Spirit Animal - Camel

Picture from www.snap-shot.com

 

 

 

This article first appeared in the Angels And Ancestors Newsletter April 2009.  See the newsletter at www.angelsandancestors.com.

When we talk about going into the desert, the first animal that springs to mind is the Camel. The desert means that the climate is hot and dry, and perhaps with out food or water for several days. How is it that Camel survived her fifty million years without going the way of extinction? Why do the Bedouins call her “Allah’s Gift”?

Camel has some physical properties that human kind would love to have. She is able to eat anything – even thorns. Excess food is stored in the humps as fat, and, as she requires water, she metabolizes the fat into water. The longest Camel has been known to go without water is two months. Her dry dung gives the Bedouins their fuel for fires. Her milk and meat and hair provide food and clothing. She carries great burdens for the nomadic tribes, and even provides entertainment in the form of camel racing. She is truly a gift!

Many spiritual leaders – prophets and shaman – pilgrimage in the desert because it is believed to be a magical place that can shift out of time to different worlds and dimensions. Camel then, is one who can walk between worlds, or walk out of time. Some believe that she can go so long without water because she slips between dimensions and never changes.

Camel’s great, large, two toed feet keep her firmly grounded on the top of the sand and in contact with Mother Earth. She “hears” from the Earth where water is available. Her colour is great camouflage for blending into the shifting dunes, or even into the dry mountain tops where she may make her home. The white shading, sometimes on the muzzle and above the feet indicate that Camel is enlightened.

When Camel looks at you directly in dream time or in the physical, know that she is telling you that a journey is in store. The journey may be physical travel as well as a quest or pilgrimage of the spiritual kind. Know too that Camel, who travels out of the ordinary, is preparing you for a time where you leave behind all that you know. The constant is the great Unknown. Camel says – do not fear. Great Spirit always provides, and if called upon, Camel will show you how bountiful Great Spirit is in the unknown times.

May you carry all that you need with you, and may you travel lightly!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal – Crocodile

“A bask of crocodiles” – picture from Wikipedia

 

In ancient Egypt, part of the testing of the faith of students studying for the priesthood and as part of the process for these priests or priestesses to receive the knowledge of MAGICK, was to have the students dive into a pool of water and find a gate at the bottom of the pool, and swim through it to come up, spiritually improved, on the other side.  The big challenge was that crocodiles guarded the gate.  One must avoid being killed and eaten as part of the test of faith.

Crocodile, then, is often associated with faith, and the belief in Magick and the afterlife.  This makes sense because Crocodile lives in the mud, lays her eggs and releases her children in the mud, and kills her food in the mud.  The mud is the in between place of water and land.  It is very much like the shadow world between life and death. Even though she is fierce, Crocodile is a great mother.  She guards her eggs for almost two months, and listens for the sound of hatching.  When the babies break free, rather than letting them suffocate in the mud, she carries them in her jaws of steel and places them gently in the water, and then teaches them how to be Crocodile.

Crocodile’s message is about opposites – about being a cold blooded creature who must lie in the sun to get warm and be mobile, and yet being loving and kind as a Mother.  She is about creation from mud, where scientists believe man kind came from, and the importance of the SUN in our life cycle.  Translated, we need to get more sunlight to help us digest life, our food, and to fill us with energy. In fact, plants too depend on the Sun to survive.  Crocodile is about the number one reason for life – water, light, and oxygen.  She reminds you that all the manufacturing and controlling of food, money, and shelter cannot change the fact that man needs only those three items to guarantee life.

Crocodile says to you, to take care of yourself and your creative abilities; to nurture the things in your life that are important to you and not to be distracted by the unimportant.  She reminds you to nurture your self.  Self care that turns into neglect by fear allows you to be more easily controlled and manipulated.  Be gentle to the things you love and be ferocious when protecting them or your self from harm.  That is the way of Crocodile

Spirit Animal – Jasmine – the Surrogate Mother

This wonderful story was emailed to me by my friend Louise.  I do not know where it originated other than perhaps the Warwickshire Wild Life Sanctuary.  If that is so, bless them for sharing.

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Jasmine

In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog.. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused.
In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for Animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need. Click for-�http://www.warwickshirewildlifesanctuary.co.uk/index.htm

Geoffand the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.
They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

But Jasmine had other ideas. No-one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all Animal arrivals at the sanctuary.

It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting Animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

 

Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them."
"But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.

 

"She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."
Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born.

The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.

 

And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role.

Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.

 

"They are inseparable," says Geoff "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary.

It's a real treat to see them."

 

Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next Orphan or victim of abuse.

 

From left, Toby, a stray Lakeland dog; Bramble, orphaned Roe deer; Buster, a stray Jack Russell; a dumped rabbit; Sky, an injured barn owl; and Jasmine with a Mothers heart doing best what a caring Mother would do... Such is the order of God's Creation.

