Professional Psychic and Medium, Jo'Ann Ruhl joins Julian talking about psychic development, prognostication, and what's up for 2011.
"Casting my mind into the abyss...only then do I begin." Dr. Christopher Hyatt
Friday, December 31, 2010
Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow
New Year's Eve. I love threshholds. Of course, every day we are standing on the edge of tomorrow. I usually do my yearly assessing and creating new intentions around Samhain, yet I'm the kind of person who also does it on a daily basis.
Especially now that I fully grasp the concept that every moment we are creating our own reality and future. If I do nothing else with MindCast, I will endeavor to convey that fact to many who have not yet grasped it, or who are on the cusp of awakening or grasping it. Tonight's show will surely reinforce the concept.
When President Obama took office, I recall reading an article based on Dante's quote, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here." In Dante's work, it is the sign at the entrance to Hell. This author (unfortunately, I no longer know where I read it, so I can't make proper attribution) sets it forth for the realist -- that we must stop hoping and vainly wringing our hands and DO SOMETHING!
So, I moved from saying, "I hope," to "I want to," and finally to "I will," and perhaps I should move that to "I am."
I am. When I hear those words, it helps me to understand the omnipotence and omniscience attributed to "God." The task now is to help all people understand that this applies also to us -- but only for ourselves. We are as omnipotent and omniscient as we choose to be and as we allow our awareness to be.
But I realize, even as I say that, that when I write, when I learn, when I share -- it must be only to myself that I think and speak. If anyone else is listening and perhaps inspired by something I say, that is icing on the cake. I must not presume to teach.
Especially now that I fully grasp the concept that every moment we are creating our own reality and future. If I do nothing else with MindCast, I will endeavor to convey that fact to many who have not yet grasped it, or who are on the cusp of awakening or grasping it. Tonight's show will surely reinforce the concept.
When President Obama took office, I recall reading an article based on Dante's quote, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here." In Dante's work, it is the sign at the entrance to Hell. This author (unfortunately, I no longer know where I read it, so I can't make proper attribution) sets it forth for the realist -- that we must stop hoping and vainly wringing our hands and DO SOMETHING!
So, I moved from saying, "I hope," to "I want to," and finally to "I will," and perhaps I should move that to "I am."
I am. When I hear those words, it helps me to understand the omnipotence and omniscience attributed to "God." The task now is to help all people understand that this applies also to us -- but only for ourselves. We are as omnipotent and omniscient as we choose to be and as we allow our awareness to be.
But I realize, even as I say that, that when I write, when I learn, when I share -- it must be only to myself that I think and speak. If anyone else is listening and perhaps inspired by something I say, that is icing on the cake. I must not presume to teach.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Arctic Express & Prognostication
Arctic Express hurtling through Southern Arizona today. With the unpredictability of the weather for tomorrow (seeing as how they predicted snow, then recanted it, and now it's snowing), we have created a contingency plan for the broadcast.
1) Best case scenario - Jo'Ann & I both make it to the studio to do the show live.
2) Another possibility - County roads too scary for me, but Jo'Ann makes it to the studio, and I call in.
3) Nobody makes it and we re-run the Wiccan show from Dec. 3.
I strongly suspect that we'll all make it to the studio and have a great show!
Tomorrow's show is titled "Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow," and we will discuss psychic development and prognostication. (Prognostication derives from the Greek "pro" (before) and "gnosis" a special kind of knowing - thus "foreknowing.") We will talk about what's coming up in 2011 & 2012, and about the accuracy (or lack thereof) of the predictions out there.
I've not met Jo'Ann in person yet, but I've heard her and her husband both on the radio, and have had lengthy email correspondence with her as well as talked by phone. I'm very impressed. I first emailed Jo'Ann after hearing her husband on KJLL's Gnosis program on Saturday afternoons.
I was immediately impressed upon learning that she was one of the mediums who had worked with University of Arizona professor, Dr. Gary Schwartz. I was aware of his work with mediums in his project to find evidence of life after death. Then I got to know more about Jo'Ann's own work in psychic development, mediumship, and healing. Everything she told me made me realize this was someone I not only wanted to have on my show, but someone I wanted to get to know personally.
She's very down to earth and real about a profession many consider to be so "out there." She has been teaching an oracular development class for several years, and we will hear tomorrow night about how each of us is his or her own Oracle, not only in the sense that those gifts can be developed, but also in the sense of simply paying attention to what he see and know right now.
Join me tomorrow night and learn more about yourself and your own gifts in addition to learning what this psychic and medium has to say about the future for all of us.
1) Best case scenario - Jo'Ann & I both make it to the studio to do the show live.
2) Another possibility - County roads too scary for me, but Jo'Ann makes it to the studio, and I call in.
3) Nobody makes it and we re-run the Wiccan show from Dec. 3.
I strongly suspect that we'll all make it to the studio and have a great show!
Tomorrow's show is titled "Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow," and we will discuss psychic development and prognostication. (Prognostication derives from the Greek "pro" (before) and "gnosis" a special kind of knowing - thus "foreknowing.") We will talk about what's coming up in 2011 & 2012, and about the accuracy (or lack thereof) of the predictions out there.
I've not met Jo'Ann in person yet, but I've heard her and her husband both on the radio, and have had lengthy email correspondence with her as well as talked by phone. I'm very impressed. I first emailed Jo'Ann after hearing her husband on KJLL's Gnosis program on Saturday afternoons.
I was immediately impressed upon learning that she was one of the mediums who had worked with University of Arizona professor, Dr. Gary Schwartz. I was aware of his work with mediums in his project to find evidence of life after death. Then I got to know more about Jo'Ann's own work in psychic development, mediumship, and healing. Everything she told me made me realize this was someone I not only wanted to have on my show, but someone I wanted to get to know personally.
She's very down to earth and real about a profession many consider to be so "out there." She has been teaching an oracular development class for several years, and we will hear tomorrow night about how each of us is his or her own Oracle, not only in the sense that those gifts can be developed, but also in the sense of simply paying attention to what he see and know right now.
Join me tomorrow night and learn more about yourself and your own gifts in addition to learning what this psychic and medium has to say about the future for all of us.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
MindCast 12-24-10
Christmas Eve show, Part 1, taped on Monday, 12/20 - Pagan "Christmas" traditions, Winter Solstice, & Jul
MindCast 12-17-10
AODA Grand ArchDruid John Michael Greer, and FODLA Clergy, Linda Costello talk about Druidry.
Wow! Last night's lunar eclipse coinciding with the winter solstice was a powerful end to a year of promise, and a powerful beginning to a future of impending success.
As the moon hung red in the shadow of the earth looking like an alien planet suspended above our own, I couldn't help think how jarring it must have been to those in previous ages who would have had no frame of reference for what was happening -- perhaps travelling at night or happening to look out a window expecting the landscape to be flooded with light from the full moon and discovering this unexpected darkness and an eerie visage of the moon. It was eerie to me even knowing full well what was happening. I remember St. John's discussion in Revelation of the moon turning to blood. Perhaps he had heard tales of such things happening previously and was sure that it must portend something cataclysmic -- even the end of the world!
On a more humorous note, though, I found it interesting that nearly every article I read had different dates as to when it had happened before, and some articles even showed wrong times. So with all our advanced technology, we can't get together on the details. Everyone's in a hurry these days and can't be bothered to get something accurate -- something of as little consequence as a lunar eclipse.
I taped the Christmas Eve show last night and am putting it up as a podcast today, so you can listen to it even before it's aired! It talks about Pagan "Christmas" traditions, and about the search for a new spiritual paradigm throughout the ages, illustrated by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "The Epic."
We are looking forward to a wonderful New Year's Eve show with psychic, medium, healer and teacher, Jo'Ann Ruhl who will have much to share on psychic development and on being a professional psychic, not only talking about her own experience but talking to potential professionals.
We have two new series coming up in the new year, one on magick, and one on healing modalities and natural health. In between there will be individual shows on Shamanism, Croning, and other topics.
Look forward to an exciting 2011!
As the moon hung red in the shadow of the earth looking like an alien planet suspended above our own, I couldn't help think how jarring it must have been to those in previous ages who would have had no frame of reference for what was happening -- perhaps travelling at night or happening to look out a window expecting the landscape to be flooded with light from the full moon and discovering this unexpected darkness and an eerie visage of the moon. It was eerie to me even knowing full well what was happening. I remember St. John's discussion in Revelation of the moon turning to blood. Perhaps he had heard tales of such things happening previously and was sure that it must portend something cataclysmic -- even the end of the world!
On a more humorous note, though, I found it interesting that nearly every article I read had different dates as to when it had happened before, and some articles even showed wrong times. So with all our advanced technology, we can't get together on the details. Everyone's in a hurry these days and can't be bothered to get something accurate -- something of as little consequence as a lunar eclipse.
I taped the Christmas Eve show last night and am putting it up as a podcast today, so you can listen to it even before it's aired! It talks about Pagan "Christmas" traditions, and about the search for a new spiritual paradigm throughout the ages, illustrated by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "The Epic."
We are looking forward to a wonderful New Year's Eve show with psychic, medium, healer and teacher, Jo'Ann Ruhl who will have much to share on psychic development and on being a professional psychic, not only talking about her own experience but talking to potential professionals.
We have two new series coming up in the new year, one on magick, and one on healing modalities and natural health. In between there will be individual shows on Shamanism, Croning, and other topics.
Look forward to an exciting 2011!
MindCast 12-10-10
1st segment - Marilyn Harper with Adironnda & Co.
Followed by Diana Paxson and Dennis Ford with Troth.
Followed by Diana Paxson and Dennis Ford with Troth.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
To sleep, perchance to dream...and build!
Tough to get back on track after a move! Everything is displaced, including any semblance of routine. I've slept 12 hours each of the last two nights -- apparently readjusting. It's nice, even in the midst of chaos, to have a comfortable place to sleep.
John Michael Greer and Linda Costello will definitely be back on the show soon! I plan to have a series on Magick in January or February -- from Alchemy and Hermeticism, through Golden Dawn and its offshoots to Natural Magick. We'll have lots of different guests.
Several listeners have expressed a desire for the show to go two hours -- that would give us 5 segments for discussion and questions, one for sponsors & updates, and two for online readings showcasing local readers and psychics.
I want to be able to come up with various levels of sponsorship for individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses, but I'm hoping we'll become so popular and drawing to listeners that I won't have to keep hawking it. I suppose that's fairly unrealistic, but our needs are much smaller than supporting a public TV or radio station, so hopefully I can draw a few loyal fans who would be willing to contribute on a regular basis, whether $5 a month or $200.
A thought would be to get non-profit status for Alysion Acres and to come under their umbrella so that I can receive donations. Alysion Acres is our new home (see www.alysion.org and the Alysion Acres link) and there is a major vision for it (a very doable vision, not just pie in the sky, thanks to the far-seeing owners) as well.
I think I've said before that it's tough being both the creative person and the sales person, especially when I'd rather just concentrate on the creative. (Wouldn't we all - LOL!) Depending on the specific hours, a two hour show once a week would cost $1600 - $2000 a month. I am not seeking profit from it -- simply to cover the expenses of the show.
So, if you know pagan or metaphysical businesses, or just pagan or metaphysical people with businesses who might be interested in advertising, please direct them to MindCast. I would like a mix of local and online advertisers since the show can be streamed anywhere via the Internet. I will get a page of advertising rates up in the next couple of days.
It's so easy to lay back and not sell, but I know better. Just as I started this venture, I got a horoscope from Rob Brezsny telling me that wild success could be mine this time around if I was willing to be a builder. If you're not familiar with Rob Brezsny, take an opportunity to look at his website at www.freewillastrology.com. His continuing wisdom has helped me be in the right mindset for success this time. And I see it happening in many ways already, and complete fulfillment on the horizon if I put aside typical Jade/Julian/Denise behaviors and truly become a builder.
Let's chronicle success!!!
John Michael Greer and Linda Costello will definitely be back on the show soon! I plan to have a series on Magick in January or February -- from Alchemy and Hermeticism, through Golden Dawn and its offshoots to Natural Magick. We'll have lots of different guests.
