Spirit Animal - When You Are Lost, Follow Someone Who Looks Like They Know Where They Are

 

 

 

 

 

 

A fawn followed this beagle home -- right through the doggie door -- in the Bittinger, MD area. The owner came home to find the visitor had made himself right at home.  This Hit the 6 o'clock news big time.

This adorable picture was in my email inbox today.  One of my friends knows of my love for animals, and she thought this would make my day.  She was right! 

This picture clearly shows that the Animal Guides are there for one another as well us for us, the humans.  It also shows how easily species get along, and how Nature takes care of her own.  The little fawn would not have followed the beagle home unless there was that gut instinct that the dog was safe.  The dog also seems pretty unconcerned and rather than hunting the deer, is in to taking care of it.

Our Ancestors knew that when they were lost that they could find a game trail and follow it to a river or lake, and from that point, find their way home.  They also knew that if they followed the animals, they could find food and water.  It seems like the normal thing for all of our relations to want to help one another because we are all one.

Our dog, Magic, was a rescue pup.  Some kind souls found him wandering along the highway.  When we saw him in October, he was very skinny for a three month old pup.  We wondered how he managed to survive without food and against the coyotes, foxes, and owls.  By way of explanation, the big horn owls love to eat skunk.  Magic is black and white with a white tipped tail that flips over his back and makes him look skunk-like. A big horn owl showed up in a tree in our yard shortly after we got him, and returned several nights to watch for Magic to be out on his own. 

We were pondering how magic survived with one of our friends who is an animal intuitive.  She said that she saw several flocks of birds that felt guided to guard him.  They showed him the safe places to hide; they showed him how to eat berries; and they warned him of any danger such as coyotes.  They even guided him to the highway where they knew someone would find him.  Her story explained why Magic loves birds.  When we take him to any of the pet stores, he wants to go and sit by the birds, and he whines at them.  Now, several years later, he still wants to eat certain berries on the bushes when we go for walks in the fields or in the forest. 

The small fawn and the story of Magic's journey to live really emphasize something that humans could benefit from - "when you don't know where you are going, follow someone who does!"

May you always have a path to follow and clear connection with your guides!

Judith   (See the Angels And Ancestors October newsletter at  www.angelsandancestors.com/newsletter/news0810.doc )

Spirit Speaks - Sweetgrass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hierochloe odorata  - Sweet grass Chief Whitecap Park, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada by SriMesh, used with permission under GNU Free Documentation License

Sweetgrass is a very aromatic grass - some call it herb - that grows in Europe and parts of North America.  Our Ancestors believed that the Sweetgrass plant was the first plant to grow after the great flood.  Its sweetness was a reminder that the Gods and Goddesses considered the Earth sacred, and that all on the Earth were sacred.  Nature, Mother Earth, provided protection for all with the sweetgrass plant.

Our Ancestors then chose to honour the plant by making it a sacred object to protect most things.  For example, where it was available, people gathered a bundle to keep in the house on the wall as a protection against spirits.  Sweetgrass was burned as incense in gatherings to clear the space.  When the Christians moved into Great Britain, they used it to keep the churches smelling good. 

Many people have Ancestors who have taught them that sweetgrass may be used as a tea, as a flavour for bannock and bread, and as stuffing for fragrant mattresses or pillows.  Sometimes, sweetgrass is used to mix with tobacco to bring out a different flavour and aroma. 

Because sweetgrass is thought to protect, mothers and lovers would sew sweetgrass into the lining of the clothes of loved ones who travelled or who were in armies.  Sweetgrass was placed with sacred objects to keep them untainted, and to prevent unwanted persons or spirits from touching the object. 

Today, we use sweetgrass in ceremony, as a cleanser of space or of objects, and to remember that it is a symbol of peace.  The aroma of sweetgrass in a confined space brings a gentle meditative state to those who can smell it.  The meditation usually has a Divine message and provides many visions to the meditator.  Shaman may store a braid of sweetgrass with their pipe, drum, rattle, medicine bundle, or with any object that may need more protection.

May you know the sweetness of life!

Judith ---  We now have a new bundle of sweet grass braids for sale in Canada.  The sweetgrass comes from Northern Alberta.  Unfortunately, this will not be permitted over the border into the US due to agriculture restrictions.  Watch The Store at Angels And Ancestors or contact Judith at judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak - Oldest Rocks In The World

The Nuvvuagittuq belt region along the coast of Hudson's Bay in Northern Quebec is the home of ancient rocks that may be as old as 4.28 billion years, according to a team of Canadian and U.S. researchers. (Science/AAAS)

Canadian and U.S. researchers say they have found the oldest rocks in the world, along the Northern Quebec coast of Hudson's Bay.  More

The Ancestors are leading scientists and others to very old rocks to have these folks help tell the story of the Earth, and possibly to give us guidance on what we can expect over the coming Earth changes.

What can one say to that?

May your adventures bring knowledge.

Judith

Spirit Animal - Python

Picture of python from www.freesnake.com

For several years now, out of the corner of my eye, I see a snake, much like the python in the picture  crawling along the wall in what ever room I am in.  I must confess that it startles me and then the vision puzzles me.  The Shaman say that when Great Spirit doesn't get your attention in the normal way, then you get bombarded with what ever it is using to get your attention. 

Well, over the last two days, I have been bombarded with snakes - discussion of snakes, pictures of snakes, and information on snakes.  I decided to pay attention!  I felt that a little bit of research would help me understand what I was supposed to learn.

Snakes, including Python, have several characteristics that make it different than other species.  First, its eyes are always open, and the eyeball is protected by an opaque scale. Second, when the snake is ready to shed its skin, the eye protective scale turns blue.  Third, the snake sheds its skin at least once a year and the new skin can be slightly different colours then the old skin.  Pythons have two lungs while most snakes have one lung, and science has proven that pythons have remnants of  a pelvic structure complete with hind legs.  So, perhaps the snake was once something else.