I love this story because it is an example of animals showing humans how to love unconditionally!  This story is also about hope!  One dog found people that were good and kind to here, and they gave her hope.  She instinctively knew to pass that on to others.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

See the articles and updated workshop pages at www.angelsandancestors.com

Buddha Speaks – Extremism

Buddha statues from Microsoft Clip Art…

At least once a week, I get an email or a phone call from a client that gives me pause to think about “why is that person acting or reacting like that?” I usually have a lot of wonderment around the question, and usually, within a day or two, I get a story or explanation for the behaviour.

This morning I had a chat with a friend who was telling me that he/she would be fasting for the next ten days to help raise her/his vibration. And further, she/he would be avoiding all sweet things.

I have learned that each person must do what seems right or best for him or her. However, the thought that sticks with me in all that I do is the vow of MODERATION that all those who take Munay-Ki must agree to. Moderation means that one is balanced in all things. Extreme fasting, or denying oneself, or forcing self to do things that are not for the highest good of the body temple are not in accordance with the Munay-Ki Vow.

As I was reviewing my lesson in Buddhism, the following teaching story came up, and I received confirmation from Great Spirit that I was on the path of understanding that we need to be balanced in all things. Here is the story.

The Holy Man Who Tried To Be Too Holy (Extremism)

Once upon a time, the Enlightenment Being lived in a world where most religions were very similar. They taught that the way to remove suffering from the mind was to make the body suffer instead. As strange as it seems, most people thought that the holiest of the holy were the ones who tortured their bodies the most! Since everyone seemed to agree with this, the Bodhisatta decided to find out for himself if it was true.

He stopped living as an ordinary everyday person and became a holy man according to the custom of the times. This meant that he gave up everything, even his clothes. He went naked, with his body covered only by dust and dirt.

So he wouldn't be spoiled by the taste of good food, he forced himself to eat only filthy things - dirt, ashes, urine and cow dung.

So he could concentrate without being interrupted by anyone, he went to live in the most dangerous part of the forest. If he did see a human being, he ran away like a timid deer.

In the wintertime he spent his days under the trees and his nights out in the open. So in the daytime he was soaked by the cold water dripping from the icicles hanging from the tree branches. And at night he was covered by the falling snow. In this way, in winter, he made his body suffer the most extreme cold in both day and night.

In the summertime he spent his days out in the open and his nights under the trees. So in the daytime he was burned by the most severe rays of the sun. And at night he was blocked from the few cooling breezes of the open air. In this way, in summer, he made his body suffer the most extreme heat in both day and night.

This was how he struggled, trying to bring peace to his mind. He was so determined that he lived his entire life in this way.

Then, just as he was about to die, he saw a vision of himself reborn in a hell world. The vision struck him like lightning, and instantly he knew that all the ways he had tortured his body were completely useless! They had not brought him peace of mind. Lo and behold, as he gave up his false beliefs and held on to the truth, he died and was reborn in a heaven world!

May you find this helpful in all that you do today, and all days!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Radio Show – From the Heart – For the Love of Animals on March 31 2009 at 12 Noon Pacific

Tues 12 PM PT on 7th Wave Network on March 31, 2009

Angels And Ancestors

From The Heart - For The Love of Animals  

There is a legend that says that all humans were created by Coyote when he stirred some Earth and Water together. You see, Coyote needed a new audience because his animal friends were wise to his ways and avoided him. As human kind evolved, all the animals felt sorry for humans and did all they could to protect them from Coyote’s trickster ways. Now, humans are in a position where we can help animals as much as they help us. There are great stories of horses and riding schools that help heal illnesses and self esteem issues. Seeing and Hearing Dogs are an alternative method of freedom for those with vision or sound issues. Shaman understand that when we work with others in healing, we always heal ourselves. Join Angels And Ancestors as we explore stories of animals, how they mirror us, healing, and the love that binds us all. If you have a story, send it in to judy@angelsandancestors.com, and we will share it through the show.

Missed the Live Shows? Episodes rebroadcast at 12am PST. Past Episodes are available On Demand and Podcast Ready.

Listen Live to 7th Wave Network
Be sure to tune into Angels And Ancestors with Judith Hirst-Joyeux Tues 12 PM PT on 7th Wave Network
Log on to Listen: http://va.radiopilot.net

Spirit Animal – Swan and Eagle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit for Eagle Attacking Swan to Tom Carver, Lakelse Lake, BC

For the last two weeks, at least once a day, if not more, I either see an Eagle or get pictures of eagles from friends.  Today, this picture arrived in a set of pictures in an email from a friend.  The sequence of pictures shows an Eagle attacking the Swan.  At the end, the Swan gets free, drops into the lake, and swims to live another day.  The Eagle goes home hungry.

There are many archetypal stories that this conflict represents.  The one that comes up for me is one of the conflict of male vs female.  The white swan is very much associated with the feminine, and the eagle is the warrior male.

I would love to hear what story this picture brings up for you.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal – Cheetah

Young cheetahs – picture from Cheetahspot.com

 

 

Several times in the last two weeks, Cheetah has appeared in visions, or in pictures that someone has sent me.  Cheetah must have a message for me.