Several listeners have expressed a desire for the show to go two hours -- that would give us 5 segments for discussion and questions, one for sponsors & updates, and two for online readings showcasing local readers and psychics.
I want to be able to come up with various levels of sponsorship for individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses, but I'm hoping we'll become so popular and drawing to listeners that I won't have to keep hawking it. I suppose that's fairly unrealistic, but our needs are much smaller than supporting a public TV or radio station, so hopefully I can draw a few loyal fans who would be willing to contribute on a regular basis, whether $5 a month or $200.
A thought would be to get non-profit status for Alysion Acres and to come under their umbrella so that I can receive donations. Alysion Acres is our new home (see www.alysion.org and the Alysion Acres link) and there is a major vision for it (a very doable vision, not just pie in the sky, thanks to the far-seeing owners) as well.
I think I've said before that it's tough being both the creative person and the sales person, especially when I'd rather just concentrate on the creative. (Wouldn't we all - LOL!) Depending on the specific hours, a two hour show once a week would cost $1600 - $2000 a month. I am not seeking profit from it -- simply to cover the expenses of the show.
So, if you know pagan or metaphysical businesses, or just pagan or metaphysical people with businesses who might be interested in advertising, please direct them to MindCast. I would like a mix of local and online advertisers since the show can be streamed anywhere via the Internet. I will get a page of advertising rates up in the next couple of days.
It's so easy to lay back and not sell, but I know better. Just as I started this venture, I got a horoscope from Rob Brezsny telling me that wild success could be mine this time around if I was willing to be a builder. If you're not familiar with Rob Brezsny, take an opportunity to look at his website at www.freewillastrology.com. His continuing wisdom has helped me be in the right mindset for success this time. And I see it happening in many ways already, and complete fulfillment on the horizon if I put aside typical Jade/Julian/Denise behaviors and truly become a builder.
Let's chronicle success!!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Seeing through Other eyes
The Blue Eyed Witch event with Marilyn Harper channeling Adironnda was very successful and most interesting! I have always been somewhat skeptical about channeling, but I decided it was an uninformed prejudice as I had not really experienced a channeling before.
When I read others' comments about experiences with Marilyn, one thing they always mention is her warmth. Having spent many years in the company of speakers who exude what to me is a very contrived "warmth," I was pleasantly surprised that Marilyn is someone with whom one immediately feels at ease, and I also felt a kind of "cosmic" warmth as if she knew me without having met me. It wasn't a feeling of having known her before that I get with some people, but -- well, like being known by an entity from beyond, and yet one who knew me familiarly.
I watched her expressions very carefully as she channeled Adironnda, who speaks for "the Twelve." I felt as though different ones spoke through Adironnda instead of Adironnda speaking for them because even though it was one voice (not Marilyn's), the facial expressions changed subtly. My brain kept saying to me, "That's the Lord Krishna," and yet sometimes the expression had a profoundly Semitic cast to it. Perhaps it was simply the expression of Adironnda and the Twelve all in one. It's very difficult to describe.
I am a face watcher. I can rarely tell you what someone was wearing, and sometimes not even the color of his or her hair, but I remember much about what they were feeling or thinking as they spoke because of the subtle changes in their facial expressions. It doesn't matter that Adironnda said some rather earthly or mundane things for a cosmic entity, but that expression -- I don't care how "practiced" someone is, and perhaps I'm just naive since, as I say, this was my first experience of a channeler, but it seems that the all-encompassing love coming from Adironnda's expression would be hard to "act" or that smile to be pasted on at will.
I heard once that someone had walked by J Z Knight somewhere and saw her looking in the mirror, "practicing" the Ramtha voice. But who knows what they really saw? Perhaps it never ceases to amaze Knight that she has channeled Ramtha all these years -- perhaps she was questioning herself and checking to see if it were something she could reproduce. Why are we always so quick to debunk?
Yes, I'll admit I was also a bit skeptical when Marilyn told us that some of the Twelve are Buddha, Jesus, Mary and others -- she named them all -- but when I watched her, she was definitely channeling something "Other" than herself. Er -- let's say she was definitely channeling something "Other" than her self in the flesh. It may all be from Marilyn's higher mind, but who's to argue with that? To me, the most difficult part would be getting out of my own way long enough for the Other to come through.
The other cool thing for me was when she opened the Akashic Records -- I saw a flash of a past life for the very first time. Actually, let's say the very first time I knew it to be a flash of a past life. I had had the memories before, but this time I saw beyond it, and saw that it was part of a life.
The strangest part was when she asked me directly what I had seen, and I started to tell it, another man there in the room took up where I hesitated and told another part of my story, and it was something that paralleled a past situation in this life. If we weren't seeing into the Akashic Records, at the very least we were keying into something from the collective unconscious.
She may be back in Tombstone on January 11th -- she does a double digit channeling every month, and that date will be 1/11/11. I'll keep you posted. Come see for yourself!
When I read others' comments about experiences with Marilyn, one thing they always mention is her warmth. Having spent many years in the company of speakers who exude what to me is a very contrived "warmth," I was pleasantly surprised that Marilyn is someone with whom one immediately feels at ease, and I also felt a kind of "cosmic" warmth as if she knew me without having met me. It wasn't a feeling of having known her before that I get with some people, but -- well, like being known by an entity from beyond, and yet one who knew me familiarly.
I watched her expressions very carefully as she channeled Adironnda, who speaks for "the Twelve." I felt as though different ones spoke through Adironnda instead of Adironnda speaking for them because even though it was one voice (not Marilyn's), the facial expressions changed subtly. My brain kept saying to me, "That's the Lord Krishna," and yet sometimes the expression had a profoundly Semitic cast to it. Perhaps it was simply the expression of Adironnda and the Twelve all in one. It's very difficult to describe.
I am a face watcher. I can rarely tell you what someone was wearing, and sometimes not even the color of his or her hair, but I remember much about what they were feeling or thinking as they spoke because of the subtle changes in their facial expressions. It doesn't matter that Adironnda said some rather earthly or mundane things for a cosmic entity, but that expression -- I don't care how "practiced" someone is, and perhaps I'm just naive since, as I say, this was my first experience of a channeler, but it seems that the all-encompassing love coming from Adironnda's expression would be hard to "act" or that smile to be pasted on at will.
I heard once that someone had walked by J Z Knight somewhere and saw her looking in the mirror, "practicing" the Ramtha voice. But who knows what they really saw? Perhaps it never ceases to amaze Knight that she has channeled Ramtha all these years -- perhaps she was questioning herself and checking to see if it were something she could reproduce. Why are we always so quick to debunk?
Yes, I'll admit I was also a bit skeptical when Marilyn told us that some of the Twelve are Buddha, Jesus, Mary and others -- she named them all -- but when I watched her, she was definitely channeling something "Other" than herself. Er -- let's say she was definitely channeling something "Other" than her self in the flesh. It may all be from Marilyn's higher mind, but who's to argue with that? To me, the most difficult part would be getting out of my own way long enough for the Other to come through.
The other cool thing for me was when she opened the Akashic Records -- I saw a flash of a past life for the very first time. Actually, let's say the very first time I knew it to be a flash of a past life. I had had the memories before, but this time I saw beyond it, and saw that it was part of a life.
The strangest part was when she asked me directly what I had seen, and I started to tell it, another man there in the room took up where I hesitated and told another part of my story, and it was something that paralleled a past situation in this life. If we weren't seeing into the Akashic Records, at the very least we were keying into something from the collective unconscious.
She may be back in Tombstone on January 11th -- she does a double digit channeling every month, and that date will be 1/11/11. I'll keep you posted. Come see for yourself!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Adventure update!
Well, we're off on our new pioneering adventure. First morning in our new digs -- nothing like the smell of coffee to make one feel at home no matter where!
We are in on the ground floor of an intentional community, rolling up our sleeves and ready to spend every day working for the kind of life we believe in -- eco sustainability!
I have so much catching up to do in the blog! So many things to comment on. Our "Wiccans & Heathens & Druids, O My" series has been very successful. Our listener base is increasing, and people are clamoring for two hours instead of one! Wouldn't it be fun to have online readings, etc?
I'm really looking forward to talking with John Michael Greer and Linda Costello this Friday. Their experiences in all kinds of magick and Pagan religions and far beyond is vast -- I'm looking for an inspiration to pare it down to something manageable for the broadcast.
I'm going for a new format after the beginning of the year. My horoscope says I need to slow things down 800%. That's going to require some inspiration, too, to keep people's interest, but to be about spiritual awareness, and not just what's new and what's hot. My Christmas Eve show will be an experiment in that. Then Jo'Ann Ruhl, professional psychic and medium will join us on the 31st for talk about psychics and prognostication (speaking from foreknowledge).
Got to run -- it's getting on towards noon! But I'll be back with more tomorrow! I will also be starting up my Intrepid Jade blog again and blogging about what it's like to be down & dirty in our pioneering project.
We are in on the ground floor of an intentional community, rolling up our sleeves and ready to spend every day working for the kind of life we believe in -- eco sustainability!
I have so much catching up to do in the blog! So many things to comment on. Our "Wiccans & Heathens & Druids, O My" series has been very successful. Our listener base is increasing, and people are clamoring for two hours instead of one! Wouldn't it be fun to have online readings, etc?
I'm really looking forward to talking with John Michael Greer and Linda Costello this Friday. Their experiences in all kinds of magick and Pagan religions and far beyond is vast -- I'm looking for an inspiration to pare it down to something manageable for the broadcast.
I'm going for a new format after the beginning of the year. My horoscope says I need to slow things down 800%. That's going to require some inspiration, too, to keep people's interest, but to be about spiritual awareness, and not just what's new and what's hot. My Christmas Eve show will be an experiment in that. Then Jo'Ann Ruhl, professional psychic and medium will join us on the 31st for talk about psychics and prognostication (speaking from foreknowledge).
Got to run -- it's getting on towards noon! But I'll be back with more tomorrow! I will also be starting up my Intrepid Jade blog again and blogging about what it's like to be down & dirty in our pioneering project.
Friday, December 10, 2010
The adventure continues!
I read somewhere that Pagan/Metaphysical radio rarely lasts longer than a month, so we've already crossed that hurdle! This will be our 5th MindCast tonight. Sponsorship continues to grow. We look forward to talking for a few minutes with Marilyn Harper, a channeler who will be in our area for a few days. She will be doing a group channel at the Blue Eyed Witch in Tombstone Monday evening at 6. See the mindcast1330.com website for more info!
Then we'll spend the rest of the hour with Diana Paxson and Dennis Ford from Troth, an arm of Nordic paganism and Asatru. We will find out how Asatru is different from other Pagan religions, find out about their practices, their magic, and why one might be drawn to Asatru. Don't hesitate to call in and ask questions - 520.529.3508!
Tune in tonight, or catch the podcast tomorrow.
I've not kept up with the blog this past week or so because I'm off on a new adventure which I'll share with you next week. We'll be settled in by Monday, and then I can return my attention to daily blogging.
Be listening! AM 1330, KJLL, Tucson or www.tucsonsjolt.com via IE or Safari!
Then we'll spend the rest of the hour with Diana Paxson and Dennis Ford from Troth, an arm of Nordic paganism and Asatru. We will find out how Asatru is different from other Pagan religions, find out about their practices, their magic, and why one might be drawn to Asatru. Don't hesitate to call in and ask questions - 520.529.3508!
Tune in tonight, or catch the podcast tomorrow.
I've not kept up with the blog this past week or so because I'm off on a new adventure which I'll share with you next week. We'll be settled in by Monday, and then I can return my attention to daily blogging.
Be listening! AM 1330, KJLL, Tucson or www.tucsonsjolt.com via IE or Safari!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Happenings!
On the air with Wiccans, Ashleen O'Gaea, Jim, and Carol Garr, Dec. 3rd.
Jim, Ashleen O'Gaea, and Carol
Carol & Ashleen co-authored the book, Enchantment Encumbered: The Study and Practice of Wicca in Restricted Environments
Chuck Aubrey, MindCast sound man
& Baron from Gnosis & ghost voice in the background from time to time. ;-)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
HeeHee! HoHo!
HaHa!
Had the podcasts working, then messed it up trying to add the third. I'll get it! I'll get it!
Getting things set up...
