|
Welcome New Subscribers!
I'd like to take a moment to send out a warm welcome to the 74 new subscribers that have joined us since the January issue went out. Wow! Thank you so much for signing up; it's fantastic to have you here!
I hope you will be inspired to invite your friends, or please do forward a copy of WINGS to them, too! The more, the merrier!
|
|
A WINGS Subscriber Writes...
Statue of Kannon (Kuan Yin) in the courtyard of Daien-in Temple, Mount Koya, Japan
Once again this month, my feature column is
inspired from an email sent to me from one of my wise, wonderful
subscribers (just like you are!).
Terry shared this essay from the world-renowned shamanic pioneer, teacher and founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Michael Harner and the Executive Director of FSS, Susan Mokelke.
In the wake of the ongoing suffering in
Japan, as well as all the enormous challenges we see around our globe,
we all want to send our prayers, donations, and support. And
if we are energy practitioners or healing adepts, we are certainly
called to give our best.
But they caution us that it is important to
be respectful of the differences in cultural feelings and beliefs, which
are ancient, diverse and not always the same as the dominant culture of
the West.
Thank you, Terry, for this timely and important reminder.
March 14, 2011
Dear FSS Circle Members and Friends:
Our hearts go out to the people, land, and
all beings in Japan. Shamanic healing circles, drumming circles, and FSS
Three Year and Two Week program graduates are responding, requesting
healing help for this terrible series of events.
People are sending help in their own ways,
depending upon their training and how they are moved to respond. Prayer,
sending spiritual light, envisioning healing, and other means of
spiritual assistance are all being offered. And, of course, ordinary
reality efforts such as donations or hands-on help are also of great
importance.
If you are working shamanically and bringing
the power of your helping spirits to the region to address the
spiritual aspects of this emergency to complement the efforts of
ordinary reality workers, here are some guidelines that can help make
your shamanic efforts truly effective, ethical, and healing.
* Permission from the souls of all
beings, including the land, must be obtained before doing any work.
Journey work must be done in advance to gain permission and to discover
the scope of any shamanic healing to be offered. Then, work in
accordance with and to the extent of your training.
* Keep in mind that you are working with
a culture that is different from our own. The Japanese have their
spiritual traditions concerning life, death, and healing, which must be
fully respected.
* Work closely with your compassionate
helping spirits of the Upper and Lower Worlds. Let them take the lead.
This is what we have all been training for –
to be able to bring the infinite love and power of the helping spirits
to bear to alleviate pain and suffering in such tragic circumstances.
With hope and compassion for all,
Michael Harner and Susan Mokelke
Note: If you wish some guidance on issues of permission, you may review the article, Ethical Considerations in Shamanic Healing.
As Michael and Susan say, this is, indeed,
what we have all been training and preparing for, some of us for many
lifetimes.
I am not sold on doom and gloom for
humanity, but I do believe we are in a pivotal time, yes, a crisis if
you will. The time is upon us when we will either rise up to new levels
of awareness, compassion, and interconnectedness; or we will stumble and
perhaps even blight forever our survival as a species.
So in addition to immediate energetic and
financial support for those in need, I urge you to also commit yourself
to do whatever you need to do, to polish and use your most creative, inspired, brilliant gifts.
Now is the time for our "A"
game; yours and mine! Join the awakened ones who are offering healing,
blessings and love on unprecedented levels, to a world whose need has
never been greater.
Blessed be.
|
 Green Living
Energy Vampires!
Kill your energy vampires! (No, although sometimes it is
tempting, I'm not talking about that certain someone we all know, who
feeds off of stirring up trouble around the office or neighborhood).
I mean the energy vampires that can be
spotted by walking through your home at night with the lights off.
If you see the “standby” lights and digital
displays on various appliances and electronic devices, these devices are
using power and acting like vampires. They are silently sucking away
energy even when they are turned “off.”
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, across all U.S. households, energy vampires account for an estimated 65 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.
They tell us, "This extra electricity costs
consumers more than $5.8 billion annually and sends more than 87 billion
pounds of heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year."
They explain, "Some of the biggest energy
wasters in most homes are the adapters that come with rechargeable
battery-powered cordless phones, cell phones, digital cameras and music
players, power tools, and other electronic devices.
"Most draw power whenever they’re plugged
into an outlet, regardless of whether the device battery is fully
charged—or even connected."