The message from python then, is about always remaining alert - keep your eyes open.  The colour blue is associated with truth.  The eyes turn blue.  There is definitely a message about "seeing" the truth.  Interestingly, the Christian writings portray the snake as the master of lies when our Ancestors show that the snake is about truth and about healing (one heals with the truth).  Eastern belief systems have long believed that the snake represents the life force and therefore use the snake as the symbol of kundalini rising either along the spine or through the chakras.  If there is life force, then the illness or disease can be overcome.

The shedding that Python does is about renewal.  If Python appears, the messages may include a reminder to let go of old things, old ways, or old memories.  It may be a reminder that one must let go of something to receive something new.  The message may be about trying on different skins - about letting go of the image that you are because of parents, or spouse, etc. and to find out who you really are.  Shedding skins is akin to shedding beliefs that inhibit one's spiritual growth.  Maybe it is time for you to become who you really are underneath all of the layers.

May you travel slowly and enjoy the journey!

Judith..

Spirit Animal - Elephant

Elephants trying out their strength against each other! - Microsoft Clipart

One of the largest land mammals is the Elephant. Most people have some fondness for Elephant because we know it as the one animal that never forgets, and it is the largest animal that is afraid of mice. Scientists have proven that the first belief is true while the second belief is not. So, what else do we know about Elephant?

Some of the physical facts about elephants show them to be similar to humans – well except for the trunk! The facts (from elephant.elehost.com) are as follows:

 Elephants typically reach puberty at thirteen or fourteen years of age

 They have offspring up until they are around fifty years old

 They may live seventy years or possibly more

 A cow produces a single calf and in very rare cases twins

 The interval between births is between two and a half to four years

 An elephant´s trunk, a union of the nose and upper lip, is a highly sensitive organ with over 100,000 muscle units.

We also know that Elephant has been prized for their power and strength and ivory through history.  Many Asian and African cultures revere Elephant, and in fact, the Hindu God, Ganesha, has an Elephant head. Ganesha is also known as the “Remover of Obstacles”.

Despite their great weight elephants walk almost noiselessly. Their stride is exceptionally graceful and rhythmic. Their hearing, smell, taste and touch is acute.  This compensates for their poor eyesight.  Their eyes are small in relation to the enormous head, which can only turn slightly from side to side.  This limited movement results in restricted side vision. Those with this medicine feel things deeply and respond to those feelings from a place of inner knowing.  Because their peripheral vision is limited they have a tendency to look straight ahead and not always see what is around them. 

Loyal and affectionate elephants are willing to risk their life for the sake of others in a family group.  Wild elephants have been known to grieve and even shed tears over the death of a family member.  They have excellent memories and when mistreated they often seek revenge.

This beautiful creature holds the teachings of compassion, loyalty, strength, intelligence, discernment and power to name a few.  If this is your medicine these virtues are a part of your natural character.  By applying these gifts in your life soul evolution is achieved.

Ancestors Speak - Stonehenge Healing

  Stonehenge, picture by Judith Hirst-Joyeux in June, 2007

On September 22, 2008, archeologists announced that Stonehenge was a place of healing!

Stonehenge was place of healing: archeologists  Last Updated: Monday, September 22, 2008 | 4:09 PM ET   The Associated Press

While this may come as no surprise to many people, it seemed to be a complete surprise to the archeologists.  For anyone who has been to Stonehenge, regardless of whether you can "feel" a vibrational change in your body, one feels the peacefulness, the calmness, and the strong sense of hope that broadcasts from this ancient site. 

There are many stories from people who have stayed with Stonehenge for many hours or even over night.  The stories talk about the sense of presence of many people, of Guardians who watch over the site to protect it, and of white robed men and women walking amongst the crowds, in a triage fashion, to move the sickest and most hurt into the center of the circle for healing.

Perhaps it is a healing place.

Judith

Spirit Speaks - Autumn Equinox Sept 22 2008

Altar picture from a ceremony done in July 2008.  Picture by Judith Hirst-Joyeux.

This year's autumn equinox was powerful... it was about shifting power. 

Karen Bishop of www.whatsuponplanetearth.com very clearly spells out what is happening.... "As the equinox of September 22nd draws near, so will our shifting and connecting to things new. Brighter and better things will depend upon each and every one of us now, more than ever before, as we are the ultimate creators. Connecting to our passion, to our true and authentic selves, to what makes us feel great, and to good and special friends are the ultimate ways to connect to more light. And knowing who we really and truly are, while bringing that gift to the planet, will automatically place us in one big and awesome alignment."

Our equinox celebration took place with a pot luck dinner followed by the ceremony - outside, around a gorgeous spirit fire filled with white and blue and purple, inside a sacred circle which had been powered up earlier by two of my students and by me.  We had a very special number of people - 11 of us on the 22 of September. Both eleven and twenty-two are considered to be "master" numbers which mean that there is a very high vibrational and spiritual connection to the Divine. 

Indeed this was the case on the Equinox.  Great Spirit was very helpful in the setting up of the circle, the placing of the logs and the gate (we entered from the East), and in giving the students guidance and vision for the future.  Even though it poured all during dinner, Great Spirit insisted that we do the ceremony outside, and advised that the rain would stop.  Our ceremony was set for 8:OO PM and at twenty to eight, the rain stopped.  The wood burned, and the rainbow of colours in the fire was beautiful. 

Each person was granted the release of something that was holding them back, given approval for what they were working on for their fall and winter rest, and they were granted a blessing for someone else.  At the end of the ceremony, we all joined hands and linked our purpose to provide a healing for Mother Earth in and around the City of Calgary.

To see an invocation that you can use for Equinox or Solstice, go to this newsletter at Angels And Ancestors.

http://www.angelsandancestors.com/newsletter/news0808.pdf

Autumn blessings, and life and love,

Judy

Links to other discussions about Solstice and Equinox...

http://angelsandancestors.blogspot.com/2008/06/finding-site-for-ceremony-22-steps-to.html

http://angelsandancestors.blogspot.com/2008/06/summer-solstice-june-20-2008.html

Struck by the Light!