Now you can listen to podcasts of our first two shows by clicking on the XML link in the righthand column. The third is coming soon. I'll also add a link here to the website which is updated weekly, if not more. Stay tuned!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
I haven't had a cold for 10 years! My secret...
Too many of my friends are sick! Here's the secret to staying well.
The last cold I had was the worst I had ever experienced. I'll spare you the details, but just know that it was so bad I had some serious complications that cost me too much!
I'm not going into all my rationale for how I figured out how to stay well. (You're welcome.) I'm just going to give you the facts about how to get well and stay well, especially during the winter/holiday season. If you have questions, or there is something I need to clarify, please comment!
Pretty much everyone is exposed to the same germs, but not everyone gets sick. The key is to get your immune system up and keep it up. The number one cause of immune suppression at this time of year (besides all the holiday stress we let ourselves in for) is SUGAR! Face it, it starts at Halloween and continues through New Years. We start getting colds right after Halloween, suffer through November and December and are the sickest in January.
Here's my prescription for avoiding colds and flu:
It begins with all the yeast build up that happens once your gut is stripped by antibiotics. Then you feed it with carbs and sugar, and the yeast growth goes out of control. Just look up the symptoms of "leaky gut syndrome" and see how many of them you have. Once the yeast in your system goes bonkers, it starts attaching itself to the lining of the stomach and eventually perforates it (think ivy on brick), allowing undigested food particles into your blood stream. Then your immune response kicks in, treating everything as a foreign object. Your immune system can only keep that up for so long, and then you start getting sick. What do you do? More antibiotics. It becomes a vicious cycle.
I did my first candida cleanse with nothing more than diet modification and Kyolic Garlic. Garlic has antibiotic properties, too, but it is pickier about what it kills off. In this instance, it will kill off your yeast. Follow the online instructions for a good yeast cleans. Then start building your system back up with pro-biotics. Once you rebuild, you can maintain with good yogurt. That means good, organic, plain yogurt, not fruit (and sugar) filled nastiness. Once I saw the benefits of plain yogurt on my system, it became my substitute for sour cream, commercial leavening, ice cream, etc. Can't stand it plain? Add a little Stevia to it. I mix it with my granola, use it in a lot of my baking, make homemade frozen yogurt with it -- yum! I couldn't go back to the other stuff now.
So does that mean you have to give up all sugar forever? No. Once you are cleaned up (and there is a process, so be sure to research it online), pay attention to your body! I found that when I would eat certain things (commercial ice cream and those nasty, but wonderful coffee drinks in the Circle K's -- you know, the Pumpkin Spice, Caramel, Vanilla, etc.) were my triggers. I figured it out because I would eat or drink one of them, and within a few hours I would have swollen lymph nodes. If I ignored it, it would progress to sore throat, then nasal drainage, and I would feel feverish.
So, at the very first sign of swollen lymph nodes, don't ask yourself, "what have I been exposed to now?", rather ask yourself, "what nastiness did I just eat?"
The last cold I had was the worst I had ever experienced. I'll spare you the details, but just know that it was so bad I had some serious complications that cost me too much!
I'm not going into all my rationale for how I figured out how to stay well. (You're welcome.) I'm just going to give you the facts about how to get well and stay well, especially during the winter/holiday season. If you have questions, or there is something I need to clarify, please comment!
Pretty much everyone is exposed to the same germs, but not everyone gets sick. The key is to get your immune system up and keep it up. The number one cause of immune suppression at this time of year (besides all the holiday stress we let ourselves in for) is SUGAR! Face it, it starts at Halloween and continues through New Years. We start getting colds right after Halloween, suffer through November and December and are the sickest in January.
Here's my prescription for avoiding colds and flu:
- Never get a flu shot. Never! (I stopped getting them, and I stopped getting sick!) Raise your immune level to ward off evil germs.
- Take lots of vitamin D3 -- most important of all. Read all the rationale for that online.
- Get the Traditional Medicinals Seasonal Herb Tea Sampler. Or a box each of Echinacea Plus and Throat Coat. The instant you feel those lymph nodes swelling, start swilling these!
- Take essential fatty acids (EFA's) daily. (Not just during cold & flu season)
- A lot of people take extra vitamin C, but I find I get enough in my daily vitamin and the food I eat.
- Stay away from juice (way too much sugar in concentration). Eat whole fruits instead.
- What about sweets -- gotta have something now and then. For your drinks, use liquid Stevia. Yes, it's expensive, but I buy the 4 oz. bottles of Sweet Leaf from Amazon. I use 6 or 7 drops in everything I drink (except for water), and one bottle lasts me for months! I maybe go through 2 or 2 1/2 bottles a year.
- If you must have holiday goodies (and who doesn't?) bake your own and pick your battles when you're at a holiday function. Bake your own with Whey Low sugar products -- found at www.wheylow.com. I use it in everything I bake without exception. I buy the sampler pack which has 2 pound packages of everything they make -- gold, maple, ice cream, powdered, and regular or diabetic granulated. You absolutely cannot tell the difference in taste or texture between Whey Low and regular table sugar.
- Stay away from the obvious crap - doughnuts, store bought cookies and candies, grocery store pastries and pies. If you're going to indulge, at least make it worth it -- choose a high quality pastry from an artisan bakery or something homemade (use your best judgment).
- Just say no to holiday stress. Start thinking about what it is that stresses you at this time of year and change it. Don't take or make any excuses. You and your health are far more important than any holiday activity, even (and perhaps especially) guilt-laden obligations. If you know it's going to stress you out, don't do it, or don't go.
It begins with all the yeast build up that happens once your gut is stripped by antibiotics. Then you feed it with carbs and sugar, and the yeast growth goes out of control. Just look up the symptoms of "leaky gut syndrome" and see how many of them you have. Once the yeast in your system goes bonkers, it starts attaching itself to the lining of the stomach and eventually perforates it (think ivy on brick), allowing undigested food particles into your blood stream. Then your immune response kicks in, treating everything as a foreign object. Your immune system can only keep that up for so long, and then you start getting sick. What do you do? More antibiotics. It becomes a vicious cycle.
I did my first candida cleanse with nothing more than diet modification and Kyolic Garlic. Garlic has antibiotic properties, too, but it is pickier about what it kills off. In this instance, it will kill off your yeast. Follow the online instructions for a good yeast cleans. Then start building your system back up with pro-biotics. Once you rebuild, you can maintain with good yogurt. That means good, organic, plain yogurt, not fruit (and sugar) filled nastiness. Once I saw the benefits of plain yogurt on my system, it became my substitute for sour cream, commercial leavening, ice cream, etc. Can't stand it plain? Add a little Stevia to it. I mix it with my granola, use it in a lot of my baking, make homemade frozen yogurt with it -- yum! I couldn't go back to the other stuff now.
So does that mean you have to give up all sugar forever? No. Once you are cleaned up (and there is a process, so be sure to research it online), pay attention to your body! I found that when I would eat certain things (commercial ice cream and those nasty, but wonderful coffee drinks in the Circle K's -- you know, the Pumpkin Spice, Caramel, Vanilla, etc.) were my triggers. I figured it out because I would eat or drink one of them, and within a few hours I would have swollen lymph nodes. If I ignored it, it would progress to sore throat, then nasal drainage, and I would feel feverish.
So, at the very first sign of swollen lymph nodes, don't ask yourself, "what have I been exposed to now?", rather ask yourself, "what nastiness did I just eat?"
Sunday, November 21, 2010
In which I reveal spiritual afflictions & the demonic
In 1991 when I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I was put on Prozac. It didn't take me long to learn why Prozac was controversial. It ripped me into reality so hard and fast that I was left with only one thing -- the realization of how my illness had affected everyone and everything around me. I had heard that people were committing suicide after being put on Prozac. No wonder. Had I not had the support that I did, both from friends, family and my faith, I might have done the same. The thing was, that the support I received held me steady while I looked around and said, "Okay, I take responsibility for this. Now what?"
What responsibility did I have in it? My depression stemmed from things done to me in the past -- BUT! Although the cliche trips easily off the tongue -- dealing with the reality is something else: the fact that the only thing we can control when things are done and said to us is our reaction to it. As a child, we might have no control whatsoever. But when we are adults and become aware of what has happened to us, then it's what we do with that knowledge.
The bad things that happen to us become a source of grief. And we deal with grief in one of five ways -- we deny it, we get angry, we bargain with it, we get depressed over it, and hopefully, ultimately we will accept it, come to terms with it, deal with it, get over it, and let it go. But coming to that last stage depends on each individual. While we are trapped in the first four stages, going in and out of the different stages in different orders, sometimes stuck in one or all of them for years and years, we cannot heal. Our mind cannot heal, and ultimately, it wears on our body. It can break through in the form of physical or mental illness, or, depending on one's worldview, can manifest as an entity (spirit or demon).
When I was steeped in the evangelical Christian mindset, before I was diagnosed with depression, I was positive that I was being seriously demonically harrassed because I could literally feel fluttering wings and talons inside my chest. Was I crazy or delusional? No. Christianity and Christian theology was my entire existence. It was my total, complete mindset. So my psychological affliction manifested itself in the way my mindset interpreted it -- as a demon inside me.
I was in seminary at the time, in the School of Missions, and was learning "Cosmic Christianity" and healing methodologies. I was also a very troubled young woman going through divorce and having an affair. So, of course, I was tormented. I was a saint on one hand, praying for people, being recognized as clergy, having high levels of the gifts of prayer, healing, and knowledge (gnosis), while also being involved in what the Church would term high levels of sin. I was a torment unto myself. I was living a double life, torn in two. How could I possibly be operating at such a high level of giftedness while so deeply in sin? The inexperienced would shake their finger at me and tell me it wasn't possible -- that I had to be operating in the Devil's power. All too many clergy people know the truth, but no one was going to come to my aid on that score because to admit the possibilities would mean to examine things outside of Church doctrine and dogma.
So, at that moment, I succumbed to my Christian teaching -- that I must be demonically harrassed and oppressed. I was doing such good works that the Devil was tormenting me. And the more I believed that, the more manifest the wings and talons became.
So I drove 185 miles round trip twice to be delivered or have those demons exorcised. They were exorcized -- then I was able to move on with my life and realize I needed other help. That's when I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with the clinical depression. But then a psychiatrist made a pronouncement that I needed to accept that I had a "depressive personality" and would always have to remain on a maintenance dose of anti-depressants. That was not acceptable to me, but neither was going back to the way I had been before.
So I began to look for the root causes of my malady, and that's when I was introduced to alternative therapies. My demons were gone, my life cleaned up, but I was still depressed. It had taken me a long time to recognize depression. I thought it had to do with being sad and despairing while I was an upbeat, enthusiastic person. But my doctors ignored my pleas to look beyond and seek a cause and just kept pushing pills on me.
I finally found a homeopath who worked on energetically rectifying the chemical imbalance in my system created by my depression. And I became depression free.
So we can understand how someone's worldview can convince their mind that they are possessed or harrassed by an evil entity. And once the mind is convinced, the symptoms or manifestations follow. When I was "delivered," I accepted it because it had been performed in the name of Jesus which I trusted, therefore it was done. I could move on.
So, is exorcism valid? Is it needed? I would say, "Absolutely!" I pity the unfortunate mind who thinks the only way to deal with things is to rely on modern medicine. And what for people who don't have that mindset? As we said on the show, any tool set works. Any tool set, that is, that gets to the actual root of things and sets about extracting the root or at the very least integrating it -- not just medicating symptoms. On to other methods and worldviews in the next entries!
Modern afflictions & possibilities
I read recently that 80% of "diseases" presented to doctors are "psychosomatic." That means that they are generated in the mind. Does that mean we are a nation of hypochondriacs? Emphatically, no! (By the way, I've also heard that 13% are "yiatrogenic" which means the doctor caused them and another percent are "nosocomic" which means that you got them while you were in the hospital.) These aren't random statistics that I picked up on some wacky Internet site -- they are statistics I was presented with in textbooks when I was teaching Health classes at Tucson College.