Wikipedia says, “The cheetah  is an atypical member of the cat family that is unique in its speed, while lacking climbing abilities. Therefore it is placed in its own genus, Acinonyx. It is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 460 m (1,500 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 110 km/h (68 mph) in three seconds, faster than most supercars.”  I found this fascinating!  I love speed when it is appropriate, and loved my one luge run at Olympic Park – it was really fast. 

So what does this have to do with Cheetah?  Cheetah, with its speed, is telling us to make up our minds quickly, and to make changes quickly.  As Yoda would say, “No think. Do!” Cheetah represents that almost new species – a combination of a cat and a dog. It looks like a cat, yet cannot climb and is very light boned.  Cheetah’s message is that we all are evolving into something new.  We aren’t quite what we were, and we are not where we are going, but we are going really fast!  

Cheetah is a meat eater, however, when the tough times hit the Savannah, Cheetah eats insects and fruit and vegetables.  The message is clear, eat what ever is available and do so gracefully.  The colour of Cheetah’s coat provides excellent camouflage for moving through the Savannah.  The Bush People believe that Cheetah becomes invisible and goes between time to pop up to  capture her prey.  The lesson for us then, is to be less noticeable, and to get used to the idea of walking out of time.  Currently, we are quite rule bound by time and corporate policies. 

IF you are hesitant to take action, now is the time, Cheetah says.  Pick up the things you want and let go of the rest… travel light and fast.  Spirituality requires little in the way of hard goods. 

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – Allergic Reactions To Food

Picture from Cropsandsoil.oregonstate.edu

 

A week ago, I had a bad reaction to some food that I ate.  I was sick to my stomach and my hands and feet and face swelled.  My husband suggested that I do a journey via karma clearing to see what was causing the reaction.

As I tumbled back in time, I heard the words – NIGHTSHADE, Potatoes, Peppers, apples, plums, peaches…. and then I saw different vignettes of me eating a food, and choking and dying.  There were quite a number of foods that did this, however, mostly they came from the nightshade family.  Not knowing exactly what this family contained, I looked it up and found…. The nightshade family or potato family includes Datura (Jimson weed), mandrake, deadly nightshade (belladonna), capsicum (paprika, chili pepper), potato, tobacco, tomato, eggplant and petunia.There are superstitious beliefs about the nightshade family (Potatoes, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplant) and how they may harm the immune system or be unfit to eat.  Actually, many of the vegetables in the nightshade family are staples in one's diet, particularly in the Middle East where Eggplant, Peppers and Tomatoes are eaten in abundance.  These vegetables are also known for their great medicinal purposes.  However, they may be poisonous to some like me.

I also did some research on Apples and found “Apples - apple seeds like the seeds of some other fruits in the rose family such as peaches and bitter almonds, contain cyanide.  It's part of the apple's way of protecting its offspring.  The level of cyanide is quite low, but if you store up a whole lot of apple seeds and eat them all at once, you can ingest enough cyanide to hurt or even kill you.”   Did  I mention that in one life, I seemed to die of cyanide poisoning?  It seems that the different types of peppers also can do a number on my system.

In the karma clearing, I asked for all reactions to all of the fruits and vegetables that I reacted with to be healed across all space and time and that the healing be brought into the present moment now and for all time to come.  So far, I am okay with green peppers and potatoes.

May you enjoy your food whole heartedly!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal - Marten

Picture from www.dec.ny.gov

The other morning, I looked out the kitchen window, and thought I saw a ‘marten’ running across the yard.

They have bushy tails, and large paws with partially retractile claws. The fur varies from yellowish to dark brown, depending on the species, and, in many cases, is valued by fur trappers. Martens are carnivorous animals related to wolverines and minks. Their diet consists of squirrels, mice, rabbits, birds, and, in the summer, fish, insects, and eggs, and they will also eat fruit and nuts when these are available. Martens are usually long and slender, with thick orange-brown fur, a dark tail, furry feet, large ears, and distinctive, small, black weasel eyes (weasels are part of the same family as wolverines and minks).

Now Marten is very quiet and secretive. As it looks like a fox and has wolverine energy, Marten is regarded by some as a “Trickster”. Marten is more like a Spirit. And, Marten brings a message that is very appropriate for the time. Marten says:

1. Stay grounded to the Earth, for you will hear her changes as she begins to yawn and stretch this Spring. She is ready to get moving.
2. Rise above the density of what is going on – the talk about scarcity and the fear mongering. When you are up in the trees you can look down and see a bigger picture and see that there is plenty. It may not be packaged as you are used to seeing the food – know that the quality is most likely better.
3. Work on clearing your chakras. Let nothing hold you back.
4. Be with your group, yet maintain a low profile. You are changing. Your natural abilities, those you inherited from the first Animal People, are once again being activated. We remind you that we are all related.

Many blessings,

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Radio Show – The Sacred Way of Working With The Land… March 24th at 12:00 Noon Pacific

Readers have been asking for an easier way to link to the radio show – so… here is a new link method

Judy

Tues 12 PM PT on 7th Wave Network

Angels And Ancestors
The Sacred Way of Working With The Land The Earth was regarded by early humans as an infinite source of abundance. And, because of the very small population, it was a bountiful place. Since the Earth provided all the basic necessities, all peoples living off the land were very conscious of the concept Learn More >>

Missed the Live Shows? Episodes rebroadcast at 12am PST. Past Episodes are available On Demand and Podcast Ready.

