Anara
Suggested donation: â‚Ź1.50 OCTOBER EDITION
Fundraising Ezine for La Palmilla Retreat, Seville
love s equality s truth s growth s harmony s sustainability s healing
Celtic animal for October with Spanish translation upcoming events at our retreat in Spain Ogham - tree wisdom for October light prayers to reconnect with divine LOVE free chapter of kids’ book in every issue
Dedicate a long weekend to celebrating your sacred womanhood Experience sensuous belly dance, fierce flamenco, good food, excellent accommodation and pampering at our beautiful Spanish retreat March 14th - 17th 2014
A
s women, we do not need permission to tap into the resource of our passionate and wild natures. We were created with the innate ability to express ourselves through the tidal waves of our emotional bodies, our sensual biochemistry and our ability to deep breathe in situations of spontaneous pleasure. Our journey may have taken us through spaces and landscapes of archaic constraint, but despite the historical imprints‌ we can find in our dance the ability to break through!
A Flamenco & Belly Dance weekend with Carmen De Torres & Anara Durand in Seville & Estudio Flamenco Carmen De Torres
Fuego En El Sangre -
Fire in the Blood
ÂŁ595 Inclusive of food, accommodation & pamper package Flights not included
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With thanks from Anara… Especially to our brilliant contributors! This publication was produced by Ellen Long-Common www.theuncommonwriter.co.uk Proceeds from the sale of this Ezine will help us achieve our goal of raising enough money to purchase a retreat centre to make it a permanent sanctuary. You can also become part of our community in the following ways:
Investing We are looking for investors who share our vision and ethos. Each investor will be commemorated as a part of our sacred geometric earth mandala which will be created by Mark Golding.
Fundraising We are looking for experienced fundraisers. Suggest a fundraising or investment option of your choice, and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Hosting Why not run your own course, retreat, or workshop in a beautiful Spanish setting? Enquire today for details.
Advertising Enquire today for details on advertising within this publication to take your business to a wider audience. Contact Anara for further details: anara.lapalmilla@gmail.com www.lapalmillaretreatseville.com
Hi everyone, Here is an update on our journey to Seville and the current situation with our retreat centre. As the boat approached the Santander coastline, we were greeted by a fleet of dolphins which we welcomed as an auspicious sign. Our drive from the North of Spain to the South was an epic fifteen hour pilgrimage. It felt important to drive rather than fly, so we could connect with the earth and see the landscape change, from Cantabria, to Castilla y Leon, to Extremadura, and finally, Andalucía. Our first night in Seville was a much needed restful sleep in the 21 degree heat. The next morning heralded our first day in the 34 degree sun that highlighted the spectacular blue sky and streets lined with date palms. The air was scented with wild Jasmine. I felt instinctively at home. Days before moving to Seville, I received
correspondence from the owner of the original property stating that he has changed the contract, meaning we needed more money to make it happen. With our travel booked and house packed, we took a leap of faith, knowing that this is a co-creation and in trust we would find the right place once we got here. We have spent the last month soaking up the sun, planting seeds of positive thoughts, and vision questing for the new centre. We have embraced the locals, who have been very helpful in assisting us in finding the right property, and who are keen to help co-create and attend events. We have viewed a lot of properties and have found one that stands out above all, in that it is so welcoming – both energetically and visually. It has solar panels and fruit trees,
and comes with acres of land ready for an organic farmer. It has more than enough space for a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities, including our permaculture courses and the creation of our permaculture food garden, which we have a variety of 25 organic seeds for. The rooms are huge yet tranquil, with the right balance of light, and shade from the hot sun. The swimming pool is huge, and is positioned next to a decked area partially trellised with grape vines – a perfect space for basking in the sun or receiving a luxury pampering session in the shade! Our move in date we hope is October 10��. Watch this space...
Anara xx
Contents 4 - Crystal Alchemy for 14 - Ogham October… by Candida Townsend the Wisdom of Trees… by Edward Durand 6 - Recipe for Vegan Quinoa Burgers… by Selina Kearns
15 - The Ancient Future… by 9 - Interview with Kate Creuynni Cheaya 18 - Part 2 of Children of the 12 - Celtic Animal Signs… by Diadems… by Sonia Braithwaite Edward Durand
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Crystal Alchemy October - Rutilated Quartz by Candida Townsend Rutilated Quartz is Quartz with needle-like rutiles embedded in it. It is usually a gold or red Quartz crystal. It has been used since ancient times for its healing, protective and spiritual qualities. Its thin, vertical striations, known as rutiles, make it highly refractive in light, and it can reflect colourful displays if held up to the sunlight. Rutilated Quartz is also known as Sagenite, The Hair of Venus, Golden Hair Quartz or Red Hair Quartz. It was used to make wands by Native Americans.
by stabilising relationships and emotional reactions, and clearing the heart centre.