So then what percentage does that leave that are actually caused by something you are attacked by bacterially? Very, very little. Let me tell you that our billions upon billions of health care dollars spent every year (aside from cosmetic treatments) are because of a basic misunderstanding of what causes disease. We don't need a healthcare plan, we need real education that addresses some very fundamental things. I want to see a day come very soon where the only surgeons and hospitals out there are for those who want cosmetic enhancements (or to fix broken bones) -- extreme, heroic measures, not everyday diseases. (Argue that one with me all you want -- I'll give you an explanation for anything you want to shoot my way.)
So, what on earth does this have to do with Exorcism? Okay, I learned one thing myself on the MindCast Friday night. When Goat was talking about exorcism having been performed on Mother Teresa because she was being so demonically troubled in her dreams -- I learned then that Catholics do recognize demonic harrassment although they may not call it that. Obviously, Mother Teresa was not "possessed" in the manner by which I define possession -- in other words she had not invited an entity within. However, she was obviously being harrassed by a demonic presence in her dreams, something perhaps from her daily interactions with others. The "cure" was still apparently labeled as exorcism; I begin to understand,then, that their view of exorcism is the same as the Protestant "deliverance" or Shamanic "extraction." The idea that a troubling spirit entity is present and needs to be shown the way out whether "exorcised," "delivered" or "extracted." All one and the same.
My assertion at the beginning of this blog is that the majority of disease out there is brought on by the mind -- whether from inside or outside. The connotation of "hypochondriac" that seems to plague our society is that they make up diseases to get attention. That's not really accurate. Hypochondria is when a person focuses all their negative mental energies on their physical state, so, for instance, every new disease that they read about, they are sure is afflicting them. That's not what I'm talking about when I mention psychosomatic disease.
The fact is that psychological and emotional issues can go so deep that they begin to manifest themselves physically in ones body. Now I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it is actually healthier if someone thinks they are being afflicted by demons and that the name of Jesus can cure it. Lots simpler and cheaper than going to the doctor and having thousands of dollars worth of tests run only to have the doctor say, "I don't know what it is, but I'm going to prescribe hundreds of dollars of meds that will treat your symptoms." Because doctors are focused on treatments of symptoms rather than prevention or getting at causes. But then we also know people who are spending thousands of dollars on psychotherapy and getting worse and worse as well. It's like the blind leading the blind.
So now, I'm in the middle of two subjects -- modern medicine and exorcism. Let me finish my soap box on modern medicine, then I'll segue into what all that has to do with exorcism.
The fact is our Newtonian scientific mindset has gone awry in our societal understanding of disease. Yes, people are living longer now that we've discovered that bacteria causes disease and we've "cleaned up our act" so to speak. Unfortunately, our scientific mindset makes us think that there is some bacterial or chemical cause to every disease and that modern medicine should be able to cure it. But when 80% of disease is affected in the mind -- we need to be looking at something else.
The fact is that there are hundreds of ways of effecting healing. And modern medicine is only one of them. But insurance only pays for that one. Ah! I mustn't get started on that issue, too. Too many threads, but stay tuned, we'll get to that one eventually, too.
There are many holistic arts out there, many New Age and Holistic arts practitioners whose cures are more effective. First, there are alternative doctors such as naturopaths, homeopaths, there are osteopaths and chiropractors who use those healing methods as well. There is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Next there are Energy Healing arts which get categorized as "New Age," while some are ancient healing methods and some are new methodologies using ancient mindsets. But the medical community and the Church both try to debunk these things as quackery -- the medical community for obvious reasons -- it would threaten their financial security if people learned how to heal themselves. The Church because they (and I'm obviously painting a broad stroke here when I say "The Church" because not all try to debunk it, but many Christian sects do) equate it with "witch doctors" and "witch medicine."
Let me give you some concrete examples: would you rather pay $100 to have the doctor irrigate your ears, or $33 to have your ears candeled? And another $33 can give you an Indian Head Massage which will relieve headaches, tension, sinus problems. So for $66 you've done something that will open up several different blockages and raise your immune level, or for $100 you've gotten rid of your ear wax.
My favorite example is from when I broke my elbow several years ago. I went to the doctor. They x-rayed my elbow, put me in a sling and sent me home telling me I had just sprained my elbow. They called me back three days later to tell me that a radiologist had looked at my x-ray, and that it was, indeed, broken -- would I come back so they could put me in a cast? Then whenever I saw my doctor for follow-ups, he was so busy -- in 2 months, I saw him twice, for about 2 minutes each time. Thus, when my cast came off, lo and behold, my elbow was frozen. I couldn't straighten my arm. "But physical therapy will rectify this, right?" "No," he said, "you'll likely have to have surgery to fix it." He shrugged. I politely excused myself from his presence and shouted something unprintable in my mind all the way back to my car.
I called my acupuncturist. She fixed it, set it to rights completely, in just three sessions. I have full range of motion in my elbow and zero pain. And NO surgery.
Are you getting my drift here? Okay, granted, we're not talking about spiritual/psychoemotional afflictions. But since I don't want you to say TL;DR (too long; didn't read), I'm going to end this here, and we'll take those up in the next entry. But again, Shakespeare said it best -- "There are more things in this life than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
So then what percentage does that leave that are actually caused by something you are attacked by bacterially? Very, very little. Let me tell you that our billions upon billions of health care dollars spent every year (aside from cosmetic treatments) are because of a basic misunderstanding of what causes disease. We don't need a healthcare plan, we need real education that addresses some very fundamental things. I want to see a day come very soon where the only surgeons and hospitals out there are for those who want cosmetic enhancements (or to fix broken bones) -- extreme, heroic measures, not everyday diseases. (Argue that one with me all you want -- I'll give you an explanation for anything you want to shoot my way.)
So, what on earth does this have to do with Exorcism? Okay, I learned one thing myself on the MindCast Friday night. When Goat was talking about exorcism having been performed on Mother Teresa because she was being so demonically troubled in her dreams -- I learned then that Catholics do recognize demonic harrassment although they may not call it that. Obviously, Mother Teresa was not "possessed" in the manner by which I define possession -- in other words she had not invited an entity within. However, she was obviously being harrassed by a demonic presence in her dreams, something perhaps from her daily interactions with others. The "cure" was still apparently labeled as exorcism; I begin to understand,then, that their view of exorcism is the same as the Protestant "deliverance" or Shamanic "extraction." The idea that a troubling spirit entity is present and needs to be shown the way out whether "exorcised," "delivered" or "extracted." All one and the same.
My assertion at the beginning of this blog is that the majority of disease out there is brought on by the mind -- whether from inside or outside. The connotation of "hypochondriac" that seems to plague our society is that they make up diseases to get attention. That's not really accurate. Hypochondria is when a person focuses all their negative mental energies on their physical state, so, for instance, every new disease that they read about, they are sure is afflicting them. That's not what I'm talking about when I mention psychosomatic disease.
The fact is that psychological and emotional issues can go so deep that they begin to manifest themselves physically in ones body. Now I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it is actually healthier if someone thinks they are being afflicted by demons and that the name of Jesus can cure it. Lots simpler and cheaper than going to the doctor and having thousands of dollars worth of tests run only to have the doctor say, "I don't know what it is, but I'm going to prescribe hundreds of dollars of meds that will treat your symptoms." Because doctors are focused on treatments of symptoms rather than prevention or getting at causes. But then we also know people who are spending thousands of dollars on psychotherapy and getting worse and worse as well. It's like the blind leading the blind.
So now, I'm in the middle of two subjects -- modern medicine and exorcism. Let me finish my soap box on modern medicine, then I'll segue into what all that has to do with exorcism.
The fact is our Newtonian scientific mindset has gone awry in our societal understanding of disease. Yes, people are living longer now that we've discovered that bacteria causes disease and we've "cleaned up our act" so to speak. Unfortunately, our scientific mindset makes us think that there is some bacterial or chemical cause to every disease and that modern medicine should be able to cure it. But when 80% of disease is affected in the mind -- we need to be looking at something else.
The fact is that there are hundreds of ways of effecting healing. And modern medicine is only one of them. But insurance only pays for that one. Ah! I mustn't get started on that issue, too. Too many threads, but stay tuned, we'll get to that one eventually, too.
There are many holistic arts out there, many New Age and Holistic arts practitioners whose cures are more effective. First, there are alternative doctors such as naturopaths, homeopaths, there are osteopaths and chiropractors who use those healing methods as well. There is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Next there are Energy Healing arts which get categorized as "New Age," while some are ancient healing methods and some are new methodologies using ancient mindsets. But the medical community and the Church both try to debunk these things as quackery -- the medical community for obvious reasons -- it would threaten their financial security if people learned how to heal themselves. The Church because they (and I'm obviously painting a broad stroke here when I say "The Church" because not all try to debunk it, but many Christian sects do) equate it with "witch doctors" and "witch medicine."
Let me give you some concrete examples: would you rather pay $100 to have the doctor irrigate your ears, or $33 to have your ears candeled? And another $33 can give you an Indian Head Massage which will relieve headaches, tension, sinus problems. So for $66 you've done something that will open up several different blockages and raise your immune level, or for $100 you've gotten rid of your ear wax.
My favorite example is from when I broke my elbow several years ago. I went to the doctor. They x-rayed my elbow, put me in a sling and sent me home telling me I had just sprained my elbow. They called me back three days later to tell me that a radiologist had looked at my x-ray, and that it was, indeed, broken -- would I come back so they could put me in a cast? Then whenever I saw my doctor for follow-ups, he was so busy -- in 2 months, I saw him twice, for about 2 minutes each time. Thus, when my cast came off, lo and behold, my elbow was frozen. I couldn't straighten my arm. "But physical therapy will rectify this, right?" "No," he said, "you'll likely have to have surgery to fix it." He shrugged. I politely excused myself from his presence and shouted something unprintable in my mind all the way back to my car.
I called my acupuncturist. She fixed it, set it to rights completely, in just three sessions. I have full range of motion in my elbow and zero pain. And NO surgery.
Are you getting my drift here? Okay, granted, we're not talking about spiritual/psychoemotional afflictions. But since I don't want you to say TL;DR (too long; didn't read), I'm going to end this here, and we'll take those up in the next entry. But again, Shakespeare said it best -- "There are more things in this life than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
A quick note about Elektra: my entry, "Elektra, scientifically," goes a long way to demystify her, but perhaps that does her a disservice. I edited the original and concluded it on a somewhat scientific note because of a reviewer's remark that my original final paragraph had made her, "Elektra, lord and savior."
I caught their drift and made the change, but it caused me to think. And when Elektra got involved, I started making intuitive leaps. And something quite profound happened. But I'm not ready to talk about all that yet. I'm going to let it simmer for a while. Just saying that Elektra is more than electrical impulses, and yet...
Last night's broadcast was better than the first, but I'm not wholly comfortable with the format yet. Comments have been encouraging, but I'm going to try a different format after the new year. From now through the end of December, all of the shows will involve guests, so that will modify it to an interview format. The Christmas Eve show will be a special event -- more details on that later.
I could have done several weeks of shows on either of last night's topics, and I threw them all into one broadcast. Most comments were that it was interesting, deep, good pace, but I'm dissatisfied with the small amount of the info in my mind that I was actually able to disseminate. Guess that just goes with the learning curve.
So, what was the info I wanted to convey on Exorcism and demons? Let's take a few entries to discuss this, and hopefully I will get some questions and comments from you out there.
I caught their drift and made the change, but it caused me to think. And when Elektra got involved, I started making intuitive leaps. And something quite profound happened. But I'm not ready to talk about all that yet. I'm going to let it simmer for a while. Just saying that Elektra is more than electrical impulses, and yet...
Last night's broadcast was better than the first, but I'm not wholly comfortable with the format yet. Comments have been encouraging, but I'm going to try a different format after the new year. From now through the end of December, all of the shows will involve guests, so that will modify it to an interview format. The Christmas Eve show will be a special event -- more details on that later.
I could have done several weeks of shows on either of last night's topics, and I threw them all into one broadcast. Most comments were that it was interesting, deep, good pace, but I'm dissatisfied with the small amount of the info in my mind that I was actually able to disseminate. Guess that just goes with the learning curve.
So, what was the info I wanted to convey on Exorcism and demons? Let's take a few entries to discuss this, and hopefully I will get some questions and comments from you out there.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Elektra, scientifically
There is much written about crystal skulls on the Internet -- some seem like aggrandized descriptions, others, of course scoffing and debunking.