Other vampires include appliances or
electronic equipment with standby capability (such as televisions and
computer monitors), stuff that comes with a remote control, and/or a
digital clock display (such as microwaves, DVD players, and stereo
systems).
You will probably see the most twinkling
lights around your desk where your computer equipment lives. I know some
stuff needs to be left on, especially if you don't want to jumble up
internal clocks and so forth.
But it is super easy to take a couple of
minutes to sort out which cables for computer peripherals, like printers
and scanners, can be unplugged without having to re-set the time or causing problems with other equipment.
Put them all on one power strip that you can click off at night!
Do you really have to keep your charger plugged in when nothing is charging? Unplug it except when you are actually using it!
And be sure to shop for Energy Star-labeled
models that use the least standby power. If the label doesn't tell you
how much energy is used for regular and stand-by power, you can check
the online Energy Star database.
Remember -
Every little bit makes a world of difference.
|
Correction:
Last month,there was a typo in one of the links I mentioned. One of the
groups that can help you cut down on junk mail is found at www.41pounds.org/
|
|
Some exciting news:
I am delighted to announce that, starting in April, I will be writing a monthly column on the Tarot for The Meta Arts Magazine.
The Meta Arts Magazine is a
decade-old, online treasure trove of articles from some of the best
astrologers, shamans, intuitives, visionaries and other alternative
practitioners.
Other Tarot writers have included the
fabulous Bonnie Cehovet and one of the great superstars of Tarot, Rachel
Pollack! So I am honored indeed to join the team of this well-regarded
gem.
Look for my first contribution of "The Illuminated Journey," on April 1 - the celebration day for the Alpha and Omega symbol of the Tarot – The Fool!
|
 March on my Blog
Besides the ever-popular Monday Tarot Card of the Week, in March we have been continuing our discussions based loosely on the themes of the Houses of the astrological birth chart.
The Third House
examines communications, early learning, mental activity, our
intelligence aptitude and day-to-day environment. It also focuses on our
early childhood, especially our connection to our siblings.
So far, we have examined our first memories of school and had some lovely discussions about our favorite childhood books.
Of course, this month, we also have sent prayers and poetry to those who are struggling in the wake of the devastation in Japan.
On a happier note, we've also celebrated the magical Super Moon, including taking note of two of the world's most light-hearted festivals connected to the Equinox Full Moon.
Of course, speaking of Equinox, that most magical day was also a topic this month, as was my manifesto in support of the snakes, rather than St. Patrick.
Of course, there's always lots more going on than I can post here. I mainly try to keep it a lively, interactive place, where your voice and views are welcome. So I hope you'll stop by, or subscribe by RSS or email - and share this journey with us.
It's where you can always find a "little bit of magic every day!"
|
 Networking Spotlight on:
Earth Day Sing to the Trees
Last year's Earth Day, April 22, 2010 the call went out for everyone to sing to their favorite tree.
The RESPONSE:
Over 3,000 people from 39 countries and 30 states sang to trees.
Thanks to visionary, song-keeper and tree-lover, Susan Elizabeth Hale, you are invited to join; we are doing it again! Here is what she has to say about it:
The NEED:
Every day a rain forest the size of Central Park is destroyed. Every year a rain forest area larger than England is cut down. 15% of deforestation is caused by cutting down trees for toilet paper.
WHY SING?
From the Civil Rights Movement, to ending
apartheid, to Pete Seeger's "Ship of Hope" to clean the Hudson River,
songs have created awareness and galvanized action. Songs, chants and
music are powerful magic. Music heals.
Singing:
* Helps create community
* Gives us a way to have a voice in saving what we love
* Is an offering of our life force and spirit
* Connects us to ancient traditions
* Nourishes trees by giving them carbon dioxide
* Is part of the joy of being human
* Helps us relax and tune into nature and to each other
* Reminds us we are part of the chorus of life
Ms. Hale is simply one person on her own, doing this out of her love for trees.
So your help and participation is needed for Earth Day 2011. You can:
* Help spread the word to your friends through your own websites, blogs and social media
* Host a group in your community
* Educate people about trees, deforestation and climate change
* Share your ideas of how we can get more children involved.
Join us:
Earth Day - Sing for the Trees
April 22, 2011
Noon, your local time
At your favorite tree(s)
More info (and discussion) is here!
|
|
Let’s stay in touch!
I specialize in helping visionaries, healers, artists and innovators thrive
while integrating career, creativity and spirituality. If you seek
inspiration as well as practical wisdom, I will show you how to predict your future by creating it.