Rutilated Quartz is energising, bringing faster decision making, getting energy moving, and aiding tissue growth. This pearl of wisdom lives up to its name of Sagenite. It brings mental focus and clarified thought, and strengthens our spiritual connection. It balances and clears the upper energy centres associated with insight, wisdom, higher consciousness and spirituality. It is also said to aid love
Rutilated Quartz is a great all-round healer that can resolve mental hang-ups, diminish fear and ease loneliness. It also encourages selfbelief. It can neutralise negative energies, clear negative beliefs and interferences and counter negative magic. It is used in physical healing as well as healing thoughts and emotions. It helps the immune system and aids those with food disorders, respiratory health and
Candida Townsend has been a crystal healer for 20 years. She studied with Katrina Raphael in Hawaii. She is also a Clairvoyant and Astrologer. Candida will be leading Crystal Healing Weekends at La Palmilla Retreat throughout the
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bronchitis. Rutilated Quartz is also said to improve the absorption of nutrients from food.
Rutilated Quartz All-Round Healer Use this amazing crystal for: decision making energising spiritual connection wisdom relationships emotions protection respiratory health nutrient absorption and much more!
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Join Lisa Lister - author, creatrix, gypsy priestess - for a weekend of sacred stories, untamed truths, and practical magic. This gathering of girl-kind will align your SASSY - Spiritual, Authentic, Sensual, Sensational YOU - and unlock your sacred super-power, the innate awesomeness of the most badass wise women who have gone before you, your SASSY SHE. All that is wild, cyclical, fierce and untamed. It will be real, raw and roaaaaar. Together we will share stories. Embrace our imperfections. Awaken a delicious relationship with our body through SASSY Shakti flow - a combo of freeflow yoga, bellydance and divine movement for women of all shapes and sizes. (No crazy shape pulling or fancy yoga pants necessary, promise.) We’ll sing, dance and heart riff. We’ll seek pleasure. We’ll re-discover ancient female traditions. We’ll connect with mumma earth, the moon and our cycles. We’ll eat dark chocolate. We will get real. As members of girl-kind, our stories, our voices have been deleted from history, they've been repressed, censored or re-told, which is why, during our two days together, you will connect with your SASSY SHE - your feminine superpower, cut through the bullshit, gain clarity, and unfold, unfurl and reveal your very own you-nique-to-you SASSY story. Through creativity, story-telling, shamanic drumming, divine movement, and SASSY sorcery all lovingly crafted and delivered by me, Lisa Lister, you will discover your most beautiful, heart thumpin' uncensored truth, access and reclaim the full power of your untamed voice - rarrrr - in your relationships, your work and your life. Your investment in your SASSY SHE: £595 Includes 3 nights’ accommodation in the divine retreat, Seville, plus transfer to and from the airport, all meals (if you have any dietary requirements, please let us know), dinner and flamenco dancing on the Sunday evening, choice o’ massage or pamper treat, and a SASSY SHE goody bag. Instalment plan available. To book your place please head over to: www.lapalmillaretreatseville.com or send an email to anara.lapalmilla@gmail.com
About Lisa Lister: Crowned ‘the defender of female awesomeness’ by Cooler magazine, Lisa Lister – author, creatrix, gypsy priestess – works with girls and women to connect with their body, their cycles and their big beat-y hearts, to tell their truth and claim their untamed voice in badass Boudicca style – rarrrrr!
Vegan Recipe Celtic Chef Selina Kearns shares this tasty recipe for vegan burgers‌ Preheat your oven to 200°C. Roast the carrots and beetroot on an oiled tray while you prepare the other ingredients. Cook the quinoa on a medium heat with water and lemon juice, until the quinoa is soft and has absorbed all the water. You may need to add some more water while it cooks. Fry the onions and garlic until soft, then add the spinach at the last minute. When the quinoa is cooked, add the onion, garlic and spinach to it, as well as the remaining ingredients. Mix everything well, adding the flour last. Leave the quinoa mixture to cool, then make into patties. Chill these in the fridge for 20 mins prior to cooking. Heat a pan and add the coconut oil. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes each side. Serve on a bed of mixed greens with side of roasted root vegetables and toasted walnuts. Red or green pesto compliments this dish very well. Enjoy!