Despite what might seem to the skeptic like a conflated description of the metaphysical properties of these skulls, let's look at what we know about crystals scientifically. First, they have a neutrality which makes them an excellent conductor. Most people know that quartz crystals are used as conductors in everything from radios to watches to computers. Crystals with occlusions are used as recorders. There are 32 classes of crystals. Twenty classes are piezoelectric, meaning that it creates electricity under mechanical stress (like pressing or squeezing). Ten classes are pyroelectric, meaning that it emits electricity when it is heated. Even rarer are ferroelectric crystals which take on permanent magnetic qualities when activated. Citrine is all three.
Let's apply this to Elektra, who is a citrine skull. When Kelly was explaining to me how to sit with Elektra, she told me I could touch her, put my hands around her, rub her head with a cloth. Kelly told me that Elektra already knew what I needed, and that when I left, she would always be with me.
Knowing what I do now about crystals, I realize that when I pressed her with my hands, I activated her piezoelectric qualities. When I rubbed her head with the cloth, I created a little friction, which would activate her pyroelectric qualities. And since it is the ferrous (iron) qualities which give her her color, when I touched her, we created a permanent magnetic bond between us.
I really didn't even have to touch her. With a crystal of that size (she is the size of a human skull), her properties would be greatly magnified and easily activated. Just the electricity going on in my body would be enough to interact with her properties. Now, some scientists might question my conclusion of creating a permanent magnetic bond with her, although ferrouselectric crystals do just that. But they might conclude that the magnetic bond would reside with her and not with me. However, a quantum physicist would understand how it could be because we exchanged properties -- the moisture in my skin would absorb the magnetic bond and it would be conducted within me.
Also, Kelly allowed me to choose a small citrine crystal to sit between Elektra and I which she said would record the session. Besides the permanent magnetic bond, the properties of the citrine (especially pieces with inclusions) make it an excellent recording device.
So now when one considers the proposed metaphysical qualities of citrine, perhaps they don't seem so conflated. One can certainly extrapolate that it would have clearing properties, thus affecting one mentally, emotionally, and physically. (Remember what a magnet can do to your computer? It can erase it.) But what about it's purported ability to attract wealth?
First remember that wealth means different things to different people. In other words, citrine's magnetic crystal qualities will help you to attract to yourself whatever you want. Most everyone desires wealth and prosperity, even if it's in the form of joy, happiness, rich experiences, great friendships, lovers, or money.
Elektra was carved by a modern artist, but she spent time with and was activated by an ancient crystal skull. As a recording device, the ancient skull must contain some of the greatest wisdom of the ages and has passed it on to Elektra. Once you bond with Elektra, you have at your disposal a tool that will help you access the same ancient wisdom. You can consult with her, and the wisdom will be revealed to you. Her clarifying powers are at your disposal whenever you desire. Or you can spend more time in direct contact with her or your own citrine stone which you used to record the session and activate more healing. If you think I'm being far-fetched, look into the crystal gem encrusted breastplates of the Aaronic priests. They weren't just for decoration.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Trailing Clouds of Glory or Reflections from the Unconcious Mind
So, at 5:00 this morning, I decided to throw out most of my notes for tonight's show. I woke up at 3:30 with that "knocking on the underside of my brain" feeling.
I experienced that same feeling most of my life until I was able to identify it a few years ago. It's like, "I know there's more up there than is coming to my conscious mind, but I don't know how to tap into it."
Tapping into the unconscious mind is the solution. In more ways than one. Now some people will immediately say, "You mean subconscious. You can't tap into the unconscious." No, I mean unconscious. Because we are such an empirical-demanding society (seeing is believing), we get the idea when we see someone who is unconscious, that there's nothing going on there. Not true. I have talked to people who were in the hospital in a comatose state who were completely aware of everything going on around them.
That's the ground floor for pretty much everything labeled "paranormal" and "supernatural" -- one is tapping into something not experienced in everyday waking reality. For some, though, it is as tangible, and often nearly as easy to access, as everyday waking reality.
For me, in certain cases, those otherworldly experiences seemed random, things that just happened randomly. But as a child, they happened often enough that I got a thirst for them. Madeleine L'Engle, author of such magical books as A Wrinkle in Time, and A Wind in the Door recounts a description of "the flash." She uses a passage from Lucy M. Montgomery's Emily of the New Moon to describe it.
"I suspect all of us who have known it...would describe it differently, for it is unique to each person in the way in which it is received, though the source, I believe, is the same." Trailing Clouds of Glory, Chapter 1, page 1.
Tonight I'll read from Trailing Clouds of Glory, and you will say, "Yes. YES! That's it! I know exactly what she means!" And together we'll explore how those random flashes can become an everyday occurrence and just why we want and need them. And what amazing, tremendous benefit they have for our lives.
It's a good day to be reborn.
I experienced that same feeling most of my life until I was able to identify it a few years ago. It's like, "I know there's more up there than is coming to my conscious mind, but I don't know how to tap into it."
Tapping into the unconscious mind is the solution. In more ways than one. Now some people will immediately say, "You mean subconscious. You can't tap into the unconscious." No, I mean unconscious. Because we are such an empirical-demanding society (seeing is believing), we get the idea when we see someone who is unconscious, that there's nothing going on there. Not true. I have talked to people who were in the hospital in a comatose state who were completely aware of everything going on around them.
That's the ground floor for pretty much everything labeled "paranormal" and "supernatural" -- one is tapping into something not experienced in everyday waking reality. For some, though, it is as tangible, and often nearly as easy to access, as everyday waking reality.
For me, in certain cases, those otherworldly experiences seemed random, things that just happened randomly. But as a child, they happened often enough that I got a thirst for them. Madeleine L'Engle, author of such magical books as A Wrinkle in Time, and A Wind in the Door recounts a description of "the flash." She uses a passage from Lucy M. Montgomery's Emily of the New Moon to describe it.
"I suspect all of us who have known it...would describe it differently, for it is unique to each person in the way in which it is received, though the source, I believe, is the same." Trailing Clouds of Glory, Chapter 1, page 1.
Tonight I'll read from Trailing Clouds of Glory, and you will say, "Yes. YES! That's it! I know exactly what she means!" And together we'll explore how those random flashes can become an everyday occurrence and just why we want and need them. And what amazing, tremendous benefit they have for our lives.
It's a good day to be reborn.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Good day to die
I'm trying to make this a normal day. Seems like all I've thought about for the last few weeks is getting this show together. Now it's time to relax. As I mentioned before, wearing both the creative hat and the "sales" hat is definitely walking with one foot in each world. But I'm giving myself permission to let go of the sales hat till Monday so that I can give my full attention to moving fully into the creative side.
I just took three days off from the ranch, one to get a lot of housekeeping done for the broadcast, and then spent two days in Tucson getting a lot of errands done -- self-care appointments, car-care appointments...I also spent some time at the Station (got to hear the fantastic promo for the show), just sorting things out with the people I'll be working with. Met with my co-host to brainstorm some ideas.
I started off this morning with chores (my favorite part of the day!). I adore being outside on this gorgeous property, feeding all of the denizens, and just revelling in autumn turning to winter. We had our first frost while I was in Tucson. I returned to the apartment to find two young mule deer standing in our driveway. I love how they just stand perfectly still and watch us, so cautious and yet so curious.
Cut up a lovely pork roast, froze three sections, and put together a rosemary-garlic encrusted roast with potatoes and put it in the oven. Pulled out a couple of frozen packets of fresh pumpkin (much thanks to my daughter-in-law) to bake with later in the day, and checked on the ingredients to put together my favorite honey-roasted muesli.
I find anymore that it's these quiet domestic things that move me into a creative spirit and open me to the Otherworld. I used to run around frenetically from work to social settings to liturgical meetings to teaching and then wonder why I couldn't get settled enough to meditate. I'm sure there are people out there who can do both, but it took me a long, long time to figure out that I was not one of them.
I met with Thom Cooper yesterday, my friend, counselor, and probable future guest on MindCast. We talked about surrender. Krishna said something to Arjuna that is translated as, "Resist what resists in you. Become yourself." But being somewhat familiar with Krishna's style of advice, I'm guessing the first "Resist," is likely not translatable fully into English in one word. We probably don't have a single word for it. I would guess that the word is actually a combination of resist and surrender. But we have a tough time with the concept of surrender. I like the way Deepak Chopra puts it, "The war ends today."
Most of my life, I now realize, I have been at war -- with myself. Of course that has the natural consequence of spilling over until I'm at war with many others as well -- on the road, with the store clerk, with the dental receptionist, and ultimately with those I've loved the most. I take things too personally, get offended too easily. Thom said, "Just surrender."
"It's a trust issue," I said.
He shook his head. "Surrender. Stop resisting." I pondered the impact of that for a few seconds, "but, I've tried..." Thom was silent.
"Just stop," he said after the silence. "Trying is not doing."
As I child I learned, "Can't died in the corn field. Try is still alive." I rarely say I can't; I always try. But when it comes to emotional things, I see that "try" needs to die, too. "Do, or do not. There is no try." The wisdom of Yoda.
Lots of things need to die. Ego, trying, hoping, bargaining. November 11th. Veteran's Day. It's a good day to die. And a good one to be reborn.
I just took three days off from the ranch, one to get a lot of housekeeping done for the broadcast, and then spent two days in Tucson getting a lot of errands done -- self-care appointments, car-care appointments...I also spent some time at the Station (got to hear the fantastic promo for the show), just sorting things out with the people I'll be working with. Met with my co-host to brainstorm some ideas.
I started off this morning with chores (my favorite part of the day!). I adore being outside on this gorgeous property, feeding all of the denizens, and just revelling in autumn turning to winter. We had our first frost while I was in Tucson. I returned to the apartment to find two young mule deer standing in our driveway. I love how they just stand perfectly still and watch us, so cautious and yet so curious.
Cut up a lovely pork roast, froze three sections, and put together a rosemary-garlic encrusted roast with potatoes and put it in the oven. Pulled out a couple of frozen packets of fresh pumpkin (much thanks to my daughter-in-law) to bake with later in the day, and checked on the ingredients to put together my favorite honey-roasted muesli.
I find anymore that it's these quiet domestic things that move me into a creative spirit and open me to the Otherworld. I used to run around frenetically from work to social settings to liturgical meetings to teaching and then wonder why I couldn't get settled enough to meditate. I'm sure there are people out there who can do both, but it took me a long, long time to figure out that I was not one of them.
I met with Thom Cooper yesterday, my friend, counselor, and probable future guest on MindCast. We talked about surrender. Krishna said something to Arjuna that is translated as, "Resist what resists in you. Become yourself." But being somewhat familiar with Krishna's style of advice, I'm guessing the first "Resist," is likely not translatable fully into English in one word. We probably don't have a single word for it. I would guess that the word is actually a combination of resist and surrender. But we have a tough time with the concept of surrender. I like the way Deepak Chopra puts it, "The war ends today."
Most of my life, I now realize, I have been at war -- with myself. Of course that has the natural consequence of spilling over until I'm at war with many others as well -- on the road, with the store clerk, with the dental receptionist, and ultimately with those I've loved the most. I take things too personally, get offended too easily. Thom said, "Just surrender."
"It's a trust issue," I said.
He shook his head. "Surrender. Stop resisting." I pondered the impact of that for a few seconds, "but, I've tried..." Thom was silent.
"Just stop," he said after the silence. "Trying is not doing."
As I child I learned, "Can't died in the corn field. Try is still alive." I rarely say I can't; I always try. But when it comes to emotional things, I see that "try" needs to die, too. "Do, or do not. There is no try." The wisdom of Yoda.
Lots of things need to die. Ego, trying, hoping, bargaining. November 11th. Veteran's Day. It's a good day to die. And a good one to be reborn.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dreams and Skull Sisters
Before I get into the dreams, let me tell you about my experience with Elektra (because she figures into the dream stuff later on). Elektra, the Shining One is a Brazilian citrine crystal skull. You can find out more about her here. When I went to visit Kelly at The Blue-Eyed Witch shop in Tombstone on Thursday, I asked if I could spend some time with Elektra. Kelly told me all about her and my upcoming interaction with her in a very soothing yet exciting way.