Looking for a convenient appointment time? Now, it's incredibly easy! For a phone appointment, drop by here and then "lock in" with your PayPal payment. Or if you wish to meet in person, you can see my availability here.
Of course you can also visit my website or phone me at (919) 620-7525.
Live in balance * Focus your creativity * Manifest your vision.
|
|
|
|
My Upcoming Schedule
Tarot Readings at Dancing Moon Books,
1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
Thursday, April 7: A rare Thursday visit, for folks with less common schedules!
Saturday, April 16: The day before the magical April Full Moon!
Hour or half-hour appointments begin at 11:30 am, ending by 6:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome but why risk disappointment?
Call (919) 833-8081 to schedule your visit!
|
|
Last Call: Learn to Read the Tarot
There
is just no substitute for hands-on learning and practice! And it's not
every day you get a chance to work with a passionate, life-long, master
Tarot practitioner?
Don't miss out! With my other commitments, there are no guarantees about how often these classes will continue to be offered in the future.
Planting the Seed:
An Introduction to the Tarot
THIS Sunday, March 27, 2011
1-6pm
$50 *
At last check there were still a few seats available!The Wisdom Journey:
Developing Your Tarot Skills
Saturday, April 9, 2011
11am-6pm $80 *Both will be at
Dancing Moon Books and Gifts, Raleigh
Curriculum details can be found here.
* Sign up for both classes and receive $10 off!
Pre-registration is required and seating is limited, so call Dancing Moon today at
(919) 833-8081.
|
|
Join us for Tarot Night!
As
you may know, we have left the previous online platform hosted by
Meetup and are now settling in to our new, streamlined and more
user-friendly website.
We are now Triangle Tarot and Friends and our online location is:
As we have each month for over eight years, we meet locally for Tarot Night every 3rd Wednesday in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area of North Carolina. All levels are welcome!
We also welcome all our Tarot community friends from around the world to join us in cyberspace, and share your love of Tarot.
We are currently working our way through Mary K. Greer's classic "21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card."
Our member, Dana, will be guiding us through Chapter Five, the Numbers
of the Tarot cards.We also spend time sharing our latest Tarot news,
decks, and adventures.
There is no charge to join! If you want to come in person, space is LIMITED and RSVPs are strictly observed! For time and location details, please go here. Join us for learning, laughter and discovery!
|
|
Especially for WINGS
Subscribers
Tools For Transition
As you may know, I am very excited about the series of private workshops I am offering this year.
Because they are being held at my home, they are quite limited in size. So the announcements are not appearing on my regular website pages, or being advertised to the general public.
But already your response has been successful beyond my wildest imagination! Thanks to my invitation for people to email me if they wanted to be in the first dibs list, both the Develop Your Intuition course and my Guides and Allies class filled up right away.
If you missed out, don't worry! To meet the
demands of my waiting list (and the folks who have told me they are
eager to take it a second time!), I will I be offering them again soon! Meantime there are plenty of other choices coming up that I think you will enjoy.
Registration for these local
classes at my home will be announced soon, in a separate email, so save
these dates. And if you want to be on the early-bird dibs list, don't
be shy -- email me!
• Working with the Magical Energies of Plants and Herbs – Sunday, May 22 12:30-5:30pm. Registration will be announced soon.
• Re-enchanting the World – Healing Our Alliances with Other Realms – Saturday, June 11 1-6pm. Registration coming soon.
• Tools to Enhance and Deepen Your Daily Practice - Sunday, June 26 1-6pm. Details coming soon.
• Advanced Psychic Skills – Protection, Divination and Self Care 12:30-6pm, Saturday, July 9. Details coming soon.
More offerings (including those mentioned last month) are coming soon, and they're especially for subscribers to WINGS, so watch your mail!
ps: you asked for it and I heard you! Online versions are in development for non-local folks, too (look for these later this summer).
|
 I
love how so many of you are sending me links to some of the healing
ceremonies and events that are happening as we move through the intense
times we are now in. I don't have space to include them all here, but I do
enjoy hearing there are so many wonderful activities geared towards
planetary awakening and compassionate awareness. So please keep sending
them and I'll share when I can.
Speaking of which, thank you again to Terry, whose email inspired my whole column this month!
Remember - if you’d like to write, comment, ask me a question or make an observation, I’d love to hear from you. Naturally, before I print your comments here, I reserve the right to edit. Thanks!
|
|
Astrological Tidbits
Late March through Mid-April, 2011
After all the big drama that occurred on March 11 when Uranus changed signs into Aries, we could have hoped that March would have gone out like a lamb.