With love, Selina
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Zesty Chilli Quinoa Burgers with Walnut Root Veg 3 cups quinoa
1 tbsp thyme
3 beetroots - chopped small
1 tbsp oregano
4 carrots - chopped small
1 lemon - zested
1 red onion - diced
½ cup plain/gluten free flour
4 cloves garlic
vegan egg*
2 large handfuls baby spinach
coconut oil
1 tbsp chilli flakes
1 handful toasted walnuts
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 bag leafy green salad
*To make the vegan egg: add 2 tbsp chia seeds to 4 tbsp water‌ mix and leave until sticky www.lapalmillaretreatseville.com
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g L i n a Sp y n i c u d o r r t n I ns’ workshop fa ou cilit e r d creative alchem at l i o h d i s n c a t r Creative workshops for children and teens
r kids o f n o i t a t i d Me oga y r e t h g u La Arts & Crafts o Sound, breath & m
Poetry
Songwriting
Face painting vement
Singing, stretching & sounding
Themed children’s parties
Workshops for c hildren and adults with spec ial needs
Lina is a qualified Life Coach, Sound Healer, Reiki Master and Shamanic Healer. She offers one-to-one healing sessions in Holistic Life Coaching, Sound Healing, Reiki and Shamanic Soul Retrieval. Visit: www.linaspyrou.com
The Legendary Journey… An Interview with Katie Creuynni
Anara: what called you towards this path? Katie: It began with a gentle calling, before turning into a bit of a shout! From a young age, I guess I had small insights, increasing as I got older to strong experiences that were harder to dismiss. Still, even when I shared these with others on a blog, I did so as ‘brain exercises’, theories (albeit based on experiences). After reading them, a friend gave me a book – ‘Shaman, Healer, Sage’ by Alberto Villoldo. I read the book, and felt that he was talking about what I experienced and ‘theorised’, with a great deal more depth, and explanations of these theories and experiences. This amazed me, especially when I realsied that the wisdom dated back thousands of years. Since then, I’ve found this wisdom and in so many places… If that wasn’t enough to call me onto this path – I also experienced other nudges during this time – nudges that became pushes. Illness as a teenager, two near death experiences, and overcoming that illness using the power of my mind and logic still wasn’t enough to set me fully on this path. It took a very physical illness to do that. The illness kept me bedridden and in chronic nerve pain all over my body for the best part of 10 years. Neither the mainstream medical establishment nor my mind could fully explain or overcome it. I was given various diagnoses: neurasthenia, fibromyalgia and others, but the medical specialists admitted they did not really know what was wrong with me, and told me that I would just have to live with it (one even said it would get worse). I didn’t accept that. I worked to improve my health myself, using meditation and visualisation, that assisted the reduction of pain levels for short time. Then, once my friend had given me that book to read, and I had tried a workshop with Alberto Villoldo and found it beneficial, I had no real choice but to learn this path. It was either try it, or stay bedridden, unable to look after myself or my son
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October 2013 9
sufficiently. I had to save up for a year to begin the full Four Winds Society training, but I managed it. It was more than worth it for me! Anara: What is the name of the path you follow and what is it about? Katie: I would call it experience! I say that with a smile, but I do struggle to name it sometimes, and that’s the closest I get! There are names for parts of the work however; central to the work I do is the work of the medicine wheel, also called the ‘journey of the four winds’. The Q’ero hatun laika (master medicine man from Peru) Don Jicaram in Alberto Villoldo’s book ‘Dance of the Four Winds’ describes this as: “the legendary journey… taken to awaken vision and to discover and embrace the divine within oneself, to re-establish one’s connection with nature and the mystery of the cosmos, to acquire skills and the wisdom to use them”. Much of the training I work with is from the Q’ero in Peru, who managed to preserve so much of our wisdom, teachings and experiences by fleeing to the mountains where the conquistadors would not, or could not, follow. But this work has no boundaries… so many individuals find these truths and experiences even without such training. So, to me, this work is about experience, and it is through experience that I find myself deepening the work I was taught and experienced in my training with the Four Winds Society, and with the many other teachers in my life, including nature itself.
within ourselves, and within our outside worlds – coming into what the Q’ero call ‘ayni’ – right relationship with the world. As we journey around the wheel, even more gifts are given to us. These include the ability to release karmic and ancestral ties, and to release experiences and unhelpful soul contracts. The gifts of becoming more whole, too – re-integrating parts of ourselves, is amazing. It’s no wonder I had so little energy with so many parts of myself hidden away. And the strengthening of our connection to nature, and ‘source’ – life force energies – is wonderful. I have had that direct access, that experiencing and learning. The ability to let go of the past, and inform ourselves of a future we can influence, is so beneficial. And there’s more too, but that’s a start for now! I find that connection to self, to nature and to the divine, can assist us in so many ways, increasing our confidence, our inner peace and happiness, and giving us more conscious control of what is happening in our lives.