I mostly just let Elektra give me impressions, but I did ask that she strengthen my throat chakra which I thought had the color orange. She showed me that she knew my power animal, and that they work together. The deepest impression was that she, herself, is a guide who walks with people on their journey once they make a connection with her. I spent about 15 minutes with her alone, after which Kelly came and opened the door. Kelly asked me about my experience with Elektra. I told her I had asked Elektra for something specific, but I didn't say what. As we walked out of the room, Kelly said to me, "While she was talking to you, she was also talking to me. She wants you to have a blue lace agate to strengthen your throat chakra. The color of the throat chakra is light blue, you know." No, I had thought it was orange, but Elektra obviously wanted me to get it right if I was going to seek her help for it!
Kelly told me that all I had to do, now that I had made a connection to Elektra, was to ask her anything or call upon her whenever I needed to. She told me that Elektra would always know what I needed.
Last night was the new moon, the Celtic New Year, the time when our ancestors are closest. I had several plans to do specific things in order to connect with my ancestors, but none of those things materialized. So when I woke in the night, I asked Elektra to bring me a message from my ancestors via a dream. Then I went back to sleep.
In my dream, I was at my son's house, watching the children by myself. Somehow, I opened a door and let 6 snakes into the room, five rattlesnakes, and one big, green, dragon-headed python. All the snakes immediately scattered under beds and other furniture, into dark corners, etc. I put my two youngest grandchildren up on one of the beds, and told them to stay there. I had no trouble finding the first four rattlesnakes and returning them outside. I was searching for the fifth when my son and daughter-in-law came home, and they started helping me look. My son found the fifth snake. Nobody seemed upset about the snakes, in fact, we were laughing and making jokes while we searched.
As soon as we had tossed out the fifth snake, I found the whereabouts of the python. But his huge, rearing, dragon-like head and several feet-long body made me realize I wasn't going to wrestle this one by myself. We called the police, but they told us we needed to call the zoo. We called the zoo, and they said they could come, but it would be a while.
I was in another room, but I could see the python through the doorway. There was something blocking its progress toward me at first, but it just flattened itself and slid under the obstacle. It started to wrap around me and squeeze, and it was rearing its head, showing its fangs, and looking at me. I woke up.
In core shamanic practice, a snake bearing its fangs often symbolizes illness. Upon thinking about the dream after waking, I realized that there were six snakes in all -- one for each of us, my son, his wife, the three children, and me. Interesting that I caught the first four snakes and put them out easily. In terms of health, I think that represents my daughter-in-law and the three children who are healthy. The fact that my son picked up one, but that we were laughing and joking as he found it and tossed it out -- he has recently had some health challenges, but is overcoming them through his and his wife's research and implementation of specific health practices.
The python? Hmmm...he was suffocating me. I have recently been majorly concerned about my blood pressure which is out of control despite regular meds, nutritional supplements, and radical changes in diet, exercise, and stress-level over several months. My doctor had recently asked me about the possibility of sleep apnea, and I had dismissed it. But after a little research this morning, it all started adding up. Needless to say, the green python bearing its fangs and suffocating me just might be a warning. So I called my doctor and made an appointment. Not that I haven't talked to them about it over and over already, but this time I cut to the chase -- I'm done changing medications; I want to get to the cause of the problem. I want sleep studies and x-rays of my sinuses and adenoids to find out what is depriving my brain of oxygen. (There are signs of that other than just the hypertension.)
As I thought further about it, I realized that Elektra had come through. She knew what I needed, and that was truly a message from my ancestors -- the ones who suffered high blood pressure and ended up with Alzheimer's or dementia. She may have just saved my life.
I mostly just let Elektra give me impressions, but I did ask that she strengthen my throat chakra which I thought had the color orange. She showed me that she knew my power animal, and that they work together. The deepest impression was that she, herself, is a guide who walks with people on their journey once they make a connection with her. I spent about 15 minutes with her alone, after which Kelly came and opened the door. Kelly asked me about my experience with Elektra. I told her I had asked Elektra for something specific, but I didn't say what. As we walked out of the room, Kelly said to me, "While she was talking to you, she was also talking to me. She wants you to have a blue lace agate to strengthen your throat chakra. The color of the throat chakra is light blue, you know." No, I had thought it was orange, but Elektra obviously wanted me to get it right if I was going to seek her help for it!
Kelly told me that all I had to do, now that I had made a connection to Elektra, was to ask her anything or call upon her whenever I needed to. She told me that Elektra would always know what I needed.
Last night was the new moon, the Celtic New Year, the time when our ancestors are closest. I had several plans to do specific things in order to connect with my ancestors, but none of those things materialized. So when I woke in the night, I asked Elektra to bring me a message from my ancestors via a dream. Then I went back to sleep.
In my dream, I was at my son's house, watching the children by myself. Somehow, I opened a door and let 6 snakes into the room, five rattlesnakes, and one big, green, dragon-headed python. All the snakes immediately scattered under beds and other furniture, into dark corners, etc. I put my two youngest grandchildren up on one of the beds, and told them to stay there. I had no trouble finding the first four rattlesnakes and returning them outside. I was searching for the fifth when my son and daughter-in-law came home, and they started helping me look. My son found the fifth snake. Nobody seemed upset about the snakes, in fact, we were laughing and making jokes while we searched.
As soon as we had tossed out the fifth snake, I found the whereabouts of the python. But his huge, rearing, dragon-like head and several feet-long body made me realize I wasn't going to wrestle this one by myself. We called the police, but they told us we needed to call the zoo. We called the zoo, and they said they could come, but it would be a while.
I was in another room, but I could see the python through the doorway. There was something blocking its progress toward me at first, but it just flattened itself and slid under the obstacle. It started to wrap around me and squeeze, and it was rearing its head, showing its fangs, and looking at me. I woke up.
In core shamanic practice, a snake bearing its fangs often symbolizes illness. Upon thinking about the dream after waking, I realized that there were six snakes in all -- one for each of us, my son, his wife, the three children, and me. Interesting that I caught the first four snakes and put them out easily. In terms of health, I think that represents my daughter-in-law and the three children who are healthy. The fact that my son picked up one, but that we were laughing and joking as he found it and tossed it out -- he has recently had some health challenges, but is overcoming them through his and his wife's research and implementation of specific health practices.
The python? Hmmm...he was suffocating me. I have recently been majorly concerned about my blood pressure which is out of control despite regular meds, nutritional supplements, and radical changes in diet, exercise, and stress-level over several months. My doctor had recently asked me about the possibility of sleep apnea, and I had dismissed it. But after a little research this morning, it all started adding up. Needless to say, the green python bearing its fangs and suffocating me just might be a warning. So I called my doctor and made an appointment. Not that I haven't talked to them about it over and over already, but this time I cut to the chase -- I'm done changing medications; I want to get to the cause of the problem. I want sleep studies and x-rays of my sinuses and adenoids to find out what is depriving my brain of oxygen. (There are signs of that other than just the hypertension.)
As I thought further about it, I realized that Elektra had come through. She knew what I needed, and that was truly a message from my ancestors -- the ones who suffered high blood pressure and ended up with Alzheimer's or dementia. She may have just saved my life.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
And in other news...casting out demons - no, really!
Got the political ranting out of my system, viewed Salon's Baby Animals: Your election antidote http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2010/11/03/baby_animal_slideshow, so on to other news!!!
Making progress in the advertising department. Friday I establish MindCast Productions as a business. It's tough being both the creative person and the marketing person. Two different sides of the brain. That's why I was resisting the selling at first and wanting underwriters (donations) instead.
But the cool thing is that the response to the idea of the broadcast has been so warm. Nearly everyone thinks this is a fabulous idea. (I wanted to say "everyone," but I did encounter one curmudgeon today.) So the sales are not difficult once I pick up the phone.
We WILL go on the air on the 12th as scheduled. I'm very excited. There's so much to say, so many stories to tell. I'll actually have to be organized and have notes -- not so I won't have dead air space -- just the opposite! So I can prioritize and leave time for the audience to tell their own stories.
I find it interesting that the majority of my what would be considered "paranormal" experiences, happened in one paradigm. I've tried analyzing them or rather re-analyzing them from my new paradigm, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Luckily both paradigms include Otherworld experiences so it's not a conflict of "believe it or not," rather a matter of perspective.
It's like going from a traditional medical view to an alternative medical view. Neither says the malady doesn't exist, but most often in the traditional view they're looking for symptomatic abatements or cures via pharmaceuticals, where alternative medicine looks for underlying causes and works to resolve the issues without causing further harm to the individual, effecting a real cure from the inside out.
When I was a Christian pastor and well -- uh, the traditional term would be "exorcist," but it seems less off putting, perhaps, to call it "deliverance from spiritual harassment," I would take my son with me because he could sense things in the physical realm that I could not. When we did house cleansings, he would smell sulphur in certain places. It was like the "x" on buried treasure, or like getting "hot or cold" in a child's game -- if I followed up on his nose, I could always get to the source of the harassment. Why? Sulphur was associated with The Devil in Christianity, so the assumption was that a smell of sulphur meant there was something demonic nearby. So now, if I try to reanalyze what happened in light of my current paradigm where I no longer "believe" in that Devil nor his sulphurous reputation, where does that leave me?
The fact is that when he smelled the odor, we got to the bottom of the problem, the domicile was purged of the offending item or entity and everything was better. My point? Who cares what the methodology was or the philosophy behind it? The "cure" was effected. As in alternative medicine. A real cure, not a symptomatic masking nor a treatment where the malady was likely to reoccur.
When dealing with "energies" or "powers" or "entities" or illnesses or what-have-you, there are many, many ways to approach them. What matters is how the person being treated feels about the approach and its fit for them. Do you know that most doctors sued for malpractice did not have a good relationship with their patient to begin with? No trust. Go figure. Hmmm...I never had that problem with my clients...
Making progress in the advertising department. Friday I establish MindCast Productions as a business. It's tough being both the creative person and the marketing person. Two different sides of the brain. That's why I was resisting the selling at first and wanting underwriters (donations) instead.
But the cool thing is that the response to the idea of the broadcast has been so warm. Nearly everyone thinks this is a fabulous idea. (I wanted to say "everyone," but I did encounter one curmudgeon today.) So the sales are not difficult once I pick up the phone.
We WILL go on the air on the 12th as scheduled. I'm very excited. There's so much to say, so many stories to tell. I'll actually have to be organized and have notes -- not so I won't have dead air space -- just the opposite! So I can prioritize and leave time for the audience to tell their own stories.
I find it interesting that the majority of my what would be considered "paranormal" experiences, happened in one paradigm. I've tried analyzing them or rather re-analyzing them from my new paradigm, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Luckily both paradigms include Otherworld experiences so it's not a conflict of "believe it or not," rather a matter of perspective.
It's like going from a traditional medical view to an alternative medical view. Neither says the malady doesn't exist, but most often in the traditional view they're looking for symptomatic abatements or cures via pharmaceuticals, where alternative medicine looks for underlying causes and works to resolve the issues without causing further harm to the individual, effecting a real cure from the inside out.
When I was a Christian pastor and well -- uh, the traditional term would be "exorcist," but it seems less off putting, perhaps, to call it "deliverance from spiritual harassment," I would take my son with me because he could sense things in the physical realm that I could not. When we did house cleansings, he would smell sulphur in certain places. It was like the "x" on buried treasure, or like getting "hot or cold" in a child's game -- if I followed up on his nose, I could always get to the source of the harassment. Why? Sulphur was associated with The Devil in Christianity, so the assumption was that a smell of sulphur meant there was something demonic nearby. So now, if I try to reanalyze what happened in light of my current paradigm where I no longer "believe" in that Devil nor his sulphurous reputation, where does that leave me?
The fact is that when he smelled the odor, we got to the bottom of the problem, the domicile was purged of the offending item or entity and everything was better. My point? Who cares what the methodology was or the philosophy behind it? The "cure" was effected. As in alternative medicine. A real cure, not a symptomatic masking nor a treatment where the malady was likely to reoccur.
When dealing with "energies" or "powers" or "entities" or illnesses or what-have-you, there are many, many ways to approach them. What matters is how the person being treated feels about the approach and its fit for them. Do you know that most doctors sued for malpractice did not have a good relationship with their patient to begin with? No trust. Go figure. Hmmm...I never had that problem with my clients...