A comet streaking across the universe - from Microsoft Clipart

 

This article should have appeared on Sunday, September 21, 2008.  However, I was delayed in writing the article because of a small accident.  I was hit by the light!  As weird as this sounds - this happened. 

My husband Roger and I were moving furniture between rooms.  The headboard of the bed we were moving has very long posts on it.  In our first attempt to move through the hall, Roger almost whacked the light. I noticed and we lowered the headboard before the light was hit.  Maybe the light was feeling threatened because with the next shift of the headboard, the light came falling down - and it was glass, surrounded by brass fitting, and was heading right for the head board.  Since I did not want to damage the headboard or the light, I reacted.  The result was me catching the light in my forehead above my left eye.  The gash went to the bone and required a minimum three stitches.  Roger and I spent the next four hours in Emergency.

What was the message in this?  Earlier in the day, Roger was telling me that I was going too hard working with clients and writing and rearranging the house and creating drums and rattles.  He said that I needed to slow down or the Universe would slow me down.  It appears that he was correct, and that the Universe did force me to take a four hour hiatus from everything.

The Doctor who did the stitching was surprised that the wound did not bleed more when he took off the temporary patch.  He said that he could see there had been a fair bit of blood and he needed to clean off the wound and around my eye before he could sew.  He also said that the blood now seemed to be reduced to that area.  He looked at the bone under the cut to see there was not a crack or dent in the bone (bone chips were a concern).  As soon as I could see after all the stars cleared, I began doing a healing mantra, and then alternated BodyTalk emergency procedure and EFT to cut the pain and the bleeding.  The doctor remarked that he could not even see a bruise.  He thought that I would have very little scarring.

The other interesting thing is that the light cut me, almost to allow more light in, and then sealed with three stitches -- three representing body, mind, and spirit. Or for some, representing the parts of self - masculine, feminine, and Divine.  The incident was like a sealing of the different activities that happened through the week which are taking our Light Work to a much different level. 

I often say to my clients that when the Universe wants our attention, that sometimes it needs to hit us with a two by four.  Well, in my case, it was with a five pound light.  I get it!

May all your conversations with the Universe be peaceful and at ease!

Blessings from Judith

Ancestors Speak - New Life In The Oceans

Marine scientists have discovered hundreds of new animal species on reefs in Australian waters, including brilliant soft corals and tiny crustaceans. Pictured here is dendronepthya soft coral, a soft coral found in coral gardens on Australia's Lizard Island Reef. (Gary Cranitch/Queensland Museum/Associated Press)

The scientists have told us that all life originally came from the oceans and that by hypothesis, we humans came from the oceans or at least out of the mud.  Scientists also tell us that we possibly may understand outer space better than we understand our oceans.  The article of Sept 19th on CBC from Associated Press supports that we don't know what is going on in our oceans.  The headline was about finding 100s of new creatures.  http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/09/19/marine-census.html

Our Ancestors have always known that the oceans are mysterious and that the oceans are the givers of life.  They also know that great monsters lurk in the oceans and that also makes the oceans the takers of life.  The Ancestors were about staying in balance with the Earth.  Their take on all these new discoveries would be "so why are you surprised" because man has been living out of harmony with everything.

The site www.endangeredspecieshandbook.org estimates that 157 species of birds have become extinct since the 1500's - and that would be the birds that we know about.  Indopedia.org states that in North America 43 bird species are extinct and 39 mammal species are extinct.  Wikipedia lists that Australia has 61 extinct animals.  And, there are certainly other lists for other countries or continents.  The point of this listing is to show that some of the Spirit Animals that spoke to our Ancestors no longer exist.  Paleontology has shown us that life forms take millions of years to develop. 

Nature is at a place where it will not have millions of years to generate new life forms. It is creating them and incubating them in the ocean, hoping that these life forms will hold the ocean together and in doing so, keep the planet healthy.  If the ocean and planet are healthy, then so are we humans. That is Oneness.

Judith

Spirit Animal - Pig, Part 2

Piglets on a farm.  From Wikipedia.

 

Pigs have been a part of human history since the earliest recorded scrolls.  The Ancestors tell stories  that often involve pigs.  The Greek tell of their goddess, Circe, who was a great weaver, herbalist, and Seer.  She is said to have brewed potions to turn men into pigs because of the memory of her unfaithful husband whom she poisoned upon discovery of his infidelity.  The Hindu tell of the great god Vishnu who became a pig to save the world from a particularly evil demon, bent on controlling all of mankind.   Many of the stories honour Pig for his intelligence and loyalty to humans. 

So, if Pig appears in your life, one needs to pay attention to the messages that she brings.  Pig is very territorial and neat - everything has its place. The message to you is "are you losing track of stuff because you are not neat?"  The pig sty is misnamed - a stye is an eye sore.  People looking at pig's pens - usually made by humans and inhabited by pigs, were deemed an eye sore because of the mud which pig - fair skinned like many westerners - must bury in to keep from sunburn and from insects.  Pig may be saying to you to protect yourself - from others, from the environment and from stuff that "bugs" you.

Pig is about organization so a schedule is important.  They need to eat and sleep at specific times.  They become distressed and aggressive if their routine and their safety is threatened.  If Pig appears, pay attention to your routine.  Do you need to take control of your time? Do you need more sleep?  Do you need to  tell others to allow you to have time for you?  Pig is also about being focused.  A pig cruising for food is not to be interrupted!  Do you allow different things to distract you from your true goals? 

Chinese Astrologers have included pig as part of their Zodiac.  Pig is the twelfth month.  The following description of Pig's character, according to the Chinese astrology, comes from Wikipedia.  This is quite eloquent.