…the legendary journey… taken to awaken vision and to discover and embrace the divine within oneself, to re-establish one’s connection with nature and the mystery of the cosmos, to acquire skills and the wisdom to use them…
Anara: How is it relevant in your life and how can it benefit others in a modern world? Katie: With this work, my health, and my life has improved so much. I have improved as a person, too. And I’m still improving as I continue in this work. I’ve found that it can benefit myself and others in so many ways, especially in this modern world. Where can I begin? We have an amazing ability to self-heal, and this work assists us in enhancing our self-healing abilities. It can also assist us in making changes in our lives, stepping out of our old stories – old patterns that are not beneficial to us. It can bring us into balance
Anara: How do you use it in your work and what experience can participants gain from it? Katie: I use this in my work in one-toone sessions, in which I assist individuals in their self-healing journeys. In sessions, I hold space and assist individuals as they do their work, such as clearing energies that have become blocked in their energy field. I assist in clearing certain patterns that occur in our lives, and cause energy in the energetic field to become blocked. Holding workshops and courses in Wrexham and around festivals and events in the UK and Europe, I found I loved sharing aspects of the work too. Whenever I taught the Munay Ki (these are an adaption of the traditional rites given to assist us in our work and training), I found I was adding more and more of the main medicine wheel into the workshops. So I journeyed around the medicine wheel again to learn how to give the full training. It feels good to be sharing the training… to give individuals an even fuller understanding of the work, and equip them with the tools they need to deepen their self-healing process. I love assisting others in their self-healing journeys!
Katie is an energy medicine practitioner from North Wales. Working at the levels of the body, mind, soul and the energetic field, she assists individuals and groups as they walk their healing and visionary journeys to health and well-being. Trained by author Alberto Villoldo’s Four Winds Society, she blends ancient indigenous wisdom, such as the Q’ero Laika in Peru, with the common sense approach of her own experiences. Find her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/creuynni
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healing | insight | growth | transformation | reconnection This Journey of the Healing Winds is based on a program of a journey round a medicine wheel working with four directions to symbolise this journey of healing, insight, self –growth, transformation and reconnection to self, nature and source energy. Journeying with the winds of the south we can shed stories that have held us, unhooking them from our energetic field to free us from the unwanted patterns they created in our lives. Here, we transform our wounds of our stories into gifts, assisting us release the stories while keeping the gifts we learned form them. As we do this we begin to form medicine bundles known as mesas that can assist us on our own and with others healing journeys. We also increase our awareness of the energetic fields; energies within ourselves and within nature. With this, we learn and experience processes to clear heavy energy from the energy field, and to clear the imprints that attracted and caused the heavy energy to accumulate. These processes assist the bringing in and allowing that lightness of energy to flow again. In the South we are also gifted the traditional rites to assist us and holds us in our work, the kawak rites, the chumpi rite, the ayni karpay rites and the healers mesa rites.
Journey of the Healing Winds with Kate Creuynni April 5th – 12th 2014 @ La Palmilla Retreat, Seville £750 all inclusive (except for flights) This course is based on a journey around a medicine wheel. We will work with the four directions to connect with this journey of healing, insight, self-growth, transformation and reconnection to self, nature and source energy. In journeying with the Winds of the South, we can shed stories that have held us, unhooking them from our energetic field to free us from the unwanted patterns they created in our lives. Here, we transform the wounds of our stories into gifts, assisting us in releasing while keeping the gifts we learned from them. As we do this, we begin to form medicine bundles known as mesas that can assist us on our own and with others’ healing journeys. We also increase our awareness of the energetic fields; energies within ourselves and within nature. With this, we learn to clear heaviness from the energy field, and to clear the imprints that attracted and caused these heavy energies to accumulate. This allows a lightness of energy to flow again. In the South we are also given the traditional rites to assist us and holds us in our work – the kawak rites, the chumpi rite, the ayni karpay rites and the healers’ mesa rites. – Katie is an energy medicine worker from North Wales. Working at the levels of the body, mind, soul and the energetic field, she assists individuals and groups as they walk their healing and visionary journeys. She is a graduate of leading author Alberto Villoldo’s Healing the Light Body program and Masters Classes, as well as Chris Waters’s Medicine Wheel training. Katie blends ancient indigenous wisdom such as that of the Q’ero Laika in Peru, with the common sense approach of her own experiences. Katie offers sessions, workshops and training to assist with self-healing and inner growth. The Journey of the Healing Winds (Medicine Wheel training)will be held at La Palmilla Retreat centre in 2014. For more information visit www.openingacredspace.wordpress.com E-mail: creuynni@yahoo.co.uk | skype: creuynni | www.facebook.com/creuynni
Celtic Animal Signs by Edward Durand In Celtic Astrology, animals are associated with the months of the year. Those born under the sign of an animal are likely to share certain characteristics with their animal totem. October’s animal is the Butterfly… The butterfly symbolises the soul, especially the soul freed from the constraints of the material world. It also symbolises rebirth and resurrection, as they are born from the caterpillar’s chrysalis. Those born in the month of the butterfly can exemplify this metamorphosis, transforming themselves. Butterflies can be fickle but they often bring a light into the darkness which can help transform the world. The butterfly also symbolises hope and womanhood. The other Celtic animal of the month is the goose, also a winged creature. In the ancient Celtic legend of ‘The Tochmerc (courtship) of Etain’, the goddess Etain, who was married to the god Midir, is changed into a puddle of water through the jealousy of Midir’s first wife. Shortly afterwards, from the puddle is born a worm that becomes a beautiful purple butterfly the size of a human head. It is the most beautiful butterfly in the world.
