Spirit Animals and Humans. Can't we all just get along?

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So let's say you never delve into the world of psychics, palm reading and crystal balls, and have moved through life thus far without any need to know what might be, what will be, and what's on the other side. I too have been there, and I am telling you that no matter how much you block your intuition from the spirit world, it does indeed exist. It's up to you to accept and acknowledge that existence.

Animas are the most immediate ways Spirit communicates with us. Obviously if you live in an apartment building or work in an office and spend most of your time isolated from nature, you're not going to get those messages easily. But I'll bet you still access social media. You see your aunt's cute cat photos on Facebook, or your boss's latest post about office productivity on his blog, or maybe your high school friend is into bird watching on Instagram. Have you ever noticed a synchronicity in these posts? Your boss might have an owl in his post that day, and then your aunt posts something about an owl conservatory in town, then your high school friend links you to an event at the local nature center, and what's the event? Owl watching. Later on someone in front of you at lunch is wearing owl earrings, and after work the person in the car next to you has a bumper sticker that says 'Owl be watching you, a**hole.' Congratulations! You have just been given a message from Spirit. What is it, and why should you care? That owl you keep seeing is a warning to watch out for something important that's about to happen in your life. Maybe you find out the next day that a coworker stole your idea for a promotion, or you get a call that your girlfriend is cheating, or maybe you get a security notice that your credit card has been stolen. That owl was a message: keep your eyes open, be aware, something might be about to happen.

The problem is, most people don't know their left hand from their right when it comes to these messages. The Native Americans revered animals as great totems of Spirit and worked alongside them on a daily basis. Sadly, what was once a great balance of human/earth/animal/spirit through time became one dominant entity: Human. No guidance. No connection. Yet the messages are still there. As long as we live on earth, Spirit will communicate with us through nature. Personally, I see this as a gift, and where is why.

This fall I was going through a stress related sickness and was growing despondent. I felt depressed, alone, and it was a struggle to get up in the morning, to eat and to stay positive. Each day I fought to get by with a quiet determination to be strong for my children, but really I was stuck in a fog of migraines and pain all over. In the midst of this, I began to receive visitations from Spirit. One day while sitting in my back yard, a hawk appeared out off nowhere and flew by my face, so close I could feel the air coming off its wings as it passed. Mouth agape, I knew it must be a sign. A few days later I took walk with my dog, and another hawk--this time much bigger--swept down in front of me and landed a mere few feet away. Once again, I was in awe and full of questions. This particular hawk held the presence of a shaman. It wasn't long before my legs stopped feeling like jelly, the pain stopped in my head, and my energy and mood slowly came back.

We are guided, all of us. It is not a curse, but a blessing to walk alongside nature. We are all spirits, and the earth is our teacher. We're here to help each other along, to bring each other comfort and healing. How could that ever be a bad thing?

Near the end of my health journey I was standing outside on a grey, dreary late-fall day. My energy wasn't the greatest as the same stress from before had remained, though I had found positive ways to deal with it. That day I looked up just in time to see a crane fly over my head. Cranes are water birds and hold a rare grace. Their wingspan is majestic and creates a soft drape as they fly. It was so quiet and serene, legs tucked straight out in a perfect formation. Like the shaman I had sensed in the hawk, I now felt the presence of a Japanese Angel, perhaps another type of healer as well. A great peace came over me that day. I was being blessed and healed. And more than that, I was being given a message of love.

We are never alone. We are not cut off or divided. In our minds, yes, but never in spirit. You will always receive guidance and protection, even if you don't know it is there to be received.

Animals, from domestic to wild, are much closer to the other side than we are. They fulfill their missions faster and thus have shorter, but no less important, lifespans than us. Our missions are more difficult and often involve mental and emotional decisions that stretch out into the world, and which require a greater complexity of loss and risk. Both missions have the same value: to lift the veil of complacency and to know love. Together we can provide each other the help we need. We can coexist peacefully and bring love to one another.

Thank you for reading.

The truth about spiritual ascension

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I don’t know what triggers the process and why certain people ascend faster than others, but at some point we all go through a little (big) thing called ascension. One day you wake up and feel a calling to find out why you’re on earth, and like a caterpillar wrapping itself inside a cocoon, we awaken with a need to change and eventually spread our wings, not knowing the difficulty of such a transformative process.