"The Pig type is usually an honest, straightforward and patient person. They are a modest, shy character who prefers to work quietly behind the scenes. When others despair, they are often there to offer support. This type of person is reserved with those they do not know too well, but as time passes and they gain confidence, those around them may discover a lively and warm-hearted person behind that mask of aloofness. Despite those born in the year of pig having a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, they have few close friends who understand them and share their inner thoughts and feelings. It is easy to put trust in pig type; they won't let you down and will never even attempt to do so. "  - Wikipedia

May you find the messages that Pig brings, and may it bring you peaceful feelings.

Judith

Spirit Animal - Honouring Delinda, The Leader of the Bow Valley Pack

                                                                                                          Picture of  Delinda, a black wolf of the Bow Valley Pack.  Photo credit to John Marriott and Rocky Mountain Outlook with article by writer, Cathy Ellis.

 

 

 

In the September 22, 2008 edition of the Maclean's Magazine, an amazing eulogy appears in the section known as "The End".  The article, written by Nicholas Kohler, pays tribute to a very individualistic wolf called Delinda.  Kohler does a wonderful retelling of Delinda's life - describing how she came to the pack, and how she taught them.  Her tale is similar to that of the maiden school teacher moving to a small town and making an impact on the residents of the area.

When I originally read this article, I shed a few tears, as is appropriate for one who moves on.  The Ancestors say that shedding tears is an honouring of the soul of the warrior.  Delinda was indeed a warrior.  Why would I cry?  Well, this is personal.  Several times when Roger and I have been through the parks, we have seen Delinda and once we saw her and another small wolf.  She is very distinguished.  Also, over the last two years, I have heard some stories of this famous black wolf from various friends and clients that have seen her, or that have a story about her from a friend.  She is legend.

We often talk about animal guides for humans.  Delinda was an animal guide for animals, and perhaps for humans.  She taught what she knew, and tried to protect her people from the humans.  Perhaps she is the next evolution of wolf that Nature is experimenting with.  Yes, she was run over.  However, each month, looking only at Calgary, there are pedestrian/vehicle accidents where humans get hurt, and sometimes killed.  Nature does mimic people. 

I did some research on Delinda, and that is where the above picture and a different article that honours her life came from.  The original article and picture from Rocky Mountain Outlook paper may be found at the following web location: http://www.albertalocalnews.com/rockymountainoutlook/news/27854344.html.

As a Spirit Guide, the wolf, particularly a lone wolf, symbolizes freedom.  Perhaps Delinda is a Spirit Guide for all of Canada.   As Canadians, we understand that to the core of our being. We are a democracy, and we stand for freedom.  When we see the wolf in a pack formation, we intuitively understand that the wolves are about community.  We envy them because in our fast paced lives, we have lost our sense of community.  We struggle, as Delinda's band was doing before she arrived, to make our way in the world on our own.  Our Ancestors worked in community on most things or they would not have survived the Canadian wilderness.  Wolf's message may be that perhaps it is time to return to a more "sharing" community.  

Wolf's howl is primitive and powerful.  We recognize the sound as being one that tells others "I am here!  This is my land.  This is my territory.  Know that when you enter it, you abide by my rules."   Canadians resonate with this setting of boundaries.  Wolf's message may be challenging Canadians to finally start setting boundaries about other countries buying up land, and establishing their territory.  As the Wolf does, perhaps Canada needs to limit (boundaries) who enters, and set boundaries around languaging and schooling. 

If you read the story about Delinda, you will read how she carried food to an Elder, until the Elder passed.  This is more compassion than most humans show.  Wolf is clearly sending a message about balance.  While Wolf maintains its individuation, it also has a pack persona.  The good of the pack is critical to the pack's survival.  Wolf sends a message to each of us about maintaining balance in our lives - about being respectful of the elderly, and not ditching them for material gain.   There is a message about learning from our Elders and from each other.  And most of all, the message is about being impeccable in one's behaviour.

If you have time today, send a thoughtful prayer to the Universe in memory of Delinda and her teaching.

Judith

Keeping Our Body In Balance

Rosehips are on the more acidic side and do not qualify as alkaline.  Picture by Judith Hirst-Joyeux.

 

Many articles are written about keeping our bodies in balance by reducing stress and increasing our time for ourselves.  Studies show that men and women are in over drive as they work to the extreme and live on fast food and on processed food.  The result is that our bodies become very acidic - our bodies are not in balance.

Dr. Simoncini from Italy, specializes in oncology, diabetology, and metabolic disorders.  He has made some breakthroughs in treating cancer.  One of his discoveries is that cancer is acidic.  And, by keeping our bodies in pH balance, using alkaline foods, we can avoid cancer, which he says is a fungus that thrives in acidic conditions.  See some highlights of his work at http://www.cancerisafungus.com/ . 

To help people put this into perspective, I have included a partial list of  acidic food versus alkaline food.  Like most people, I eat many of the foods that are on the acidic list.  However, I am now consciously making the switch to eating a healthier bunch of foods based on the alkaline list.

A partial list of Acidic Foods:

• Corn
• Meat
• Beans
• Fish
• Fowl
• Most grains
• Coffee
• Plums
• Prunes
• Cranberries

A partial list of Alkaline Foods:
    Almonds
    Beets and Greens
    Broccoli
   Celery
   Chard
    Onions
   Spinach

A partial list of Alkaline Fruits:
    Apples
    Apricots
    Sour Cherries
    Dried Figs
    Lemons
    Limes
    Oranges
    Peaches

May you bring your body in balance to feel healthy, whole and complete.

Judith

Living Life based on Conditions

Picture of chickadee paying a visit, even though there was not a bit of bird seed - her visits are unconditional ~~ picture by Judith Hirst-Joyeux, July 2008

 

 

Recently, one of my friends sent me the following story in an email.  The story moved me so much, and made me also think about all the clients that I have worked with in the last several years who live their life based on "when" and 'if".  These folks miss so much because they are waiting for something else to happen.  I think this story explains the folly in living like that better than any explanation that I might give.

The Blind Girl - Author Unknown

There was  a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always 
there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see 
the world, I will marry you.'