The animal for October is the Butterfly in Celtic Astrology. Those born during this time can have the gentle grace of a butterfly, fitting their dreams into reality. They can be cheerful social butterflies, bringing that wonder, joy and airy lightness to those around them.
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“The sound of its voice and the hum of its wings were sweeter than bagpipe, harp or horn. Its eyes glittered like precious jewels in the darkness. Its scent and perfume took away hunger and thirst from whoever it fluttered around. The dewdrops which fell from its wings cured all pain, sickness and plague from whoever it visited.” Midir’s foster son, Aengus, turned Etain back into human form, but she was only human at night time. As a butterfly she fluttered into a noblewoman’s ale and was accidentally drunk down into the woman’s womb where she was reborn as a girl and named Etain.
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Signos de Animales Celtas: Mes de la mariposa Cada mes te traemos la sabiduría de los animales del mes. El animal de octubre es la mariposa en la Astrología Celta.
Cada mes te traemos la sabiduría de los animales del mes. El animal de octubre es la mariposa en la Astrología celta. Los nacidos durante este tiempo puede tener la suave gracia de una mariposa, revoloteando sus sueños en realidad.Pueden ser alegres mariposas sociales, con lo que llenan de pura maravilla, alegría y a los que les rodean. La mariposa simboliza el alma, sobre todo el alma liberada de las limitaciones del mundo material. También simboliza el renacimiento y la resurrección, ya que nacen de la crisálida de la oruga. Los nacidos en el mes de la mariposa se puede ejemplificar esta metamorfosis, la transformación de sí mismos. Pueden ser voluble, pero a menudo trae una luz en la oscuridad que puede ayudar a transformar el mundo. La mariposa también simboliza la esperanza y la feminidad. El otro animal celta del mes es el ganso, también es una criatura alada.
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En la antigua leyenda celta de 'El Tochmerc (noviazgo) de Etain', la diosa Etain, que está casada con el dios Midir,se transformó en un charco de agua a través de los celos de la primera esposa de Midir. Poco después, sin embargo, desde el charco nace un gusano que se convierte en una hermosa mariposa púrpura del tamaño de unacabeza humana. Era la más hermosa mariposa en el mundo. "El sonido de su voz y el zumbido de sus alas sonmás dulces que la gaita, el arpa o el cuerno. Sus ojos brillaban como joyas preciosas en la oscuridad. Su aroma yperfume quitaron el hambre y la sed de quien quiera que revoloteaba alrededor. Las gotas de rocío que caían de sus alas curar todo el dolor, la enfermedad y la plaga de quien lo visitó. "Hijo adoptivo de Midir, Aengus, Etain volvió de nuevo en forma humana, pero era un ser humano en la noche. Como una mariposa que revoloteaba en la cerveza deuna mujer noble y fue bebida accidentalmente y acabo en el vientre de la mujer de la que volvió a nacer como una chica y nombrado Etain.
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Ogham the wisdom
of trees
by Edward Durand
Gort - Ivy September 30th - October 27th Each month we bring you the wisdom of the tree of the month. In Celtic Astrology, those born during this time are likely to have these characteristics. Each of the trees in the Celtic Zodiac corresponds to a
letter of the ancient Ogham tree alphabet. October is a time for harvesting the abundance of nature and searching the wisdom of hidden things. If this is your birth tree you are likely to share these qualities of
abundance, steadfastness and a searching for enlightenment. The tree is Ivy, considered a tree in Celtic lore as it has bark G is the Ogham symbol for Gort the Ivy. The following poem shares the wisdom of Ivy.