One thing I have learned is that spiritual ascension is not a romantic process. Pictures of people sitting cross-legged on a blanket with the sun on their face and azure waves hitting a white shoreline, well . . . that’s stretching thigs a bit. Here’s a more accurate picture of what happens: Phil’s been having trouble at his job, his life, his relationship. His car is on the fritz, he can barely make ends meet, migraines knock him out every single day, he's tired all the time and it's at the point where he doesn’t even want to get up each soul-destroying day. He beings to ask why. Why am I here? Why is the world so messed up? Why am I so messed up? Asking a question opens a door in the universe. Problem is, the Universe talks through lessons. Why are you here, Phil? Well, let’s see, how about I make that job even tougher just to prove what you’re made of, what you’re willing to take, and how much self-love you have in a world that wants you to hate yourself.

You’ve opened a can of proverbial worms and must wallow through the dirt to make sense of it. Moments of despair are mixed with moments of euphoria. I hate my life . . . I love my life. I love the world—but look at all the terrible things happening around me. Then comes acceptance. You don’t have to be a perfect person to love yourself, or to accept the world as is. Open your heart. You are loveable, beautiful and strong--and the world is too. Forgive yourself, and forgive those who have hurt you as well. You didn’t know, but now you do know and it will be okay. Ascension is a multi-step process. A continuous rise to your higher self. Your most enlightened self, your true self. There is no final plateau. Be gentle, and remember, we’re all in this together.

As I said, with each step-up comes a new lesson. Know this, and it makes it a lot easier. And along with the outside challenges come a slew of physical symptoms. Knowing what they are will help you to forge ahead without wanting to give up. And it would be so easy to do that. But don't give up!

Depression. If you didn’t have it before, get ready to suddenly feel the ups and downs of the world. You are now connected to ALL, and with that, comes the realization of humankind's deepest sadnesses. You will pick up on it, but don’t let it destroy you. Know what are your true feelings are and what might be a universal roller-coaster sometimes called despair and other times joy. Know thyself, that’s the best way to discern these emotional waves. 

Headaches. Located in the middle of your forehead and the top of your head are the Third Eye and Crown Chakras--your key points to receiving from the cosmos. Headaches, sinus infections, ear, nose throat issues are all part of that unfortunately. Things are expanding. You’re a marshmallow in a fire pit, burning with fantastic truths. Okay, that was a stretch, but it helps to know that the hot, aching pressure are all part of ascension. Don’t freak out, my friend. You got this.

Fatigue. Yes, get ready to pass by every bed with a longing to squish your exhausted body into the covers and never get up again. The cogs are running fast and they need a break. Do yourself a favor and drink plenty of water and hit the sheets. Well, maybe not in that order or you’ll be snoozing next to the toilet. But you get the point. Stay hydrated, and stay rested.

Eating habits. If you know you are rising to a higher level you just might not want to cloud the old prism with any heavy, greasy or sugary foods. Some would suggest fasting once a week to purge out the crud, but it’s up to you and your doctor. Do what’s best for YOU.

Family and friends. This is a tough one. You can eliminate bad foods, thoughts, sleep-patterns and such, but how do you get rid of the toxic people in your life, especially when they are connected by blood? Well, you don’t. Not really. While you can’t get rid of those who are closest in your circle, you can set boundaries. The word is NO. Can I come over right now to talk about my crappy job for three hours and cry and smoke on your couch? NO. Why? Because, I have to get everything done on my list. Oh, come on, is your list more important than me? YES (tricked you there!) Okay . . . well, maybe some other time? It’s alarming to those who are used to the old pushover (you) to receive a negative response. But they’ll get used to it. Anyone who values you at all will respect your boundaries. And those who don’t—and believe me I know a few (the ones who get mad and do mean underhanded crap just to get back at you because they can’t handle what they perceive as rejection because they don’t truly love or respect themselves)—should be kept at arm’s length and seen for what they are: crippled souls with a hell of a lot to learn. Hint: It’s not your job to teach them a damn thing. They will learn on their own, believe me. Let’s just reiterate this fact: people who use revenge, gossip, cruelty, blame, shame to get what they want are not on the same spiritual path as you and they do not respect you or your time. Do not feel bad. You are on a divine mission. Feel sorry for them, but don’t feel bad. They have just royally f*cked themselves out of your beautiful company. It’s their problem.