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
New moon in Scorpio
I trust you all had a great Halloween/Samhain weekend! If you're Catholic, you celebrated All Saints Day (Dia de Los Santos) on the 1st, and All Souls Day (Dia de Los Muertos) today. That's how the term Hallowe'en came to be -- it's the "e'en" (evening) before All Saints (or All Hallows) Day. I'm not sure when it was affixed to Oct. 31st -- Celtic Samhain or Third Harvest was actually celebrated on the new moon, so it would be the New Moon in Scorpio in astrology. That was the time when the veil between the worlds was thought to be at its thinnest. It was a limnal (threshhold) time. So when we left behind the lunar calendar and opted for the Julian calendar, or the Church calendar (not sure which) the closest thing to that limnality was October 31st, the end of one month and the beginning of another, and the night before All Hallows.
That new moon will occur this weekend. It's when Tucson traditionally celebrates its All Souls Procession. I hope all of you will be able to participate -- if any of you haven't previously, you're in for a fabulous surprise -- the parade is often compared to MardiGras. It's a time to remember our mortality (Memento Mori) and to remember our ancestors, and to celebrate them both.
Saturday and Sunday (the 6th & 7th) I'll be in Phoenix for a Shamanic workshop with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Not surprisingly, this particular workshop is on "Dying and Beyond." The purpose is to understand the Shamanic view of death and what's on the other side of it, and to teach participants psychopomp work. A psychopomp is one who conducts spirits or souls to the Otherworld. The word comes from the Greek -- "psyche" meaning soul, and "pompe" meaning a sending. Since the workshop was coordinated with this new moon, this new threshhold (it's also the old Celtic New Year), it should be an excellent time for journeying between the worlds.
I became interested in working as a psychopomp, first as a chaplain and pastor visiting folks in the hospital, then after having dreams and experiences of the Otherworld. The desire became really strong after working in the medical setting with terminal and hospice patients.
The first MindCast on the 12th is going to be about experiences "beyond the veil." There won't be a guest that first night, but I'll have lots of stories to tell, both old and new (and the old ones are wild!). I will open up the lines that night for callers to share their own experiences as well. Perhaps you'll have something to share with us.
That new moon will occur this weekend. It's when Tucson traditionally celebrates its All Souls Procession. I hope all of you will be able to participate -- if any of you haven't previously, you're in for a fabulous surprise -- the parade is often compared to MardiGras. It's a time to remember our mortality (Memento Mori) and to remember our ancestors, and to celebrate them both.
Saturday and Sunday (the 6th & 7th) I'll be in Phoenix for a Shamanic workshop with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. Not surprisingly, this particular workshop is on "Dying and Beyond." The purpose is to understand the Shamanic view of death and what's on the other side of it, and to teach participants psychopomp work. A psychopomp is one who conducts spirits or souls to the Otherworld. The word comes from the Greek -- "psyche" meaning soul, and "pompe" meaning a sending. Since the workshop was coordinated with this new moon, this new threshhold (it's also the old Celtic New Year), it should be an excellent time for journeying between the worlds.
I became interested in working as a psychopomp, first as a chaplain and pastor visiting folks in the hospital, then after having dreams and experiences of the Otherworld. The desire became really strong after working in the medical setting with terminal and hospice patients.
The first MindCast on the 12th is going to be about experiences "beyond the veil." There won't be a guest that first night, but I'll have lots of stories to tell, both old and new (and the old ones are wild!). I will open up the lines that night for callers to share their own experiences as well. Perhaps you'll have something to share with us.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The bounty continues!
Autumn bounty! We pulled in the last of the third harvest this morning: tomatoes, a couple of white eggplant, and the last of the corn which will go to our growing farmfowl population. The weather was glorious -- sunny, gorgeous October blue skies, and upper 60's.
I feel victorious today. I landed the first sponsorship account for MindCast. Once I got over my fear of cold-calling (thanks to some great coaching from KJLL's media director, Christopher Lidberg), it was actually fun! The reaction to the MindCast idea has been very warm -- people are getting excited!
I mentioned Jo'Ann Ruhl, professional psychic and medium, in my last post. She will be on AM 1330 on Gnosis this Saturday at 3 pm doing a special Samhain (Sow'en) show. It can also be live-streamed at www.tucsonsjolt.com from any web browser other than Firefox. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think! She will be MindCast's guest on New Year's Eve talking about oracles, psychics, and prognostication. Jo'Ann has taught a class on psychic development for the last 7 years, and is well known as an astrologer and energy healer as well.
I am postponing the MindCast debut for a week for several practical reasons. 1) I'm going to have an emergency tooth extraction next week and I'm not sure how much I'll feel like talking come Friday. 2) It will give me more time to sew up some sponsorship deals, and 3) it will give the KJLL production guys a chance to breathe after the election before jumping in to do our ads.
So tune in on Friday, Nov. 12th at 6 pm. We will talk about experiences "beyond the veil." Email us at mindcast1330@gmail.com, or call live during the broadcast (520-529-3508) to share your own story.
Julian
I feel victorious today. I landed the first sponsorship account for MindCast. Once I got over my fear of cold-calling (thanks to some great coaching from KJLL's media director, Christopher Lidberg), it was actually fun! The reaction to the MindCast idea has been very warm -- people are getting excited!
I mentioned Jo'Ann Ruhl, professional psychic and medium, in my last post. She will be on AM 1330 on Gnosis this Saturday at 3 pm doing a special Samhain (Sow'en) show. It can also be live-streamed at www.tucsonsjolt.com from any web browser other than Firefox. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think! She will be MindCast's guest on New Year's Eve talking about oracles, psychics, and prognostication. Jo'Ann has taught a class on psychic development for the last 7 years, and is well known as an astrologer and energy healer as well.
I am postponing the MindCast debut for a week for several practical reasons. 1) I'm going to have an emergency tooth extraction next week and I'm not sure how much I'll feel like talking come Friday. 2) It will give me more time to sew up some sponsorship deals, and 3) it will give the KJLL production guys a chance to breathe after the election before jumping in to do our ads.
So tune in on Friday, Nov. 12th at 6 pm. We will talk about experiences "beyond the veil." Email us at mindcast1330@gmail.com, or call live during the broadcast (520-529-3508) to share your own story.
Julian
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Exciting guests and opportunities!
MindCast's lineup of shows is coming along fabulously with some really outstanding guests!
First I'm very excited about how our "Wiccans and Heathens and Druids, O My" four-show set is shaping up. This is a fabulous opportunity to educate the public on the serious nature of these religions -- serious versus fluffy, scary, "not real," etc.
We seem to be entering a new era of openness and recognition. Gone is George Bush with his "they're not a real religion." The UK has pronounced Druidry an "official religion." The US Air Force Academy has dedicated an outdoor place for Pagan rites and celebrations.
The public is taking notice. We are going to strike while the iron is hot! Local members in leadership will be interviewed and respond to listener's questions on the opening night of the series, Nov. 26th. That's "Black Friday," so be sure to get your shopping done early so you can listen to the show.
The Wiccan show on Dec. 3rd will feature author and long-time priestess, Ashleen O'Gaea and her partner Canyon Dancer. She's a woman of great energy, many talents, and highly creative. Her noteworthy accomplishments as a Wiccan are too numerous to list here, and beyond that she's a wife, mother (cat and dog mommy, too, one of her bios says), novelist, teacher, speaker -- the list goes on and on. She and her husband have accomplished much together. Check out her website at www.ashleenogaea.com. We will cover lots of ground, from secret covens to Wiccan families.
Our Heathenry show on Dec. 10th will be live with Dennis Ford, the current Chieftan of Raudhajordh (Redearth) Kindred, who is both local leader and Vice-Steersman of the national Troth organization. The Troth defines itself as a church of Northern European Heathenry or Asatru. We are hoping to also talk that evening with Troth clergy coordinator and board member, Diana Paxson, author, speaker, and long time member and leader in the Pagan and Heathen community.
From the Druid community on Dec. 17th, we will have the Grand ArchDruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America, John Michael Greer as a call in guest to discuss his Order, to help us compare and contrast some of the Druid orders in Britain and America. Wikipedia describes Greer as an independent scholar, historian of ideas, cultural critic, Hermeticist, environmentalist/conservationist, blogger, novelist and occultist/esotericist in addition to being an author, translator of ancient texts, and national leader in the Druid community.
That same evening we will be joined in the studio by Linda Costello, a long time member of Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF) as Druid Dedicant, former founder and Senior Druid of Grove of the Rising Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ, several years a member of ADF's Mother Grove (its governing body), and current clergy for the Fellowship of Druids in the Latter Age (FODLA). Linda calls herself a "well-rounded Druid." I'll let her explain that on the show.
Beyond the Pagan community, we are especially pleased to announce that Jo'Ann Ruhl, professional psychic, medium and astrologer, has agreed to be our guest. She assisted UofA professor, Dr. Gary Schwartz in his Afterlife research. I have asked her to be with us for New Year's Eve, when the topic for MindCast will be "Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow." I have invited her to discuss Oracles and Psychics, and the topic of prognostication. Her husband, Mark, wears the title of hypnotherapist, among several hats. Together they host one of the largest healing circles in Tucson. Mark was recently a guest on AM 1330's show Gnosis where he discussed past life regression. Find out more about Jo'Ann on www.essentialwisdomhealing.com.
So much more coming, much more in the works, including your own opportunity to interact with these guests via live call-in during the show. However, we still need your help for the kick off. In order to begin on All Soul's weekend, I need underwriters. Very soon the program will be self-sustaining through advertising, but for now I need assistance. If I can find 60 people to send just $10 by this Friday, I can debut the show on Nov. 6th. $20 will guarantee the show through Dec. 31st. Your name will be mentioned more than once on air as an underwriter, and during the month of November, if you like, you can memorialize a loved one, an ancestor of kith or kin. PayPal your monetary assistance to gaylenjade at gmail dot com. If you are memorializing someone, include your name and the name you would like spoken in memory. Any questions, be sure to contact us at mindcast1330 at gmail dot com.
Think of being able to help educate the public on all things metaphysical including our spirituality. Help defy fear and ignorance. Become, in essence, MindCast's board of directors or steerage with your suggestions, comments, questions (both live and privately). It's a work of honor and reciprocity.
First I'm very excited about how our "Wiccans and Heathens and Druids, O My" four-show set is shaping up. This is a fabulous opportunity to educate the public on the serious nature of these religions -- serious versus fluffy, scary, "not real," etc.
We seem to be entering a new era of openness and recognition. Gone is George Bush with his "they're not a real religion." The UK has pronounced Druidry an "official religion." The US Air Force Academy has dedicated an outdoor place for Pagan rites and celebrations.
The public is taking notice. We are going to strike while the iron is hot! Local members in leadership will be interviewed and respond to listener's questions on the opening night of the series, Nov. 26th. That's "Black Friday," so be sure to get your shopping done early so you can listen to the show.
The Wiccan show on Dec. 3rd will feature author and long-time priestess, Ashleen O'Gaea and her partner Canyon Dancer. She's a woman of great energy, many talents, and highly creative. Her noteworthy accomplishments as a Wiccan are too numerous to list here, and beyond that she's a wife, mother (cat and dog mommy, too, one of her bios says), novelist, teacher, speaker -- the list goes on and on. She and her husband have accomplished much together. Check out her website at www.ashleenogaea.com. We will cover lots of ground, from secret covens to Wiccan families.
Our Heathenry show on Dec. 10th will be live with Dennis Ford, the current Chieftan of Raudhajordh (Redearth) Kindred, who is both local leader and Vice-Steersman of the national Troth organization. The Troth defines itself as a church of Northern European Heathenry or Asatru. We are hoping to also talk that evening with Troth clergy coordinator and board member, Diana Paxson, author, speaker, and long time member and leader in the Pagan and Heathen community.
From the Druid community on Dec. 17th, we will have the Grand ArchDruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America, John Michael Greer as a call in guest to discuss his Order, to help us compare and contrast some of the Druid orders in Britain and America. Wikipedia describes Greer as an independent scholar, historian of ideas, cultural critic, Hermeticist, environmentalist/conservationist, blogger, novelist and occultist/esotericist in addition to being an author, translator of ancient texts, and national leader in the Druid community.