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Be sure to tune into Angels And Ancestors with Judith Hirst-Joyeux Tues 12 PM PT on 7th Wave Network
Log on to Listen:
http://va.radiopilot.net

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – How to Overcome Helplessness

Picture of clouds lifting from Microsoft Clip Art…

 

 

Several weeks ago, I hosted a radio show titled – WHO AM I, A CHANCE TO CHECK IN ON YOU.  I have received comments and emails about the show.  One of the items that people wanted to have written out is the section on “How To Overcome Helplessness”. 

Here, then, is the information that I used on the show.  It comes from a book Helplessness by Martin E. P. Seligman.  If you feel helpless or you have someone that you see as helpless or powerless in your life, try this, and read the book.

“Helplessness, then, can be recognized by:

1. Lack of motivation, listlessness.
2. Cognitive breakdown between actions and outcomes - inability to link actions to the consequences they bring about - also manifests as blaming others or external factors for your situation, condition, and outcomes.
3. Negative emotions: boredom, anxiety, frustration, anger, hopelessness, depression (sometimes suicidal).

Apply this procedure to cure helplessness:

1. Recognize your helplessness, lack of motivation, listlessness.
2. Recognize that as a baby and subsequently you've had many experiences where you were unable to control consequences or outcomes.
3. Recognize your negative emotions: boredom, anxiety, frustration, anger, hopelessness, depression. Acknowledge them to yourself, for example, by saying, "I recognize that I feel helpless, hopeless, and depressed."
4. Consciously and deliberately choose to experience any or all of these emotions. Make a cognitive link between that choice and what you experience, for example, by saying to yourself, "I consciously decide to feel helpless, hopeless, and depressed. Therefore I feel helpless, hopeless, and depressed."
5. Perform a simple action such as washing the dishes or combing your hair. Observe the consequences or outcome. Form a cognitive link between your action and its outcome. (Examples below.)
6. Divide a sheet of paper into three columns. In the second column list both positive and negative outcomes you've experienced during the past 24 hours, including emotions. In the first column write down your corresponding actions or inactions that preceded those outcomes. In the third column write down the causal or cognitive links between actions/inactions and outcomes. Consider only your own actions and inactions. (How to express the causal or cognitive link is explained below.)
7. Don't blame others or external factors for anything.
8. Pat yourself on the back for all the positive consequences you did produce.”  - from Helplessness by Martin E. P. Seligman

Judy@angelsandancestors.com  Let me know if this is helpful!

Radio Show - The Sacred Way of Working With The Land on March 24 2009

   The land of Southern Alberta – picture by Judith Hirst-Joyeux

 

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 12pm Pacific

The Earth was regarded by early humans as an infinite source of abundance. And, because of the very small population, it was a bountiful place. Since the Earth provided all the basic necessities, all peoples living off the land were very conscious of the concept of “reciprocity” which translated into “what you take from the land (plants, animals, water, etc) you return to the land in some form of payment. This concept is really called “Balance”. The Shaman of the tribes were constantly reminding the People to pay tribute. As the tribes became more permanent, the camps became villages which became towns and cities. More people left the land for the cities. There, people forgot about balance. That demanding has continued into the 21^st Century. Mother Earth, for one who nurtures is a Mother, is no longer an infinite source of supply. Spend time with Judith Hirst-Joyeux learning about different sacred ways that you may work with the land, and do your part to return to balance.

Listen Live at: http://www.modavox.com/voiceamericacms/WebModules/HostModaview.aspx?ChannelId=4&HostId=603&Flag=1

Can’t catch the show – down load the mp3 for the show at the above link.  Recordings are available several hours after the show.

For More Information Visit : http://www.angelsandancestors.com

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

If you have been listening to the shows, we would love to get your feedback and find out your opinion of the shows and the ideas presented.  Or, share your story about what the exercises have helped you realize in your life!

Buddha Speaks – Understanding Prudence

This is a tale that talks about listening to those that are wiser than you are, and recognizing that they are wiser.  This, for me, was difficult when I was in my teens, twenties and in my early thirties.  Can you see that I was a bit “head strong”?  When I was doing my lessons on understanding the Buddhist way, this story came up, and reminded me of my foolishness. 

I am now one that lets those that know, lead, and I offer to support them.  When I feel sure of my ground, I will offer to lead, and step back when another feels strongly.  I am getting more wisdom as I keep my mouth shut.

May you enjoy this lesson!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

The story of Prudence…

Once upon a time there was a caravan leader. He went from country to country selling various goods. His caravans usually had at least 500 bullock carts.

On one of these trips his path led through a very thick forest. Before entering it, he called together all the members of the caravan. He warned them, "My friends, when you go through this forest be careful to avoid the poisonous trees, poisonous fruits, poisonous leaves, poisonous flowers and even poisonous honeycombs.