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

He asked her,' Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'  The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected 
that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life 
led her to refuse to marry him.

Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her 
saying:  'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before 
they were yours, they were mine.'

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. 
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who 
was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

May all your days be in a present awareness!

Judith

Ancestors Speak - Ancient Forests

The remains of a tree that grew about 300 million years ago - from the researchers at the University of Bristol.

Ancient trees recorded in mines  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7604721.stm

Mother Earth is trying to send us messages.  Never before the last five years have there been so many startling discoveries about the past.  When something gets uncovered, one often hears the expression about "giving up secrets".  Mother Earth is telling us the story of how land can flourish, and then be covered up very quickly by seas of water, to have the land shift once again and surge upward to grow another forest, only to undergo the same cycle.

Picture of preserved vegetation from the researchers at the University of Bristol.

Our Ancestors are buried, too, in the Earth.  Part of the message from Mother Earth is that our Ancestors survived the changes - maybe not unscathed - yet certainly stronger for the challenges.  If our Ancestors could share their wisdom with us... what would they say?  It may go something like this....

"My children, we have learned that when one does not walk in harmony with the Earth Mother, we starve.  We loose the animals, the plants, and the weather.  This happened when we started to covet the other tribes' hunting grounds, instead of looking for a new area to hunt in.   We heard rumblings in the Earth.  We did not know what it meant.  When our God Talker was saying that we should move further away from the rumblings, we did not listen.  Our warriors had pride that made them want to stay and fight.  That pride cost our tribe many men!  Our old and young went hungry many times because there were no young legs to hunt.  Our God Talker talked to the Sun and to the Moon and asked for guidance.  He learned to call one animal to come close to the camp so that we Elders could kill it.  Our God Talker then did a ceremony before we feasted to honour the sacrifice of the four legged one.  We stayed in our camp until spring, even though it was colder than any spring before.  When our God Talker said we should move, we began the trek.  We left behind much that we had gathered.  Our God Talker said that it was what our warriors had taken from others that was causing the Earth Mother to grumble so.  Do not take from others - share with them, and be generous in your sharing.  This is our lesson."

If the forests that have been preserved below the ground could speak, would they echo the Ancestors? 

May you hear the wisdom of your Ancestors in your dreams!

Judith   (You can connect with your Ancestors in a Karma Clearing Session... this can be done via telephone where ever you are!       http://www.angelsandancestors.com/workshop.html#karma)

Spirit Animal - Panda Bear

 

Photo from Long Island University Education Center site.

Pandas are the happy looking black and white teddy bears that appear in our lives - sometimes from the time we are babies right up to the time that we are adults. 

Like the black and white penguin, Panda is about the ying and yang; the polar opposites of the light and the dark.  And yet, Panda's personality is not the extreme. Instead, it is quite happy and laid back.  If Panda appears to you, ask yourself if you are getting caught up in extremes - extreme beliefs, beliefs around the light and the dark, and whether in fact you do tend to see everything as "black and white".

Like the magpie, Panda loves to sit in the trees and watch the scenes on the ground.  This viewpoint allows Panda to be the observer and not get caught up in the drama.  Panda sees the beginning and the end of the drama.  From her lofty vantage point, Panda is connected both to the Earth and to the Heavens.  If Panda is showing up for you, perhaps you need to look at what stories you are involved in as part of your life.  Do you need drama?  What happens if you step back and watch what is really going on?  Panda reminds us that there is more to life than drama - there is a spiritual aspect that "bears" looking at.  Is it time to climb to a higher road and look at the people that you are associating with to see if they are pulling you "down".

Pandas are solitary animals because they are slow on the ground and enjoy eating their bamboo by themselves.  There are two aspects of Panda's eating habits that may be warnings to people that Panda appears to:  1)  Panda does not digest parts of its food well, so it may bring a warning that the digestive system of the person is in jeopardy and that they are not getting all the nourishment required.  2)  Panda uses a "thumb" on its feet to grab at its food, the bamboo stalk.  Thumbs are about grasping and letting go.  There may be a message that you are too grasping, and that you need to learn to let go.  Additionally, the thumb represents the Wizard's will power - the ability to will into manifestation any desire.  The message may be that even though you desire something, the will is not strong enough to make it happen, and that needs to be worked on.

May all your Pandas bring you luck!

Judith

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

"A sheep uses the water fountain in the town square."  ~~picture from email so photographer unknown

 

 

 

I love this picture of the sheep drinking from the water fountain!  The sheep has learned to use the water fountain so it does not need to find a watering trough or a river.  How did the sheep learn this skill?  Sheep probably watched people move to the piece of porcelain and get water, and smelling the water, moved closer to it and tried it several times until water appeared. 

Our Ancestors have always imitated animals in the matter of gathering food.  The Ancestors watched the hunters stalk the big game, and took on the persona of the wolf or the cat or the bear and stalked animals or fish or found honey.  Our Ancestors watched what berries and roots the animals were eating, and then ate those foods so that they would not die from eating poisonous foods.  At that time, it appeared that the animals were more knowledgeable then the Ancestors.

Now, as our intelligence increases as part of our continuing  evolution, the animals are also evolving and expanding their consciousness and intelligence.  More and more we are hearing about animals performing extraordinary acts of kindness and bravery.  Recently, in the news, a story was being told about a pet rabbit who had the run of the house, and who scratched at its owner's bedroom door when a fire broke out.

Seeing this picture makes me think about the saying, " People are such sheep!"  in reference to the fact that people will seem to follow blindly when without showing much individualism.  Perhaps that saying will have to be changed to "Sheep are such people!"

May you be a shining example for all those around you!

Judith

(See the quote -- "As other species thrive, so do we."  - S. Roger Joyeux at www.angelsandancestors.com)

It is all in how you "see" things

"New glasses make everything look better!" ---from Microsoft Clipart

 

When I read the news, I am often surprised at how many people see things - events- quite differently.  Everyone has their own perspective.  That is true!  However, it seems that need to work a bit harder at seeing things from the view of others.  The Sioux have a prayer -- " Great Spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked in his moccasins."