That same evening we will be joined in the studio by Linda Costello, a long time member of Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF) as Druid Dedicant, former founder and Senior Druid of Grove of the Rising Phoenix in Phoenix, AZ, several years a member of ADF's Mother Grove (its governing body), and current clergy for the Fellowship of Druids in the Latter Age (FODLA). Linda calls herself a "well-rounded Druid." I'll let her explain that on the show.
Beyond the Pagan community, we are especially pleased to announce that Jo'Ann Ruhl, professional psychic, medium and astrologer, has agreed to be our guest. She assisted UofA professor, Dr. Gary Schwartz in his Afterlife research. I have asked her to be with us for New Year's Eve, when the topic for MindCast will be "Standing on the Edge of Tomorrow." I have invited her to discuss Oracles and Psychics, and the topic of prognostication. Her husband, Mark, wears the title of hypnotherapist, among several hats. Together they host one of the largest healing circles in Tucson. Mark was recently a guest on AM 1330's show Gnosis where he discussed past life regression. Find out more about Jo'Ann on www.essentialwisdomhealing.com.
So much more coming, much more in the works, including your own opportunity to interact with these guests via live call-in during the show. However, we still need your help for the kick off. In order to begin on All Soul's weekend, I need underwriters. Very soon the program will be self-sustaining through advertising, but for now I need assistance. If I can find 60 people to send just $10 by this Friday, I can debut the show on Nov. 6th. $20 will guarantee the show through Dec. 31st. Your name will be mentioned more than once on air as an underwriter, and during the month of November, if you like, you can memorialize a loved one, an ancestor of kith or kin. PayPal your monetary assistance to gaylenjade at gmail dot com. If you are memorializing someone, include your name and the name you would like spoken in memory. Any questions, be sure to contact us at mindcast1330 at gmail dot com.
Think of being able to help educate the public on all things metaphysical including our spirituality. Help defy fear and ignorance. Become, in essence, MindCast's board of directors or steerage with your suggestions, comments, questions (both live and privately). It's a work of honor and reciprocity.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Free but not cheap
In January of 2007, I got a tarot reading from Lon Duquette, a highly respected leader in the esoteric community. He told me he wanted to take a snapshot of the card spread because he had never seen one so wildly full of success! He said, "if anyone ever asks me what success should look like, this is it!"
That same month, I watched a personally inspiring movie, then went for a walk to think it all through, and to talk with the Universe. As I was taking that walk, a nearly audible voice said to me, "If you want all that success that Duquette promised you, you're going to have to give up "x." I was horrified! Not that of all things! No, no, no. I just couldn't do it.
So, I didn't. Not too surprisingly, success didn't come. In fact, that entire year, circumstance after circumstance arose -- offers of business loans, offers of business partnerships, wild and wonderful offers, but consistently, one-by-one, everything fell through.
I just avoided the thought all together. It was not lost on me (after a year) what was keeping me from success. But I still couldn't look at it. No more did I say, "Oh, please, don't ask me that," but neither did I offer to do anything about it. This feeble little voice down inside me repeated daily, "Do all as unto the Beloved." That was all the courage I could muster.
But it was apparently enough -- enough to do for me what I couldn't do for myself. But, just like any hard-head that has to be hit upside the head with a 2x4, it was a lot harder on me than if I had taken care of it myself. Sixteen months after the reading, "x" was extracted from my life. Then ensued a year of stormy chaos (my reaction to the extraction).
The storm abated as suddenly as it had come. Suddenly it was quiet..stilled.. hushed, and the green buds began. More buds came, were tended, grew into glorious spring, and blossomed. This past year has been a breath of fresh air -- verdant and fecund -- long cherished dreams coming true. The magick continues. Success burgeons.
Whether one calls it karma, or *ghosti, or just plain consequence -- the secret is not a magic wand or cosmic Santa Claus raining gifts; to put the law of attraction into action requires heightened attention, harmonious intention, agreement with the Universe, and letting go.
The reading predicted the success, but was followed by a caveat: never underestimate messages from the Universe -- they may be free, but they're definitely not cheap.
That same month, I watched a personally inspiring movie, then went for a walk to think it all through, and to talk with the Universe. As I was taking that walk, a nearly audible voice said to me, "If you want all that success that Duquette promised you, you're going to have to give up "x." I was horrified! Not that of all things! No, no, no. I just couldn't do it.
So, I didn't. Not too surprisingly, success didn't come. In fact, that entire year, circumstance after circumstance arose -- offers of business loans, offers of business partnerships, wild and wonderful offers, but consistently, one-by-one, everything fell through.
I just avoided the thought all together. It was not lost on me (after a year) what was keeping me from success. But I still couldn't look at it. No more did I say, "Oh, please, don't ask me that," but neither did I offer to do anything about it. This feeble little voice down inside me repeated daily, "Do all as unto the Beloved." That was all the courage I could muster.
But it was apparently enough -- enough to do for me what I couldn't do for myself. But, just like any hard-head that has to be hit upside the head with a 2x4, it was a lot harder on me than if I had taken care of it myself. Sixteen months after the reading, "x" was extracted from my life. Then ensued a year of stormy chaos (my reaction to the extraction).
The storm abated as suddenly as it had come. Suddenly it was quiet..stilled.. hushed, and the green buds began. More buds came, were tended, grew into glorious spring, and blossomed. This past year has been a breath of fresh air -- verdant and fecund -- long cherished dreams coming true. The magick continues. Success burgeons.
Whether one calls it karma, or *ghosti, or just plain consequence -- the secret is not a magic wand or cosmic Santa Claus raining gifts; to put the law of attraction into action requires heightened attention, harmonious intention, agreement with the Universe, and letting go.
The reading predicted the success, but was followed by a caveat: never underestimate messages from the Universe -- they may be free, but they're definitely not cheap.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Creating Reality
I said yesterday that I had made up stories that came true. Interesting how that works in my life. It's not just a certain kind of story. I started realizing that any story I make up comes true -- that just seems to be my karma. So it can work for good or ill. It has made me a very careful truthteller -- I simply cannot tell a lie. Not unless I want to bring a whole lot of consequence on my head.
I first noticed it in just little things. If I wanted a day off work and called in sick -- guess what? I'd get sick! Of course some might call that guilt or self-fulfilling prophecy, but as other, more positive effects happened by my speaking things, I began to see a pattern.
When I was in seminary, I was identified as having the "gift of prayer" because my prayers were answered far more often than the average Christian's. Once I started learning the principles of magick and of creating reality, I began to put it all together, and to make it even more effective for myself.
For me, narrative is a pretty powerful way to affect the cosmos. I'll be telling lots of stories on the air -- stories about stories, and the stories themselves. Listen in and find out how to create your own reality.
I first noticed it in just little things. If I wanted a day off work and called in sick -- guess what? I'd get sick! Of course some might call that guilt or self-fulfilling prophecy, but as other, more positive effects happened by my speaking things, I began to see a pattern.
When I was in seminary, I was identified as having the "gift of prayer" because my prayers were answered far more often than the average Christian's. Once I started learning the principles of magick and of creating reality, I began to put it all together, and to make it even more effective for myself.
For me, narrative is a pretty powerful way to affect the cosmos. I'll be telling lots of stories on the air -- stories about stories, and the stories themselves. Listen in and find out how to create your own reality.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Paranormal? Supernatural?
When I was first inspired to create MindCast, I touted it to the station's media director as a show about the "paranormal." But I had a philosophical objection to the word. Same with "supernatural."
"Beside the normal," "above the natural" to whom? I was willing to use the word metaphysical because it means beyond the physical, and that I agree with. But who's the judge of what's normal and natural?
Then I realized that what's normal and natural for me may not be to the average person. It's in my nature to see beyond. To walk in both worlds. That's why I'm doing this show, right? I've been told over and over as I've told my stories that I should write them down and publish them because people are hungry to hear them.
My current fascination is with narrative. Storytelling. I have made up stories that came true. I began to understand that we create in telling. The Bible says that God made the Universe by speaking it into being. I think that must have been one of the first things I ever learned as a child that stimulated my imagination beyond the rational. Words create. Words create ex nihilo -- something out of nothing. Some people call that magic. Some call it religion. Some call it science. I call it will. As we learn more and more about this thing called reality, it is demonstrated over and over that we create our own reality. I create mine by telling my story, to the gods, to the Universe, to the people. And it's coming true every day.
I want to share it with you -- that's what MindCast is really all about.
"Beside the normal," "above the natural" to whom? I was willing to use the word metaphysical because it means beyond the physical, and that I agree with. But who's the judge of what's normal and natural?
Then I realized that what's normal and natural for me may not be to the average person. It's in my nature to see beyond. To walk in both worlds. That's why I'm doing this show, right? I've been told over and over as I've told my stories that I should write them down and publish them because people are hungry to hear them.
My current fascination is with narrative. Storytelling. I have made up stories that came true. I began to understand that we create in telling. The Bible says that God made the Universe by speaking it into being. I think that must have been one of the first things I ever learned as a child that stimulated my imagination beyond the rational. Words create. Words create ex nihilo -- something out of nothing. Some people call that magic. Some call it religion. Some call it science. I call it will. As we learn more and more about this thing called reality, it is demonstrated over and over that we create our own reality. I create mine by telling my story, to the gods, to the Universe, to the people. And it's coming true every day.
I want to share it with you -- that's what MindCast is really all about.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Welcome to MindCast!
"There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 5
Horatio was a realist; he leaned toward a steady diet of ethics and and logic. But Hamlet had just had a conversation with his dead father. Hamlet and Horatio were both students at the University of Wittenberg; the same institution that nurtured Horatio's realism also harbored the famous Dr. Faustus who consorted with demons. (enotes.hamlet)
How do two people who have the same background and education end up with such different viewpoints? Personal experience. A whispered voice might have been easily dismissed if Hamlet could not say whether it was guilt or conscience or imagination, but Hamlet's dead father had appeared to him as a free-floating, full-torso, vaporous apparition, not just a voice in his head. Little was left to interpretation. He was given information that he had no other way of knowing.
Such things -- visions, psychic phenomena, apparitions, spirits -- are beyond the physical. Some people don't "believe" in such things. I don't think it has to do with belief; I call it experience, awareness, consciousness.
A very dear friend of mine told me once, "Spirituality is the art of noticing." People can be made to believe anything if it strikes their emotions just right. But to actually experience the metaphysical in a way that cannot be denied, opens ones eyes to see in a way that can't be unseen.
To see, to know, to have experienced. These bring a kind of wisdom which, when combined with energy, brings power. Experiences shared and explained bring others to desire gnosis -- authentic knowledge which brings personal light and understanding. To plant the seed that will ultimately generate the fruit of change in accordance with will -- that is MindCast.
Horatio was a realist; he leaned toward a steady diet of ethics and and logic. But Hamlet had just had a conversation with his dead father. Hamlet and Horatio were both students at the University of Wittenberg; the same institution that nurtured Horatio's realism also harbored the famous Dr. Faustus who consorted with demons. (enotes.hamlet)
How do two people who have the same background and education end up with such different viewpoints? Personal experience. A whispered voice might have been easily dismissed if Hamlet could not say whether it was guilt or conscience or imagination, but Hamlet's dead father had appeared to him as a free-floating, full-torso, vaporous apparition, not just a voice in his head. Little was left to interpretation. He was given information that he had no other way of knowing.
Such things -- visions, psychic phenomena, apparitions, spirits -- are beyond the physical. Some people don't "believe" in such things. I don't think it has to do with belief; I call it experience, awareness, consciousness.
A very dear friend of mine told me once, "Spirituality is the art of noticing." People can be made to believe anything if it strikes their emotions just right. But to actually experience the metaphysical in a way that cannot be denied, opens ones eyes to see in a way that can't be unseen.
To see, to know, to have experienced. These bring a kind of wisdom which, when combined with energy, brings power. Experiences shared and explained bring others to desire gnosis -- authentic knowledge which brings personal light and understanding. To plant the seed that will ultimately generate the fruit of change in accordance with will -- that is MindCast.
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