"Therefore, whatever you have not eaten before - whether a fruit, leaf, flower or anything else - must not be eaten without asking me first." They all said respectfully, "Yes, sir."

There was a village in the forest. Just outside the village stood a tree called a 'whatnot tree'. Its trunk, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits look very similar to a mango tree. Even the colour, shape, smell and taste are almost exactly the same as a mango tree. But unlike a mango, the whatnot fruit is a deadly poison!

Some went ahead of the caravan and came upon the whatnot tree. They were all hungry, and the whatnot fruits looked like delicious ripe mangoes. Some started eating the fruits immediately, without thinking at all. They devoured them before anyone could say a word.

Others remembered the leader's warning, but they thought this was just a different variety of mango tree. They thought they were lucky to find ripe mangoes right next to a village. So they decided to eat some of the fruits before they were all gone.

There were also some who were wiser than the rest. They decided it would be safer to obey the warning of the caravan leader. Although they didn't know it, he just happened to be the Enlightenment Being.

When the leader arrived at the tree, the ones who had been careful and not eaten asked, "Sir, what is this tree? Is it safe to eat these fruits?"

After investigating thoughtfully he replied, "No, no. This may look like a mango tree, but it isn't. It is a poisonous whatnot tree. Don't even touch it!"

The ones who had already eaten the whatnot fruit were terrified. The caravan leader told them to make themselves vomit as soon as possible. They did this, and then were given four sweet foods to eat - raisins, cane sugar paste, sweet yogurt and bee's honey. In this way their taste buds were refreshed after throwing up the poisonous whatnot fruit.

Unfortunately, the greediest and most foolish ones could not be saved. They were the ones who had started eating the poisonous fruits immediately, without thinking at all. It was too late for them. The poison had already started doing its work, and it killed them.

In the past, when caravans had come to the whatnot tree, the people had eaten its poisonous fruits and died in their sleep during the night. The next morning the local villagers had come to the campsite. They had grabbed the dead bodies by the legs, dragged them to a secret hiding place, and buried them. Then they had taken for themselves all the merchandise and bullock carts of the caravan.

They expected to do the same thing this time. At dawn the next morning the villagers ran towards the whatnot tree. They said to each other, "The bullocks will be mine!" "I want the carts and wagons!" "I will take the loads of merchandise!"

But when they got to the whatnot tree they saw that most of the people in the caravan were alive and well. In surprise, they asked them, "How did you know this was not a mango tree?" They answered, "We did not know, but our leader had warned us ahead of time, and when he saw it he knew."

Then the villagers asked the caravan leader, "Oh wise one, how did you know this was not a mango tree?"

He replied, "I knew it for two reasons. First, this tree is easy to climb. And second, it is right next to a village. If the fruits on such a tree remain unpicked, they cannot be safe to eat!"

Everyone was amazed that such lifesaving wisdom was based on such simple common sense. The caravan continued on its way safely.

The moral is: The wise are led by common sense; fools follow only hunger.

-from Buddhanet.com

Ancestors Speak – Messages from Our Past Lives

Picture of rosehips and angels.. by Judith Hirst-Joyeux

 

You may have heard that what ever issues we do not resolve in past lives spring forward with us to the current life time.  Patterns will repeat themselves until the issue is put to rest.  I teach this to my students in my workshops on Karma Clearing.  Recently, however, I am seeing the most amazing stories being lived out and cleared.

I would like to share this story of a client who seems to have the whole world against her. 

When she came to see me, she was in a custody dispute for her daughter.  Stress was evident in her life because she was starting to have a lot of trouble eating and sleeping, and she developed a skin rash.   Her Doctor attributed the rash to nerves and gave her some cream to put on at the itchiest times.  She took a stress leave from her job, and then found she had too much time on her hands to think. 

Her goal in our BodyTalk session was to relieve the stress and correct the rash. This is what we set as our agenda. As we worked our way through the links to restore her body to a healthy, natural state, a link to do a karma clearing came up.  The clearing was on the stress that the custody dispute was creating, and on the social worker that seemed to be at the core of the negativity hitting my client. 

As we proceeded through the Akashic Records with the Angels of Karma, we saw three different life times where the social worker – a female in this lifetime – apprehended her children. In one lifetime, the social worker represented a harsh master who took the children away from his slaves, and my client was one of the slaves.  In another lifetime, the social worker was a jealous women who could not have children and killed my client’s two children, and blamed my client for it. The town reacted and stoned my client.  In the third lifetime, the Social Worker was a missionary that believed children of non Christian parents should be taken from the Mother, and put into Christian service in a factory or institution.  This is not so different than what happened to the indigenous peoples in Canada, the United States and Australia.

We worked through the stories and felt the pain to completion, and then asked for a healing of the situation.  The final releasing of the karma was to tap it out. 

Several days later, my client called to advise that she has been assigned a new social worker, and that her case is being reviewed and that some inconsistencies in the previous social worker’s notes are showing up.  My client feels her new worker is quite sympathetic.  My client feels quite optimistic that she will get her daughter back permanently in the next month. And she says her stress level is way down.