In the Munay-Ki, in the Seer Rites (Rite 4), the Shaman connects the third eye to the cerebral cortex and to the heart.  The energetic helmet that is created is actually a visor that allows the individual to "see" with clarity and compassion, and to particularly see the true story that is going on.  This energetic update to one's vision also allow the individual to see beyond this dimension and what our physical eyes are used to, and include what has been invisible to many.

The compassion and humanity that the Seer Rites awaken is illustrated beautifully in this short movie about "Signs".   Please take a few minutes to watch this gentle story, told in a language of actions.

http://en.zappinternet.com/video/nilSqaMboM/HISTORIA-DE-UN-LETRERO-THE-STORY

May you all see the beauty in everything around us!

Judith

Spirit Animal - Pig - Part 1

Picture from email, - photographer unknown.

When I was growing up, my Dad raised pigs for a cash crop and also to provide food to feed six hungry children and assorted family and friends that may appear at dinner.  Quite often, piglets are born in early February when it can be quite cold.  We have had countless litters of piglets warming up in our bathtub and sometimes had to bottle feed them until they were strong enough to be returned to the barn and their mother permanently.  Dad would take these early litters out to the barn to be with their mother for several hours and then bring them back in. 

Our Ancestors quite often kept pigs in their houses, not full time, but to help keep the rushes that served as the floor, clean and turned, and to keep all of the bugs and rodents out of the rushes.  Since the earliest piglets were captured by our Ancestors in the wild and brought into the camps or villages to be domesticated, pigs have worked and lived with humans.  Although it seems that the earliest pigs are documented as being in Asia and parts of Europe, pigs are found all over the world. 

Pig is similar to dogs and cows and horses in that they have agreed to sacrifice their independence to be subordinate to humans.  From the earliest times, pigskin is a much used leather to make pants, leggings, and gloves.  Some make drums with it since the leather has its own vibrational sound.  Pig too, provides food both from its body, and as an assistant to human's work.  The best "tiller of soil" is the pig.  And, for years, people have turned pigs loose in the gardens in the fall, so that the pigs will clean up the garden and till the soil in readiness for spring.  Pigs are used in the woods in France to find the exquisite "truffles" that are a gourmet delight.

Medical doctors and scientists have found that the Pig's chemistry and organs are very similar to humans chemistry and organs, especially the eyes and the hearts and the tissue.  Therefore, Pig is now a "guinea pig" that researchers try many experiments and drugs upon.  Pig has saved many lives.  Our lives are so entwined with Pig that many of our sayings and quotes refer to Pig.  Some examples are:

"Buying goods unseen is like buying a pig in a poke!" - Anonymous

“I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” - Winston Churchill

"All of us are guinea pigs in the laboratory of God.  Humanity is just a work in progress." - Tennessee Williams

Most of us are somewhat familiar with a most famous pig from TV -- the famous "Arnold" pig actor of "Green Acres" fame.  Arnold is a shining example of the intelligence of pigs.  Some of his acting outshone the work of the others in the scene.  That intelligence is one of the reasons that many people have made Pig their friend or at least their pet.

May all your experiences make you happy as a pig in mud!

Judith       (See our new list of classes on our website www.angelsandancestors.com)

Fishing - Even the Wolves Know It is Fun & Relaxing!

Wolf on winter hunt---from Microsoft Clipart

 

I have been a fisherman(lady) since I was a child.  My father was an avid fisherman, and passed his love of fishing to all of his children.  What we learned was that it really did not matter whether you caught any fish.  The important part of the fishing trip was the companionship, being out either along the water or on the water (lake, river) and the spirit of competition between the angler and the fish.  Most of the catch was released because it was too small to make good eating.

It is with delight that I read the headline - Canadian Wolves Favor Salmon over Deer Meat: Study-  http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080902/tsc-canada-animal-fish-food-c2ff8aa.html.  What makes this fun for me, is that one of the best challenges for fishing is often the salmon, when it is in season.  The wolves probably enjoy the sport, even though they are seriously looking at the fish as food supply.  Fishing has to be a great change from running all over after deer or moose.

The article talks about the wolves enjoying the salmon in the fall, and that it may be a safety issue because of the potential damage that the deer may do.  It seems more likely to me that the wolves realize that the fall is hunting season, and prefer to be away from the big game animals that are hunted at this time.  Wolves are highly intelligent and seem to operate from a group consciousness.  Logic would say that as hunting of deer in the west has increased, the wolves will make themselves scarce while trigger-happy man has his gun out.

The other thought that occurs is that the salmon during spawning time are quite single minded about heading back up stream and the salmon do not pay particular attention to what is going on around them.  The wolf would note that the prey is easy to catch - they simply watch the bears - and wade in to pick up dinner. 

I wonder how long it will be before the bears want the wolves to be licensed!

Judith

Should You Ever Give Up?

Photograph of funnel cloud that became a tornado in Manitoba  --- photographer unknown as this was sent in an email.

I was listening to some people talking in the shopping mall.  They were talking about a friend who had suffered some extreme bad luck.  They marvelled at the friend's ability to see the brightness in every disaster - even when part of their farm was ripped up by a tornado.  One of the group remarked, "If it was me, I would have given up and moved years ago!"

I was thinking about the way some of us look at challenges and see either a character building opportunity or  a chance to admit defeat and walk away.  Then, those that walk away later will use this incident as an excuse for not succeeding in other areas of their life.  I wondered what the lesson was really about.  I asked Great Spirit to give me some guidance around my question and the greater question of challenges that can change our lives. 

I understand that the challenges help us consolidate our faith. Or it helps us disavow our faith.  I understand too, that if I feel "Oneness with all" then the challenge ceases to be a challenge because it just is and I do not take it personally.  As a Shaman practitioner, I see that a problem, challenge, or issue is always like the two sided sword - it can cut the opponent and save us, or, if we are not careful in our handling of the sword, it will cut us and wound us, perhaps severely.