After all, on Saturday, March 26, Venus moves into her favorite sweet spot, Pisces, augmenting compassion in the collective awareness, and divinely mingling spirituality with intimacy.
But things take a challenging turn once more on Monday, March 28, when the Sun and Pluto form a difficult square. Then that afternoon, Jupiter makes an exact opposition to Saturn. These are huge, opposing forces of expansion and contraction.
Jeff Jawer
tells us that the opportunity hidden in this face-off is that we can
make some important decisions around career and education. "Jupiter in impatient Aries motivates activity right now while Saturn in accommodating Libra understands the necessity of diplomacy and compromise.
"The bottom line is that major growth
requires both personal initiative and supportive allies. The challenge
is knowing when to follow individual instincts and when to slow down and consider the advice of others."
Lance Ferguson
also cautions, "Moods will be less than charitable … Your reaction to
events now creates the outcome. Take a positive view today—the glass is
half full—and you’ll be rewarded down the line, but probably not today…Stick to routine and don’t schedule anything difficult—people and situations may not be as advertised."
Hot on the heels of all that, Mercury
goes retrograde on Wednesday, March 30. As you know, Mercury retro
periods can play havoc with technology, travel and communication.
Slowing down, refining past work and activities (rather than initiating
new plans or commitments) is the way to turn potential trouble into an
asset. The messenger planet goes direct again April 23.
Early April brings a whole new level of intensity. Lance writes, "Fools will rush in where angels fear to tread in April as a massive surge of Aries energy fills the heavens.
"The Moon and Mars both enter Aries to join the Sun, Uranus, Jupiter and Retrograde Mercury in a giant 6-planet cluster, a stellium, on April 2–4."
He continues, "Caution lights are up the first three days of the month as Mars and Uranus form an extremely dangerous conjunction during this New Moon in 13º Aries. Explosions, fires, violence, breakdowns and problems with terrorists and rebels, Uranians, are all fueled by hasty Mars charging into aggressive Aries."
The ongoing challenge of the Mercury retrograde doesn't help, except to remind us to take it easy, double check schedules and travel plans, and pack lots of patience.
New Moon in Aries
comes April 3rd, and astrologer Rhea Wolf writes, "This New Moon is
said to be the most powerful of the whole year, so be sure to take the
time to create your own wish list of things you’d like to accomplish in
the year ahead. We have the opportunity to forge a new path, to summon
our strength and power in service to our desire and will." For some
outstanding advice for ritual and setting intentions during this magical
moment, visit here.
As if all that wasn't enough (and we're not even a week into April yet), Dan Furst points out the April 9 Aries-Libra
opposition and Cardinal Sign alignment. "The kind of very hot
combination in cardinal signs that dominated mid-2010 comes again
now…This alignment represents the last gasp of the great cardinal planet
cluster that has been in effect since the spring of 2010. What we can
expect now, as both government (Jupiter) and established religion (Saturn)
are getting out of the way, is that the momentum toward compassionate
change and the awakening of spiritual consciousness will accelerate…
"Many people who were intimidated into
silence until now are emboldened by safety in numbers. Like the
character who unmasks himself at the climactic moment of the play, the
shadow spiritualists declare themselves now. The cracks appear in the
dam. The importance of this moment cannot be overestimated."
Lance agrees, pulling no punches and rather grimly warns us, "Mars in explosive Aries conjuncts Uranus on the 3rd, squares dangerous Pluto on the 11th, and opposes frustrating Saturn on the 18th.
"These three extremely hot and dangerous
pockets of energy are worth noting. Pay extra attention to the kids and
critters on these days as accidents, fights and criminal mischief will
make the headlines. Simplify your plans on these days and give yourself
extra time in traffic. Mars in Aries speeds. Speed kills."
There is lots more coming down the pike this
Spring, so take it easy, slow down, and use this powerful energy with
wisdom and compassion.
|
|
As you and I welcome the renewal of Spring, we also know that it isn't all sunny days and sweet flowering.
Springtime also brings tempestuous storms,
unexpected freezes, and winds of change that are not always gentle.
Yet we know that it always balances out, and
warmer days eventually melt away even the coldest of times.
May the seeds you plant this Springtime
bring you abundant balance and soulful nurturing. Blessings to you,
|
|
|
Have you missed any previous issues? I am now archiving them in the 