Ivy the climber, protecting the birds With enduring abundance her path is unfurled Reaching out to the sun, moon and stars The healing presence ever greening our hearts
Flowering and fruiting with fertility Blossoming the knowledge of the mystery Ever growing the progress of life Showing moist nature is so alive
Wand’ring in search of enlightenment Embracing a sense of wonderment The poison that heals inside and out Purging of spirits, germs and doubt
The richness of the garden bright Dances with the moon at night Clambering ivy never stops growing Covering all with mysterious knowing
Steadfastly hugging her friend the tree Upwards exploring the canopy Holly and Ivy are bound together The male and female never severed
The magical plant of the Druids is seen Decorating every garden in green Ever growing to touch the sky Ascending up to realms on high
From Tree Poghams: Poems inspired by the wisdom of the ancient Ogham tree alphabet. To purchase, visit: www.lulu.com/shop/edward-durand/tree-poghams-poems-inspired-by-the-wisdom-of-the-ancient-ogham-treealphabet/paperback/product-20570934.html
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The great beautiful, bountiful, abundant land of Egypt is a dream of the Goddess, a vision of the father/mother. It is where the imprint of heavenly spheres touched the earth, implanting golden energies from the celestial realms into the earthly plane. A great golden ray, the majestic Nile carried this solar energy, feeding and flooding the land with its consciousness and awareness of the importance of light in all endeavours. Frequencies of light travelled through the lands ,sourcing all new beginnings. Temples were built with celestial and cosmic guidance through a direct and clear connection to the source of all creation. In setting each stone, the people were carefully guided, directed and fuelled by the presence that we call god. Everything had meaning. Every energy implanted was encoded by the imprint of light upon the earth, its essence captured for mankind to experience. In Egypt’s golden days, life was lived with and through a direct and conscious decision to serve the creation of life. It was known that without our connection to godliness, and its light within us, we were nothing. Nothing can be born from nothing. Upholding our own connection to source was the major principle that was served as a human being; raising above our base, animalistic qualities to that of the divine.
Neither aspect of the self was abandoned, rather both were united through the gateways of light, the holy temple within. Daily spiritual practice and ceremony held the balance and fragility of life in the cosmic watchfulness of our own nature. If we strayed from this centre point, the spiritual realms would gently realign us THROUGH INITIATION to their warmth, centeredness and home, where we have and shall eternally dwell if we so choose. Through choice and free will, throughout the ages we have slowly and silently strayed far away from this knowingness. Daily offerings of love have been forgotten. We have forgotten our own abilities to be and act in the ways of holiness and godliness. Instead we pursued the flow of light and its direction as something outside of ourselves, seeking to fix, rather than to heal, seeking to instantly know rather than to undergo the initiation of life to gain true and lasting wisdom. We sought externally rather than claiming the information stored in the library of our own knowingness. We have forgotten how to connect to that source,to truly trust in its origins and its daily pulse in our own heartbeat, to seek it’s still silent whispers through our emotional selves. These are the ways we return to our own spiritual journey and its strength of purpose for us. Our strength of spirit leads us on and
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gives courage to seek only that which is true to us. That which dwells within us is our only true guidance. When we are completely connected to divinity and its call for us, we serve the greater whole. It is not a flimsy, transient space to fill with a moment of contemplation or a morning’s meditation, but an eternal commitment to prayer, to service in the temple of your own self, to timeless giving of your spirit, to walking always with love in your heart and kind words upon your lips. Its the dedication to clarify, renew and grow into your own loving, full nature. We return always to love’s presence, whatever we move through in life. Love is a stream, a river, an ebb and flow. Its course rides the waves of our belonging, like a crashing, cascading waterfall, to a gentle stream, to a raging ocean. The call to love and to be love, to serve love, to light up in love is not fleeting. It is the eternal dedication of your soul to live and rebuild the foundation of your own house, dreaming the dream, returning to the original innocence that father/mother dreamed us into beingness. It is the remembering of your soul’s memory, realigning us all to a time when the biggest energy present on earth was that of love. In that time of love and service to the great creator, all fears were laughed at as the snake of desires
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ate its own self in the all seeing presence of love’s gaze. Initiation returns us to the deep desire to live a life of loving service, knowing that in that connection, nothing can ever own us, quell us or desert us. We abandon only ourselves when we forget to remember our own faith and trust in who we are. Love prevails, united with source, through our own light and heart. Through prayer, light dedication
and honouring the innocence and purity from which we were born, there is nothing we cannot do. Light serves all endeavours for good everywhere, know this, own this consciousness and know that miracles are unfolding as we speak. See with the eyes of love, speak with the words of love, act with loving mindfulness and dwell perpetually in its awakening for us all. All Love, Cheaya
Call Cheaya 00 44 7896 966320 for sacred sessions, groups, bespoke prayers and angelic spiritual lifecoaching, one to one blessing, ceremony, spiritual inquiry and events.
