for selecting crystals for the highest good.

1. Before even consulting a reference book, always begin by checking in with your Higher Self. YOU know things that no book can tell you. So spend some time in a relaxed receptive state, utilizing meditation or whatever method you prefer. Ask your Higher Self, as well as any angels, ascended masters or other spirit guides in your life, what crystal would be most effective in assisting you with your particular need. Pay attention to any impressions you get, colors you see, and synchronicities while out in the world. For this part of the journey, follow the same suggestions as those recommended in the article, Working with Totems and Allies.   

2. Once you feel you have received some direction concerning what stone may be best, go back and have another time of meditation or, if you prefer, you can take a shamanic journey to the land of crystals where all the vibrant colors of the rainbow are represented in crystalline beings and bright, brilliant light. See if you can find the stone you are looking for in that place and ask it if it would be your ally in the healing work you wish to do, whether on yourself or others. It may seem like a lot of work -- or maybe even silly to some -- to pray, listen, and seek permission to use certain crystal, compared to just looking for an answer in a book . But when you take the time to approach crystals with respect, recognizing them as conscious beings with a will of their own, you will be surprised how much more power you can access. Like all things in shamanism, it's about relationship so begin, first, by seeking to connect with the spirit of the crystal.  

3. Once you have permission to use that crystal, go ahead and look it up. What do other people connected with crystals have to say about it? How does it match up or differ from what you're hearing intutively? If you feel lead to use the crystal in a way that is different than others have recorded, trust that you are hearing from the crystal itself and what it wants to do.

4. Now it's time to acquire one on the physical level. Start by asking Great Spirit, your guides, and/or your Higher Self to lead you to the best place to find the right stone for you. This may come to you as a gift, a synchronistic find, or you could be lead right to the perfect store. If you find a stone (plant, or anything) in nature that you would like to take home, always ask it for permission to remove it from its natural setting. If you sense a message, or feel an energy of joy or love eminating from it, then you have got the go-ahead. Be careful how you remove the item, always leaving as little "footprint" as possible on nature. Then, leave a gift in return, such as tobacco or corn meal. I always carry a little pouch with me, when out in nature, so I can leave something little gifts behind to thank the Mother for her blessings.

5. If you are going to a store to buy one, spend some time first just looking at the selection without touching any. Try to sense the energy of each stone and see if one jumps out at you. Does any stone seem to just catch your eye? Do any keep rolling or falling in your direction? I have had a few stones literally jump off the counter at me when I was looking. If that happens, look no further! Next, pick it up and hold it in your non-dominant hand. Close your eyes and open yourself to its energy. Then ask if it is the one for you? Wait for a sense of "yes," or "no." If I don't hear anything, I always put the stone back and continue on. If you get a "yes," you're in business.

6. When you get a stone home, always begin by thanking it for choosing to come into your life and serve you. Then clear and charge it by placing it in the sun for a few days to weeks. If you can leave it somewhere it also gets moonlight, all the better. In general, crystals don't like being in stores and they particularly don't enjoy flourescent lights and glass cabinets. So it's always good to pay attention to their needs first, before attempting to utilize them. When you can pick it up and sense that it feels refreshed, then it is ready to use.

As you begin your work with crystal allies, it is important to continue to listen for any guidance the crystal itself may give you. Remember this is a relationship and keep the lines of communication open as to how it wants to do its work. Also, always treat it like you would a good friend or lover. Wrap it in velvet or silk, put in a beautiful box, or store it in a place of honor. If not in use for a while, be sure to take them out regularly, exposing them to light and sun, and give them some attention. I recommend you do something weekly, if not daily, with your stones. Bring them flowers or herbs to wrap up with them, rattle or sing to them, take them on walks in nature, etc. Your crystals will soak up the love you send, returning it back to you in amped up healing power.