The Full Moon of November -- The Chrysanthemum Moon

The Full Chrysanthemum Moon,  November, 2014                            Have you been having trouble sleeping? For one thing, time changes are always somewhat disorienting, even if we did pick up an extra hour of sleep.  And for me, the brilliant illumination in the night is more powerful than it's been for more than half a year, because this is the first Full Moon since our trees began shedding their leaves. But of course, the nighttime intensity is also augmented now because the boundaries between the mundane and the Otherworlds are open. Tomorrow is the exact mid-point between Equinox and Solstice, so it is the astronomical cross-quarter of Samhain in the northern hemisphere. And it's Beltane for all of our friends in the lands below the equator. For those who are sensitive to such things, Samhain is the season when visitations from our beloved Ancestors is most likely. So restless comings and goings, and ancient whispers stirring our dreams is not unusual. However, too much of a good thing is exhausting, so if your sleep is unpleasantly scarce, I have included some suggestions for you. I've also featured a brilliant shamanic expert you might want to get to know, as well as some other goodies I hope you'll enjoy. May this Taurus Chrysanthemum Moon bring you illumination and deepest pleasures! Shamanic Studies Program Starting in January Have you felt the calling of the most ancient spiritual pathways, and considered exploring shamanism? But maybe you hesitated, because it can be confusing to know who is "for real" and who may be misusing that powerful term to describe all kinds of esoteric woo-woo stuff.   Here in, of all places, the Raleigh-Durham area, we are blessed to have several experienced, outstanding shamanic practitioners. And the one that I can without hesitation recommend is my friend -- author, teacher, and healer, Kelley Harrell. A lifelong intuitive, Kelley has worked with a local and international client base as a shaman since 2000. Her bestselling memoir, Gift of the Dreamtime: Awakening to the Divinity of Trauma is a riveting chronicle of her pivotal step into the role of shaman.  She is also a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. Kelley holds a Masters in Religious Studies, she is a Reiki Master, and is an ordained interfaith minister. She honors the paths of Seiðr and Druidry, and works closely with the Nature Spirits of her native region. Her shamanic practice is Soul Intent Arts, and she is vigorously involved with the worlds in and around her. Last year, Kelley had the honor of being named a Wisdom Keeper by Shaman Portal. Shamanic work will change everything in your life. The responsibility, skill, and integrity of your teacher cannot be overstated. But there is no one I could recommend more highly than Kelley. Kelley explains, "Learning shamanism isn’t just about acquiring techniques in how to do it, but also how to incorporate and deal with the changes it brings to everyday life." Study with Kelley, Starting in January "Starting in January 2015, I will implement an A-Z intensive of modern shamanism. This intensive will consist of monthly studies in a hybrid classroom (simultaneous remote and in-person classes, whatever works for your needs), personal mentoring, group interaction, and homework with the intention of building skills to work with others, learning everything from the history of shamanism, to creating rituals, journeying, understanding your personal animistic relationship to the world, all with an intense emphasis on ethics. "The culmination of this intensive is a seal of ethical assurance, to yourself and others that you have not only contemplated the ethics of modern shamanic work, but crafted your work accordingly, and pledge to communicate it clearly. "This coursework is everything I know about modern shamanism and teaching others. If you want to study modern shamanism that teaches technique and draws on bringing your innate wisdom to the world in a way that unique to you, this is the intensive for you. Keep your eyes peeled for the registration info." There will only be 8 seats, max, so don't wait! Contact her now if you want to find out more. Last call!  There are only TWO seats left for the final Tarot Boutique workshop of 2014 A Tarot Herbal Harvest Spend a cozy afternoon crafting unique, Tarot-y, herb-y holiday gifts for yourself and your loved ones. We will be working with the energetic blessings of our friends, the Plant Allies, in the context of the Tarot birth cards.  In other words, we will be discussing the Major Arcana in some detail, with a very Green focus! Experience a unique, deeply magical afternoon, making your own keepsake creations. * * * * * * * The Tarot Boutique workshops are held at my home, Laurel Hill Cottage, in northern Durham County and are limited to only the first seven people who register. Add sparkle and depth to your Tarot experience -- sign up for the Tarot Boutique. It's Not Too Late - YOU Could Win this Dream Shawl And you'll be making history, by supporting the first graduate-level institution of religious studies for non-mainstream practitioners. In fact, Cherry Hill Seminary is the leading provider of education and practical training in leadership, ministry, and personal growth for those who participate in Pagan and Nature-Based spiritualities. Everyone who makes a donation in the Fall Fundraiser for Cherry Hill will be entered into a free drawing for the Dream Shawl. This gorgeous wrap was hand-knit and beaded with magical intention by the Academic Dean of Cherry Hill Seminary, Wendy Griffin. Cherry Hill operates solely on the donations and participation of our community. No loans, no big endowments, no corporate sponsors. Your support -- large or small -- is important and much appreciated.  