I am grateful for call backs from clients to share their story with me. 

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Buddha Speaks – Teaching The Six Worthy Ways

Picture from Microsoft Clip Art 

I came across this lovely teaching story while I was writing my radio show episode called “Who AM I”.  What is striking is that some of the six worthy ways are things that I talked about on the show.  The idea of staying healthy and fit is probably the one task that resonates for me at the moment.  We are in springtime when colds and flu are prevalent. Our temperature (in Calgary) changes from –20C to +9C in twenty-four hours.  The shifting – which mimics ascension shifting, is hard on the human body.  I digress.  Enjoy this story! 

Once upon a time there was a rich man living in Benares, in northern India. He had a son who was intelligent, curious and eager to learn. Even though he was only seven years old, he was determined to find out what is really valuable.

One day the little boy asked his father, "What are the ways to gain the most valuable things in life?"

His father said, "Only worthy ways lead to worthwhile goals. These are the six worthy ways:

• keep yourself healthy and fit;
• be wholesome in every way;
• listen to those with more experience;
• learn from those with more knowledge;
• live according to Truth;
• act with sincerity, not just energy."

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – Apple Cider Vinegar

Picture from www.webrestaurantstore.com

 

 

 

 

When I was growing up, apple cider vinegar was in a bottle in the cupboard in the kitchen.  It was used from everything like baking to bathing cuts on piglets, or putting on chicks that were getting picked on by other chicks.  I actually did not know how it was created, so I looked it up.

From altmedicine.about.com -- Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made by the fermentation of apple cider. During this process, sugar in the apple cider is broken down by bacteria and yeast into alcohol and then into vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid (like other types of vinegar) and some lactic, citric and malic acids.

Why am I so interested in apple cider vinegar?  I was in the grocery store the other day and was buying apple cider vinegar to add to my bath water to draw out toxins.  One of the Shaman Teachers that I had years ago told us that to clear toxins out of our body to use a Sweat (Lodge) or a wood sauna.  Failing that, he said, have a very hot bath with a cup of apple cider vinegar in it.  It seems to work!

While I was getting my apple cider vinegar, two ladies were discussing how apple cider vinegar took the planter warts off feet.  One lady explained to the other how she had plantar warts for years, and paid lots for medication prescribed by her doctor.  Finally, she read an article about dipping cotton balls into apple cider vinegar and taping them – she used duct tape – to her feet all night.  She said that it took about four nights of this, when she noticed that the warts were drying up.  Now, she walks pain free and once a week she puts apple cider vinegar on socks and wears them to bed to ensure that the warts do not return.

Apples are said to be the perfect medicine. Johnny Appleseed knew what he was doing when he spread them across America.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – The Goddess Lakshmi

Picture from email…

The Hindu Goddess, Lakshmi, is often called upon to increase our abundance and to give us the goals that we have been reaching for. 

Within in two days, I received several emails from different friends, none of which knew the others, about the Goddess Lakshmi.  Now, I have learned to pay attention when something comes to you over and over… especially if it is a Goddess!  To me, this is an indication that Lakshmi wants to work with me.  Since one of the Cosmic Laws is reciprocity, I know that Lakshmi expects me to do something, as well.

I find it fascinating that Lakshmi is the wife of the God, Lord Vishnu, and that this is the God responsible for creation.  Lakshmi, by the way, provides him with all the wealth and abundance that Vishnu will need to maintain creation.  So, in a sense, Lakshmi is responsible for creation which supports the Second Universal Law – All creation comes from the female. 

I know that the four hands of Lakshmi represent the four directions as well as the four elements, and the four aspects of what happens in a person’s life – physical, symbolic, mythic, and energetic.  Four is also about stability and being grounded.  The life path number four is about organization, intelligence, and mechanical ability.  It appears that Lakshmi has these in spades!

So what does the Goddess want with me and all of us?  The Message seems to be about asking us to care take Creation as it is unfolding.  The coins are at her feet, and are almost so insignificant that they are like ground cover.  What she cradles to her is a plant, and she sits on a Lotus.  Growing things, green things, are the most precious possession right now.  To have green plants, we must care take our water, and allow it to be available to everyone, and not at the control of the corporations. We must also carefully collect seeds and nurture seedlings that have already started to grow, and not allow them to be unceremoniously bull dozed down for housing developments. 

Gather some heritage seeds for growing this year as our Ancestors did.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Radio Show - Who Am I? An Opportunity to Check In To You!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 12pm Pacific

Do you know who you are? Do you know what makes your heart sing? Do you know why you are where you are? Here is a chance to look at the baggage that you have been hanging on to and that you have used to create the "Story" of "me". Our story is our belief in our self and dictates our successes. When we don't achieve our goals, we usually give ourselves an out. Join host Judith Hirst-Joyeux as she guides you on an exploration of self discovery. Participate in some exercises that will clarify what you really do believe. Discover your power; what you think success means. Renew your relationship with money. Find out whether you are as healthy as you think you are (or are not). Explore your level of happiness. David Allen says, "Much of the stress that people feel doesn't come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they started." If this resonates for you, tune in!