Made from pure, ethically sourced essential oils blended in orange flower water £1 from every sale goes to The Tulsi Trust, a registered charity working with Bengali resettled refugees and the indigenous Adivaashi aboriginals of the interior area of Madhya Pradesh, India. £25 including postage & packaging (30€) To purchase, please email: Or email: anara.lapalmilla@gmail.com
Buy
and contribute to La Palmilla & The Tulsi Trust! www.lapalmillaretreatseville.com
October 2013 16
“A kind of light spread out from her. And everything changed color. And the world opened out. And a day was good to awaken to. And there were no limits to anything. And the people of the world were good and handsome. And I was not afraid any more.” John Steinbeck, East of Eden “When Anara asked me to create a fragrance for La Palmilla Retreat, I jumped at the opportunity to create something for her gorgeous venture, so I got started straight away. I am used to creating complex fragrances with a variety of concepts behind them, but Anara wanted something versatile that could be used as a room fragrance and as an aura spray, and that would convey a simple yet powerful message, that of ‘awakening’ or, as we say in Spanish, despertar, the name Anara chose. I decided then to create a scent that was beautiful in its simplicity, but with enough complexity and depth to take the person experiencing the fragrance on a short and meaningful aromatic journey. If I may, I’d like to take you along… Awakening is a fresh fragrance with citrus opening notes of may chang and fresh floral nuances provided by neroli. These lighter notes rest on a soft cushioning of sandalwood with balsamic, sweet woody notes. Organic orange water adds a freshness and lightness to the blend, rounding off its scent.
Once relaxed, calm, bright and with a clear mind, we are ready for sandalwood’s harmonising qualities. This sacred oil has been (and still is) used by ancient spiritual traditions in ritual and meditation. It focuses the mind and releases anxiety, stress, depression and fear, promoting stability and grounding. These three oils reflect the Awakening journey, from its playful beginning when we start to relax and open our minds, through finding our own inner calm and strength, and to the moment when our minds awake to the full reality of the world that surrounds us. When fully awake, we connect both worlds, and are ready to face our lives and our purpose. This exclusive product is only available through La Palmilla Retreat Seville. By purchasing it, you will become part of the vision that is La Palmilla, whilst helping some of the poorest people in the world, as £1 from each and every sale will be donated to The Tulsi Trust Health and Education Project in India. If you would like to find out more about The Tulsi Trust project please visit our website www.thetulsitrust.org So… are you ready to be awakened?”
I chose neroli top notes not just because Anara loved the scent of orange flowers, but also because neroli is a fantastic oil to calm and soothe the nerves. This top note prepares the mind for the journey that is Awakening, relieving any feelings of anxiety and relaxing us into the next stage of the experience. The refreshing citrus notes of may chang have a brightening and stimulating effect that wakes us without distracting us from the relaxed state neroli helped us achieve. May chang is known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’ and it provides clarity of thought, mental calm and physical relaxation.
With love, Marina Marina Barcenilla is a Natural Perfumer and Natural Perfumery Teacher working in Glastonbury, UK. She is the founder of The Perfume Garden where only natural ingredients are used to create her perfumes and toiletries. To find out more please visit her website www.theperfumegarden.org. Marina is also a Trustee and Chair of The Tulsi Trust charity, which won the Kindred Spirit Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Children of the Diadems by Sonia Braithwaite – Part 1 of 13
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Children of the Diadems Part 2 of 13 When a sixth kitten is born unexpectedly to Tom’s Egypt, and relates to them the myth about the Egyptian goddess Bastet. cat, Hildegarde, it is weak and may not survive. Two of the children, Carl and his sister Gula, really want a kitten, and need to persuade their parents to let them have one of Hildegarde’s kittens. But their mother Eleanor is reluctant, as she has had a terrifying experience with a creature she fears was a vicious cat. Tom shares his anxiety in class about the sixth kitten. The class teacher, Mrs Townsend, tells the children how important cats were in Ancient
Later that evening the vet, Mr Hixson, has his doubts as to whether the sixth kitten will live. Carl’s family visit Tom’s home to see the kittens. Whilst they are there, a miraculous event takes place. The Children learn that the sixth kitten may not be an ordinary cat after all. They were also told of a special quest, which they must fulfil. However, evil forces start to oppose them. Fortunately, they are helped along the way by Bastet, the Egyptian goddess, and others on the side of good.