I was mulling these thought over when I glanced through the Oprah Inspiration Thought for the day.  It made me laugh!   Indeed, it seemed like Great Spirit's guidance around my question.  Here is the quote.

"Never give up, which is the lesson I learned from boxing. As soon as you learn to never give up, you have to learn the power and wisdom of unconditional surrender, and that one doesn't cancel out the other; they just exist as contradictions."  —Kris Kristofferson

I wish you the will to never surrender!

Judith

Tarot Discussion - Authenticity

From Osho's Transformation Tarot - the "Authenticity" card.

" The real thing is not a path. The real thing is the authenticity of the seeker. Let me emphasize this. " from Osho

I asked what it is I really needed to know about for the next several days.  The card that I pulled was Authenticity.  I have been working with clients who are not achieving what they desire - and they ask me why they are failing.  They say that they are doing all the right things. When I ask them how they know that it is right, the clients will often say that it is because a teacher told them it was the right thing to do.

In the searching for what we are to do, people seem to go astray. They take classes and say that they are a healer or a shaman, or a hypnotherapist, or a Journey practitioner, or whatever, and yet, never feel fulfilled or satisfied.  Why is that? It is because they do not follow the guidance of the heart.  They listen to the logic of the ego.

In Munay-Ki, one of the vows is about integrity - walking your talk.  Authenticity holds the same meaning.  The card is about being in one's integrity and doing everything that they may tell others to do. 

So many of us walk around still in ego.  We "know" the right things to do and freely tell others what they are doing wrong and how they can correct the problem.  We may also walk around saying "I healed you of....".  We go in and give advice and pass judgements without asking permission of the receiver of the advice.

Being in integrity or authenticity means when one is in their integrity, they understand that "they" do not do the healing -  Great Spirit and the client's body do the healing.  Being in integrity means that a person leads by a shining example.  They do not have to tell people they have integrity - everyone sees it. 

How do you know if someone is in their integrity?  Generally, they are successful without using power or politics, and they are very generous.  They are happy, content, and motivated to do their work - their own spiritual and physical healing before they work on others.  They are focused.  They trust Great Spirit.  Perhaps more than anything else, they TRUST.  They do not seek affirmation from those around them, their affirmation comes from the work they do, and from Great Spirit.

May you find the inner peace that comes from being within your integrity.

Judith

Have Fun!!

For some people, trail riding with friends is the greatest fun! Picture from Microsoft Clipart

 

I was wondering what was going on when I kept pulling the Angel Card - Play.  I thought that I played a lot.  I was happy with my play!  And then I saw the most intriguing site.  It is called The Eight Irresistible Principles of Having Fun.  See it at www.eightprinciples.com.

This short movie gives one a whole new perspective on going out and playing and having fun.

Today's blog is short.  I am off to have fun!  I wish you many fun filled hours this weekend!

Judith

Karma Files - The Warrior With The Wounded Knee

The remnants of Woodhenge, England  -- photo by Judith Hirst-Joyeux, 2007

                                                                                     People from different groups hear about the different services we offer and often ask me to define Karma.  I generally tell them that it is unfinished life - the movie that was almost complete, but shelved, and some scenes never quite were finished.  The Karma may be from our own previous life or the life of someone else because we have volunteered to finish many scenes so the movie may be filed "Complete".

Most people also want to hear a story about a karma clearing that I did on myself.  This is a story that has some meaning for me, and I will share it with you.  The key word is that IT IS A STORY, and not necessarily a past life.  However, after the story is told, the energy from that situation is put to rest.

The Wounded Warrior

The scene opens with the end of a battle.  A warrior (that I recognize as being tied to me) is trying to stand with the aid of his spear.  The setting seems to be someplace on the plains of Africa.  The members of the tribe head back to the village to have their wounds healed.  My warrior has received a nasty wound to the knee, and limps badly.  At the village, the medicine man treats all the wounds.  He looks at my warrior, and puts him inside his hut.  He says the wound will take much healing.

As the next several days pass, the wound does not heal, and, in fact, gets worse.  The medicine man says the leg from the knee down will need to be amputated.  He says to the warrior not to worry for a wooden leg will be made for him, and all will be well.  The warrior is worried.  He knows that he will not be able to be a warrior and will need to learn something new.  Further, he will not be marriageable since he cannot hunt and support a family.  He is sad because he wanted a wife and many children.  He fears that his life will now be childless.  He makes peace with all and decides that living is better than dying. The warrior tells the medicine man to do what must be done.

The movie fast forwards to about ten years later.  The warrior is now the medicine man/wise man/shaman of the village.  He is a skilled healer who surpasses the skill of his teacher, the medicine man who amputated the leg.  The tribe is proud of his skill since other tribes send people to be healed and to be taught.  The tribe built him a fine hut with two rooms to accommodate teaching and healing.  They give him the best of the hunt to help him continue to study and teach.  The warrior/shaman is happy and content.  About 3:00pm each day, the children of the village come to him for some teaching and to hear a story.  Even without a wife, he has children around him.  He loves his tribe, develops new skills, and lives to approximately age 50, when he dies, content.

End Notes:

What is interesting is that the energy seemed to be stuck around the wounded knee and the amputation.  This is where the movie needed editing to get past this situation, and move on to the rest of the life.  Indeed, the warrior/shaman's life did prove the medicine man correct - all did work out well.

In the job that I had before Angels And Ancestors, I was called a "road warrior".  When I left the job, I turned to healing and teaching as an Angel Therapist and as a BodyTalk practitioner, and as a Shaman practitioner.  There are many parallels between his life and my life.

May you find many stories that make you feel happy and wanting to celebrate life!