Give now, and you'll get a chance to receive this beautiful, very magical gift in return! Save the Dates! I can't believe it's already time to be thinking about this, but November 23 is the first Sunday of my annual Solstice Sun Wheel Advent celebration. (Here is the link from our celebration in 2011). If you have been a regular reader of my blog or newsletter in past years, you know that starting in late November, I invite all my visitors, regardless of their spiritual path, to join together in a virtual prayer circle every Sunday. We light candles at twilight wherever we live, and send out our prayers and good wishes. Some have called it a global, prayer version of "The Wave." This practice was originally inspired by Beltane Papers founder, the late Helen Farias, and then continued by Waverly FitzGerald. Whatever your path, beliefs, religious affiliation (or none of the above), everyone can participate.  Many people have found that this simple practice every Sunday leading up to the Winter Solstice and/or Christmas has become a family favorite. It certainly provides an inclusive way to celebrate the holidays with all family members. This year we will celebrate our 10th year of this practice, so please share it with as many people as you can! Watch my website for details coming soon. Please join us in this lovely practice that both acknowledges the gifts of the dark time of the year, as well as prepares for the coming of the light. Now that All-Hallows has come and gone .. What are you planning to do with your old Jack-o-lantern? How about turning it into a bird feeder?  It's easy, and our feathered friends, many of whom are busy migrating right now, will appreciate your kindness. And don't forget that even though temperatures may be dipping below freezing where you live, birds and other wildlife still need fresh, clean water. Taking the trouble to ensure they have access might make all the difference. Thanks for caring! Owl's Life Hacks From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Life hacking refers to any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life... in other words, anything that solves an everyday problem in an inspired, ingenious manner. As mentioned in the beginning of this newsletter, what with changing our clocks, tonight's Full Moon shining in through recently bared trees, the busy comings and goings of Ancestor spirits and Fair Folk, and the impending holiday bustle, we may find ourselves having unusually restless nights. Compounding the dilemma, it is very natural at this time of year for us to wish we could slow wa-a-ay down and savor the growing darkness. So we may find that we long for even more sleep than is our usual habit. Studies have shown that the average American is not getting enough sleep, and this can lead to very serious health issues. So at this time of year, as much of Nature begins to shut down and hibernate, now would be a great time to develop some power sleeping habits. First of all, be sure that your bedroom is tidy (clutter and junk disturb our tranquility, even when we think we're used to them). Have a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. Ladies of the South (like my mom) used to prefer a long, hot soaking bath before bed. Be sure to have your teeth brushed and be ready for bed before you start feeling drowsy. Finish any workout routines a few hours before bedtime so your systems can slow back down again. Avoid caffeine or alcohol before bed. Both will disrupt natural sleep. Keep computers and televisions out of the bedroom -- this room's focus should not be stimulation, but sleep. Many people try to put up with ambient light and noise. While we tell ourselves we'll get used to it, research shows that when we don't sleep in a very dark, quiet environment, our deeper sleep rhythms are disturbed, which may result in lowered cognitive abilities and health problems in the long term. Want some more ideas?  I smudge our bedroom regularly, but almost never with smoke (white sage, sweetgrass, cedar, etc). I just don't want a smoky bedroom, although if something really serious is lingering there, I might do a full-fledged clearing, with windows opened, sacred smoke, and other techniques for purification. Instead, for daily or weekly energetic freshening, I use sound to purify the energies and clear away any gunky vibes that might build up.  A crystal or Tibetan brass bowl, or other clear, pure chimes are wonderful for dispelling sticky energy.  I also keep a tiny sprinkling of angelica in the corners of the bedroom -- it's a fantastic ward against negativity, and brings protection, as well as enhancing intuition. And I love our salt lamp in the corner that beams out good, clearing vibes during the day, so that when it's off at night, only peacefulness remains. Still sleepless in Seattle (or Carrboro, Tampa, Ottawa, or Melbourne)? Here is a herb bundle I came up with many years ago that can augment sleep, using the deva energies of the herbs. This is not to be taken internally. It's based on the energetics of the herbs, not their traditional medicinal use (although in most cases, both are in harmony with one another). Blend these together, adjusting more or less of what you think would be most beneficial for you. Then, sew or tie them into a leak-proof cloth bundle (ex: muslin bags you can find at the alternative grocery or herb stores). You might try sleeping with it under your pillow. Owlsong Herbal Blessings - Sleep Sachet Chamomile: Peacefulness, repels negativity, innocence Hops: Health, aids relaxation and sleep Lavender: Peace, purification, love, happiness and healing Marigold: Divination, enhances dreams Mugwort: Psychic ability, divination and protection. Rose: Sacred to the Goddess, love, happiness, health, Yarrow:  Love, happy relationships, and protection Nighty-night and sleep tight! That's it for now. I hope you've enjoyed this month's visit. If there is something you'd especially like to see, or other suggestions you'd like to make, please drop me a line. And may your Chrysanthemum Moon be most magical!   Live in balance. Focus your creativity. Manifest your vision. Predict your future by creating it.