So, this is the road you are on. The road to enlightenment. The road to personal truth. The more you walk that path, the more obstacles life will throw at you. Physical, emotional, people, things, events, etc. Take each of these as a sign that you are indeed moving in the right direction. The rewards come in timid and almost imperceptible packages. A gorgeous sunset. A great revelation. A new friend. A new opportunity. Each time this happens, you have the chance to pick and choose what is right and whether or not you truly value yourself. Fear is your greatest enemy. It hates the challenges and the obstacles. So be strong. Be open. Be fearless. You are on the right path. And you are not alone.

Peace.  

Reading for October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween!

King of Swords: Being on guard. Taking control of your thoughts--not letting anyone pull the wool over your eyes. Ready to fight for what you believe in- even if it means asking for legal help. If this is another person in your life, it's someone with a biting wit. Maybe they don't realize how much they can hurt you, but words truly do cut deep and cause scars. Worst of all? They always have to be right. "I told you so" is one the worst faults of these people and it's hard to tell them how you feel in fear of retribution. It's their way or no way. You'll just have to ease off and take the peaceful route, because this person is not backing off. If they try to provoke you, just say you're busy and have to attend to errands, and leave. It's not your job to stand around and be verbally abused by anyone. This card is also about law--lawyers, people in high authority, police officers, so watch your speed today. The lighter side of this is that the King of Swords can be quite funny and well read--so if you enjoy that, go ahead and engage but keep out of personal attacks. Maybe you'll end up talking about books and politics--just beware and keep it light. Peace.

Message for July 11, 2016

Five of Wands: 

Chaos in the world, in your thoughts. Chaos around you and not knowing what to do about it. Confusion. Toxic energy. Being at odds with yourself and any decisions you have to make. Feeling unsure. You need confirmation of some sort on the intuitions you've been having, but it just isn't coming yet. You feel as if you are in the dark with mosquitoes flying around your head. It's time to gather your thoughts, step back, let all the opinions and behaviors of others fall away. Breathe and get clarity. Ask the universe to send you signs and answers to your questions. You may find songs on the radio, TV shows, headlines, things people say, feathers on your path, repeated numbers, coins . . . that resonate with you. Don't fall into a pattern of old thinking, instead you need to open up and allow the universe to teach and guide you. Instead of allowing the chaos to draw you into more chaos, be the stronger person and show how peace and silence can bring about positive change. Move away from the battle, instead of into it. This isn't your battle, It doesn't have to be a battle at all. Seek peace, seek answers. You are wise and already know the truth but need to trust it and most of all believe in yourself. Trust that the calm, secure feeling you have in your gut is the answer, and when you feel tight and afraid and angry, that's NOT the answer. If there are people and situations around you that cause you to feel the 'bad' stuff, then that's your answer. Step away from that. Keep moving toward YOUR answer. YOUR truth.

Wishing you a Happy Monday.

Allow Change

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The other week I noticed a theme in nature: extreme change and death. On my daily walk with my dachshund Henry, I saw littered along the sidewalk the effects of nature during a time of transformation. Baby birds who had fallen to the ground and died, most likely pushed out of the nest by their offspring, parents, or themselves--a first-flight disaster. Sad to see, but nature is it's own counselor and in some ways it's refreshing to see that that which is left unattended, attends to itself. I also saw unhatched eggs of delicate, sky blue. Shattered shells. Bunches of feathers from what appeared to be a hawk's feast. I also saw numerous snakeskin, all silvery and opaque, still holding the life-shape, yet not the inner workings.

That's another thing about nature, when one situation is too constricting, it's time to shed the skin, leave the nest, or be pushed out of the nest. There's none of this 'stay until you die' rhetoric which humans live by. 'You'll never get me to leave this crappy job. I've been here for forty years and no one can replace me. I'll die before I leave!' Even though the job gives you migraines, doesn't pay enough, doesn't let you take a vacation or sick leave, doesn't advance . . . But still , we persist. Or how about the relationship that runs into a toxic cycle of argument after argument, and both of you know it's over, but neither one is allowed to leave? Humans tend to live by an old doctrine of face it until it's dead. Literally dead. Physically dead. The truth is, spiritually it had died a long time ago but we refused to see it. We went through years of sadness and anger, we let it destroy our health, our happiness, all because we were told it was shameful and selfish to LOVE YOURSELF FIRST.