Listen Live at: http://www.modavox.com/voiceamericacms/WebModules/HostModaview.aspx?ChannelId=4&HostId=603&Flag=1

Can’t catch the show – down load the mp3 for the show at the above link.  Recordings are available several hours after the show.

For More Information Visit : http://www.angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal – Zebra

Zebra Picture from National Geographic – Places to See.

Zebra comes to us in pictures, dreams, and at the zoo or on safari.  Her colour is distinctive… black and white stripes, each pattern unique to each zebra, and it seems, black and white equally in proportion. 

Part of the equine family, Zebra lives in herds like other horses or donkeys, and often merges with herds of antelope or wildebeest. Zebra’s alertness keeps these other herd creatures safe from predators.  The herd is the most important part of Zebra’s world, and the herd moves across the plains in proximity to water.  She is a powerful runner, and runs in a zig zag pattern to make up for the loss of speed.  Like her cousin, Donkey, Zebra’s endurance is legendary.

Zebra’s stripes are for camouflage in the long grasses and lightly wooded areas.  This is how Zebra appears on the physical plane.  However, Zebra brings symbolic and energetic messages.

1. Herd behaviour is about protecting others as well as showing through the unique stripes, that one can be individual in the midst of a group.  She shows how one can interact socially and have complex relationships with other members.  She speaks about being a helper/healer.  If a mare is foaling, Zebra and her team will stand around her to protect the birthing.
2. Camouflaging brings the message of the Shaman walking between worlds.  What appears to be seen is not the reality.  Magic, the ongoing push of black against white, the duality of separateness, journeying,dimensions shifting, and interaction with the Goddesses and Gods of day and night are all ideas that Zebra brings forth. 
3. Zebra’s skill of endurance and surefootedness reminds us to stand in our power, to be rooted when forces seem to oppose us and each other.  She reminds us to check internally for confirmation rather than to trust external sources.

Zebra is about hidden knowledge coming forth – knowledge that will cause a huge change in our world.  Through this, we are asked to shift with the flow and not stand against it, and even pave the way for it. 

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Tarot Discussion – SUN XIX

The “SUN” card from the UNIVERSAL DECK by Maxwell Miller

My ask for this day was “what can I expect over the Month of March?” The card I drew was the “SUN” card. In all the times that I have used this deck – over the last three years – I have only had the SUN card twice before, and, as part of a larger reading about career.

I love this card for the imagery.  At the top, the Sun God, Ra, is floating in a barge, with the Sun shining down on him, and his personal Sun shining over him.  Below, are the four sons of Horus (Horus is the Sky God). The four sons each represent the four elements – water, air, fire, and earth and illustrate the elements being in balance as each plays an instrument which blends with the others to create a harmony.  There is an eight pointed star on each of the pillars of the gate.  Eight represents harmony, infinite, bountiful Universe. 

The interpretation that our Ancestors had of Ra showing up was that good fortune would smile upon you.  When the elements are in balance, a person becomes peaceful and is able to feel their spiritual connection to Source.  The feeling of Oneness with Nature and all of life flows.  Each person may feel differently, however the general feeling of happiness, contentment, and the ability to be with self are traits of moving forward in step with the grand Universal plan.  Some people may feel euphoria. 

For me, the message is that the best is yet to come! I will receive bountiful abundance.  I will come into more power for the work that I do.  I will have the blessing of the elements. I am grateful.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Buddha Speaks – Compassion For All

  The candle of compassion – picture from Microsoft Clip Art

 

The Buddhist definition of compassion is “ wanting others to be free from suffering. So compassion is the definition of the highest scope of motivation. It is said that to generate genuine compassion, one needs to realise that oneself is suffering, that an end to suffering is possible, and that other beings similarly want to be free from suffering.”

From Lectures on Kamalishila’s Stages of Meditation in the Middle Way School  by by Kenchen Thrangu Rinpoche:– “Generally, everyone feels compassion, but the compassion is flawed. In what way? We measure it out. For instance, some feel compassion for human beings but not for animals and other types of sentient beings. Others feel compassion for animals and some other types of sentient beings but not for humans. Others, who feel compassion for human beings, feel compassion for the human beings of their own country but not for the human beings of other countries. Then, some feel compassion for their friends but not for anyone else. Thus, it seems that we draw a line somewhere. We feel compassion for those on one side of the line but not for those on the other side of the line. We feel compassion for one group but not for another. That is where our compassion is flawed. What did the Buddha say about that? It is not necessary to draw that line. Nor is it suitable. Everyone wants compassion, and we can extend our compassion to everyone."  http://viewonbuddhism.org

Why have I included these two passages?  What I am noticing as I watch different videos and read the news headlines is that there seems to be a lot of what we might call “tragedy” occurring around the world.  As the lecture points out, people seem to be saying that some tragedies require help while others do not.  The “drawing the line” seems to be happening based on some guideline that I do not understand.  Drawing the line of course, is actually passing judgement. This is one of the character flaws that we are all working to erase. 