Judith

Camouflage

Photo from www.binscorner.com

Whenever we want to hide from the world, we humans could take a few tips from nature.    The fawn in this picture blends in beautifully with the brown steps with leaves and seed pods scattered over the surface.  How does the doe or the fawn know that the youngster will blend in so well with the background?  And, how does it know when it is safe to come out of hiding?

Have you ever noticed that there are people like that?  They blend in so that we never really see them.  They mimic what others do so that they will not stand out.  In that camouflage of copying others, these people sometimes lose their identity.  For, unlike the fawn, they continue to do this all their lives and not just from time to time.

Clients who come to me for sessions will have been wearing their masks for so long that they do not know who they are.  They come in with symptoms of  isolation, loss of identity, not feeling grounded in their body, and sometimes they talk about looking at their face in a mirror and not recognizing the face staring back at them.  Camouflage taken to the extreme does that - it causes one to lose the sense of self.  It may also cause the person to lose their grip on reality since they can not tell the reality from the fiction that they have invented.

How do we prevent this from happening?  It is okay to have some fantasies and to protect oneself in different environments by blending in with what is going on.  However, each person needs to have a safety valve - a safe place where they can go to be themselves.  By taking the camouflage/mask off, and putting it back on with deliberation, the person feels the difference between self and the other. 

Shaman have several different methods of helping a person lift their masks.  Other energetic healers also have various methods to help shift the disguises that people use.  Most mask clearings will take several sessions, and, it is worth the time.  When the camouflage is lifted, a shiny new person arrives that now has goals and has a life to live on their terms. 

May you know when to seek cover and when to attract attention for each action balances the other!

Judith

On Taking Risks

What is behind door number one?  ~~Picture from Microsoft Clipart 

RISK
~Author unknown~

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to others is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken,
because the greatest hazard in life is to do nothing.                            The person who risks nothing,
does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.                 Chained by their attitudes, they are a slave,
they forfeited their freedom.

Only the person who risks can be free!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I saw this poem the other day when I was contemplating whether I should add some new workshops to our repertoire of offerings at Angels And Ancestors.  The words, the message, stopped me!  I wondered how many times some people see the humour in everything and laugh while the rest of the room wonders what they are laughing about.  I wondered too, how many people walk by those needing help because they did not want to become involved.   As I read through the poem a second and a third time, I wondered who had penned this very precise declaration of the human drama - showing both sides of mankind in a way that celebrates and chastens at the same time.

I read this and I wanted to be one of the ones who risks to do something and grow from it.  I want to live my life alive, with no regrets.  So, I am teaching some new workshops.  They are posted at www.angelsandancestors.com/worshop.html.

May you find the courage to take a risk today.

Judith

Tarot Discussion - The Emperor

The Emperor Card from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black

I did a reading not long ago for a lady who had concerns about her career.  In almost every question that was asked, the Emperor card showed up.  While it is not unusual for a card to recur from time to time in a reading, this card was consistent in its appearance.  So, the client asked me about its meaning. 

Each card deck is designed differently and the Major Arcana can represent many themes, the Emperor card is usually about patriarchal/masculine energy.  If the card represents the querent, the meaning usually relates to the desire to achieve, be successful, to compete and be the best.  Depending on the nature of the question, the card may also represent power and politics where the end result justifies the means.

The clues to the strength of the card are found in the pictures and what is represented by the pictures.  The King on the throne talks about power as does the sceptre that he holds.  The Lion, king of the beasts, represents the power of the pride where the women take care of the "king".  The black eagle on the window ledge represents the strength of the eagle, its ability to see all from above, and its mercilessness. 

In the case of my client's reading, the Emperor card represented the authoritarian style of corporate power and politics which she disliked, and which were prevalent in her current position, and would be even stronger if she moved to a company that had made her a great offer.  In one question about what she could do to be better suited to accept the offer, this card turned up as the characteristics that she would need to adopt to be successful. 

The reading set her thinking about her current position in the corporate world and helped her to focus on finding a more suitable industry where she could stay in a corporate setting without the authoritarian characteristics.

May each card you turn up be a winner!

Judith

Munay-Ki - Activating the Pineal Gland

   Buried deep within the center of the brain, the pineal gland has a structure similar to our lateral eyes. (Photos.com)

On August 21, 2008, I was searching for information via "Stumble" and I came across this fascinating article by Leonardo Vintini. http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/science-technology/celestial-eye-niwan-dmt-third-eye-3008.html

The discussion about the pineal gland emphasizes what Shaman have known for years, and what the descendants of the Inca have taught in the Rites of Munay-Ki.  First, Shaman have practiced going through the pineal gland to transcend time and "time travel" to the Lower World, the Upper World, and to the in between planes and dimensions.  And, as the article alludes to, Shaman may even travel out among the stars, visiting various planets.  Second, in order for any changes to be made to the body, Shaman recognize that the pineal must be advised first.  In some of the Munay-Ki Rites, the Shaman blows on the head, focusing on the pineal to alert the pineal that a change is coming.

While the pineal does regulate the biological rhythms of the body, it is possible that it regulates how the eyes and the heart "sees" the world around the person, and that the eyes will only see what the pineal allows.  When people move along on their spiritual development, we often say that "their third eye has opened up".  Another way of saying this is that they "see" more clearly and with discernment.

Our Ancestors tell the story of when giants (at least ten feet high) roamed the Earth, and that these giants only had one eye in the middle of their forehead.  Some of us know this story as the myth of Odysseus (Ulysses is the Latin name) and Cyclops.  In the stories that the Greeks tell of Cyclops, they were the sons of Uranus (Father Sky) and Gaia (Mother Earth), and were master metal workers and blacksmiths.  The story goes that with their one eye, the Cyclops could "see" the strength and the flaws in the metal more clearly than two eyed beings.  This suggests that their eye may have been the "third-eye" that we now work to develop.

Regardless of the mythology around the pineal, it seems that it does release a hormone that helps us have visions and helps someone dying to have a near death experience that they can remember.

I wish you many visions and travel to far away places without leaving home.

Judith 

Note:  This article did not release on Monday as intended.