Loving yourself first doesn't mean you hate anyone else. It doesn't mean you want others to suffer or be hurt, or that you're better than them. It simply means that you know what is good and bad for you, and knowing that, you make decisions which are progressive and which will serve ALL PARTIES. Not just you, because a positive action will always benefit others. Loving yourself first means you love yourself, and everyone else, too. You are your sole provider on this earth when it comes to real, honest, decision-making, and you know that when you make decision based on other people's wants/needs/desires it will only end up bringing negativity into your life. That's where stress-related health issues come up, not to mention depression. It's not wrong to love yourself first, it's smart.

But it's also extremely difficult.

When making a major life decision, remember to list the pros and cons. Write down if the change will truly benefit you, or hurt you? And others? Look at it from all angles, and never make a decision based on anger or rash wants and needs. Look at the long term. Think about what you really want and if the grass is truly greener on the other side. Also, do think about if you're being selfish--and when I say selfish, I mean, am I doing this to hurt someone else on purpose? There's a difference between doing something you know is truly good for you and will help you on your path to being a better person but which might ruffle a few feathers, and doing something that has the intent of bringing pain and revenge. Of course, the latter would only hurt you eventually. It does come back, believe it or not.

On one of my walks I found a baby bird lying in the hot street, still breathing and very much alive. I approached it carefully, timid so that it wouldn't snip at me with it's tiny beak. It opened wide and squawked at me, and soon a flurry of other birds dive-bombed out of the trees, all crying out in warning. They didn't want me to help, the baby didn't want me to help. But I knew that it needed help, because if I didn't do something, a car would run right over it and never know. I grabbed an old bank envelope form my purse and scooped up the baby and hurriedly carried it to a patch of shady grass where it could either learn to fly, or die. My hopes were that it's parents would fly down and provide a makeshift nest on the ground to accommodate it. I couldn't guarantee it would happen, but at least now it had some hope.

In life there's always a choice. We dither and worry over change. We refuse help over and over again, because we're afraid, so afraid of the transformation. But believe me when I say there is a wiser, all knowing hand reaching out to us that wants us to beauty and joy of the newness that change brings. Happiness is not for certain people, it's for all people. Reach out for it, and know that there are many who will benefit.

Many blessings and peace.

Messages for July 5, 2016

Strength: 

This card flew out of the deck as I was shuffling. You have the strength to overcome any obstacle. You have the strength to face any decision. You have the strength to stand in your own personal truth. No one and nothing can stop you because you have learned the hard lessons and stayed true to yourself and FOUGHT for yourself. Do not go backwards into doubt, no matter what story someone else feeds you. You know what you know now, so don't let doubt kick in. You hold the beast in your hands--the beast of fear, abuse, the future, the unknown, self-criticism, self-hatred, others' opinions, judgements, and you WILL overcome. Much like the Devil card, the Strength card reminds us that we can be chained, or set free. We can control the beast, or let it control us. But there IS A BEAST in your life, and it's up to you to decide what to do with it. 

I think a lot of us are going through huge transformations right now. We are being faced with the challenge to stay or to go, and part of us is still clinging to old situations out of fear and doubt. But we must ask ourselves this: has that old situation been good for us? Did we give it a chance to change and it didn't? Do we think it will change, and are we really willing to compromise ourselves once again to change with it? If you could have your life be a certain way right now, what would you choose? The old way, or a newer, better way that serves your highest good? Why you we think a life of less (less love, less truth, less hope, less money, less success, less happiness . . .) is okay? We must grab hold of the beast of the 'less' and tell it who's boss. You have the power. You are strong. You were born to be strong. 

This is a time of great change and you can change with it--in a powerful beautiful way that serves you to the very core. Do not give yourself to others just so they can use and hurt you over and over again. It's like . . . living with your head in the jaws of the lion and saying you're fine. You're not fine. You're scared, you're tired. Be the lion tamer. Grab those jaws. Surge forward with strength and tenacity. Roar, claw at the chains, rip apart your fears. Love you with all the fierceness of the universe. 

Peace.