It seems too, for some reason, that governments are feeling monetarily compassionate for some organizations – those that cry “help” the loudest or those that have their buddies on it – it is not clear.  Yet there is a drawing of the line.  Why not give money back to the tax payers, instead of giving the tax payer money to mismanaged businesses.

Our Ancestors did not get the bailing out that currently happens today.  Most often, businesses did not fail on this scale because they did business in a much smaller way – they knew their community and vice-versa.  There was the community of compassion that kept the economy flowing without greed kicking in – generally speaking. 

Perhaps we will now see a return to the state of love with compassion that seems to have disappeared.

I wish you love and compassion,

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animal – Turtle, In Dream Time

 

Turtles on a log – from www.freenaturepictures.com

Shaman say that Grandmother Turtle is a good spirit guide. She is about steadiness and longevity.  She has walked for two hundred and fifty million years on this Earth.  She teaches us lessons about looking at time differently.  As Turtle is long lived, she may have given the same messages to our Ancestors, and now she gives them to us.  She is one of Nature’s wonders – her home is on her back, she is comfortable in the water and on land, and her young are born on land to return to the water.  Additionally, all she needs, her house, is always with her. She represents life and being at Oneness with Creation.

Last night, I dreamt of turtles. I had three of them in a zoo like environment, without any of the fences.  They seemed content, and they constantly looked at me.  If I walked around to a different angle, they all turned to look at me.  They were three different sizes – small, saucer sized,  and two larger or plate sized. They seemed quite healthy and happy, and appeared to have lots to eat. 

Because Turtle appeared in a dream, I felt she was trying to express that time is having less and less meaning.  Since we are still in a snowy frozen state in Calgary, I would not see her until later in the Spring.  Yet, her she was, wanting to talk to me. 

The other message seemed to be about patience and abundance.  The sense was that all that I need would come to me, and that I simply need to carry on with what I am doing.   Too, because Turtle is so primal and old, there also seemed to be a sense that I needed to go back to my primal essence of who I was as energy, and remember what I was here, on Earth, to do.  Turtle is here to be Turtle.  Judy is here to be her essential light.

May you find your Turtle message on your journey.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Tarot Discussion – The Lovers

  Card 6 – The Lovers – from OSHO Zen Tarot

 

This is a time when I wonder what the Universe is planning for all of us. 

The week ahead is very busy for me, and yet I will find time to walk the dogs, do my meditations and exercise and talk to friends and family. Everyone that I speak with talks about being busy, busier than they used to be. They also talk about the feeling of needing time to themselves.  All talk about working a regular routine for meditation into their schedules. 

So, I do what I always do when I am puzzled. I seek a quick answer by pulling a card from one of my decks.  The card was the Lovers card #6 from the OSHO Zen Deck.  What was going on now made perfect sense.  If people are working very hard, and are tired, then their resistance to change is significantly lowered.  The big change that is in the works is towards Love – Universal Love. As the times get tough for many because of the loss of homes and jobs.  The rest of the population is going to reach down and find the love for humanity that has been stashed in a cupboard while greed and power have been the theme. We are all being asked to “find the love”.  We all need to become LOVERS.

Osho says - “ And if your meditativeness becomes total, absolute, love can be transformed into compassion. Sex is the seed, love is the flower, compassion is the fragrance.

Buddha has defined compassion as love plus meditation. When your love is not just a desire for the other, when your love is not only a need, when your love is a sharing, when your love is not that of a beggar but an emperor, when your love is not asking for something in return but is ready only to give - to give for the sheer joy of giving - then add meditation to it and the pure fragrance is released. That is compassion; compassion is the highest phenomenon.”

May you find the love today!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – The First of March

    Icon created by Judith Hirst-Joyeux

 

In the days of our Ancestors, even fifty years ago, March was an exciting month.  It was a month of the feminine and creation.  Many new lambs, calves and colts were born in this month.  Oh yes! And baby boys and girls too. 

March is sacred to the Goddesses – Aphrodite, Oestre, Rhiannon, Juno, and Lucina.  March is the month for women. The celebration is for weddings and for motherhood.  In the past, fires and festivals heralded the first day of March. It was an honouring of the Goddesses, and saying good-bye to winter.  There might still be snow in places, yet in the warmest spots, new green grass is poking out and telling the world that soon the ground will be covered with the lushness of fresh grass.

Young women will begin offering prayers to the Goddesses for the “right” young man to come along and offer marriage.  “Right” may include prosperity, land, cattle, handsome, hard working, and happiness with long life together.  The Goddess shrine may be represented by a statue of a women holding flowers and a baby.  Young men begin courting, and taking gifts to offer to the lady of their choice.

Times have changed!  Nature still moves at the same rate, and in balance. Spring still starts on March 20 or March 21. Our faiths (religions) have changed.  Life is more free and the same courting is not followed.  Love seems more surreal and short term.  Still, it seems to be a time of the feminine.  New fashions come out. Creativity seems heightened.  People, in general, become more relaxed after the winter.  It does seem that Great Spirit smiles on us.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com