In shamanic teachings the cycles of the earth plane are also symbolic of the cycles of our life.

Each cycle begins in the direction of East, the season of Spring. Metaphorically, it is at this time that we plant the 'seeds' which we wish to nurture into existence. Some of these seeds may be ones we plant every year, as we find they are useful to us (perennial). Some of these seeds will be new ideas and experiences you wish to create, and then some of these seeds will be either old or new ideas that we somehow let go by the wayside (annuals). 

By Summer, direction of South, we now have a garden from which we can take action. Element of FIRE. What have you nurtured and grown? What 'plant' do you want to explore? You have brought it into creation so now you decide how, when and if you want to experience what it offers you. Free will - always. There is no right or wrong action here. Fire circles are sacred in shamanism and are used for a variety of rituals.  Many dress as their Animal Totem and dance to the drums in ecstasy.  It is representative of our power and celebration of who we are and what seeds we have brought into creation. Prayers and chants,  pipe ceremonies, sweat lodges & rites of passage are common during the Summer Months. 

By Autumn, Direction of West, it will be time to reap what we have sown. What have we grown an abundance of? This is also the time of the Sacred Giveaway - sharing that which you have no use for or an abundance of, and also receiving from others that which you wish to have. What you gather will be what you take with you into the Winter months of reflection. Get rid of what you have sown that is no use to anyone, add it to the bonfire, and remember in the future what did not serve you.

 Journey to the Spirit of the Season, ask to understand or experience what changes are occurring.  By doing this you put your own Spirit Energy into the season and help to turn the Wheel of Cycles.

     For  Every Season Has Its "Purpose" Under Heaven

Don't Forget to Smudge!

Especially now that we are entering the time of the Summer Solstice it is especially important to cleanse the energies that surround us, remove obstacles that may be impeding our progress.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2010

Did I just hear you say New Mexico?

There are BIG changes coming into my life as the Summer Solstice begins its season June 21st.  The seeds that were planted in the Spring have now grown and are calling me to new places and new adventures!  

By Far the Biggest Adventure?  I am moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico - the "Land of the Enchanted".  I am so looking forward to moving away from the crime and political craziness of a big city to a small community outside of Santa Fe.  Red sunsets, beautiful scenery, quiet & peaceful. All 4 distinct seasons amidst mountains, rivers and sand depending which direction you look. And how did this epiphany come about?  Through following Spirit and jumping into the flow to see where I ended up!!!  I don't know a soul in this town, yet it already feels like home.  I found a tiny cottage with a fenced in backyard, and am hoping to add some animals to my entourage - especially a goat!

I was just surfing around the web one day, knowing my lease was coming due for renewal and I did not want to stay where I was living.  No one was more surprised than me when I started looking outside of the city.  Why not take a chance and try somewhere new?  So I asked myself what is my dream?  And the answer was easy - a small home in a peaceful, accepting community; where art and music are the mainstays, and respect of all individuals is a given, not a right you have to earn.    Then the first rental I found was a small cottage and although there were multiple applicants, I was blessed with being chosen.  So now I had the WHERE figured out.  But by what means?  These are hard economic times and moving out of state is not cheap, not to mention all the deposits and upfront fees associated with getting set up.  Yet unexpectedly in the mail I received the funds that would make it possible.  And I found a couple in need who was willing to move me and my cats, plus a U-Haul trailer for a fair price.  So now the HOW was settled.  The WHAT to take was easy.....we have an Animal Aid Thrift Store and everything I was leaving behind they were more than willing to take.  And it just so happened I had family coming to visit and they helped with packing the items I had chosen to take along.  Downsizing considerably.

So the WHY also became clear as I spread the news to my friends and family.  So many had been thru the area or known someone who traveled there and had very spiritual and pleasant, fond memories, all awed by the beauty of this part of the country.  Every where I turned it seemed there was someone else who had visited the area and reassured me my decision was the right one.  The political atmosphere also appealing to my liberal attitude.  I'm very involved politically and I was very disappointed and frustrated at the narrow views of the state I lived in. I am an idealist and always will be.  I believe we can work together to make the changes we seek, and I know there will be many allies that will help strengthen my voice that is currently being drowned out. 

Yes, I Am Ready.  The Warrior in me is on standby, as the physical energy required to move is great and will mostly be put on my shoulders.  But 'tis not a burden at all - I FEEL JOY!!  Please join me in celebrating the start of a new chapter, knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be.  Maybe you will also be inspired to make the changes you want to make in your life.

     Wherever You Go, There You Are - Smile When You See Yourself There!