First published by Author House 9/12/2008. Revised by Sonia Braithwaite. 21/04/2012. ISBN: 9780957274006 No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author. © 21/04/2012 Sonia T. Braithwaite. (All rights reserved.) Book cover illustrated by Joe Chen
Available to buy from Amazon with this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Children-DiademsBook-Beginning-ebook/dp/B007X5HIBO Chapter Two A New Day Seven years went by. Eleanor and her husband Phillip, lived a happy and undisturbed life, and during that time, Eleanor had given birth to another child, a son. They had ignored the name ‘Wobniar,’ which came to their minds at the same time, instantly the baby boy was born, and instead they named him, ‘Carl.’ “I prefer the name Carl,” Phillip had decided, dismissing the other name, as he hugged and kissed his wife. “It means our beloved son will always be a free man,” he told Eleanor that day, beaming with pride. Autumn was not only Gula’s favourite season of the year, it was nearing the end of November, and it was her birthday. The morning was cold but dry. Phillip and Eleanor had decided to begin their day with an early morning walk, while the house was being specially prepared for Gula’s birthday party. They hadn’t walked very far when they saw an old woman bending over and picking up dried twigs that had fallen off the nearby trees. Phillip hurried over to her.
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“Let me help you with that, old lady,” he said, taking the sticks from her and tying the thick gold cord that she handed him around the bundle, in order to secure it. The old woman sat down on a small patch of grass by the roadside and Phillip placed the bundle of sticks beside her. She was not dressed for the time of year. She wore a dirty old raincoat that had faded and looked as though it had seen better days. On her feet were pale brown plaited summer sandals. Her head was veiled with a large purple and gold scarf, which extended down to cover the back of her tatty coat. As Eleanor and the children reached them, the old woman smiled. “Hello,” she said. “Hello,” said Eleanor. “And what are your names?” she asked, looking at the children with interest. “I am Gula, and this is my brother, Carl.” “Carl,” repeated the old woman, a little mystified, but then she smiled at the children. “Where is your home, and what are you doing sitting out here in the cold?” asked Eleanor, politely. “I am a wanderer, by decree of the Ancient gods and goddesses,” the old woman replied. “Is that so?” asked Phillip, looking dubious. “I can see that you don’t believe me,” said the old woman, looking straight into Phillip’s eyes. “You find it hard to believe a lot of things, until you receive concrete proof.” “The cold has obviously got to you, old woman. If you live nearby, we can walk you home,” said Phillip. “And I will carry her sticks,” said Gula. Thinking the old lady was not quite in her right mind, Phillip spoke rudely about her out loud. “This is how it often is with old people, at least sometimes. Their minds begin to lapse and play tricks on them,” he said. “As a result, the memory is not like it used to be. Let’s go, she won’t be interested in anything we have to say to her, not really.” “And just how did you reach that conclusion, having never met me before?” asked the old woman, looking sad. “All I have to say to you Phillip, is, I just can’t leave her alone out here like this. The poor lady will freeze to death!” said Eleanor. “And whose fault would that be?” Phillip asked, “Suppose we hadn’t come along?” “But, we are here dad,” interrupted Gula. She turned to her mother. “We must help her, mummy.” “I know we must, Gula,” replied Eleanor, giving Phillip one of her disapproving looks. “If we leave her out in the cold, she might die,” said Carl. “Yes, she surely will,” said Gula, agreeing with her younger brother. While they stood discussing the situation, the old woman sat observing them. Gula noticed her eyes appeared to change colour and twinkle. She saw Gula looking at her and she smiled. “You little one are a very wise child. They have named you after your mother,” she said. “Oh no!” exclaimed Eleanor. “My name is Eleanor, not Gula.” “I don’t mean you, dear,” replied the old woman. “I mean the goddess who is up there,” she said, pointing towards the sky. Phillip laughed.
Children of the Diadems by Sonia Braithwaite – Part 1 of 13
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S����la f�� Ar�ists A H��id�y �n And��u�í� to c�p���e ��� ���, �e�rt & �i�� ��e �ma�ina�i�n!
“I would like to invite you to come on a journey of delight, down the rabbit hole and into the lucid world of dreams. From Avalon I have quested this past decade; now to emerge into the bright sunlight of Andalusian magic… the dancing momentum… the sacred geometries… the gypsy spirit! Let us explore this remarkable city – its Moorish architecture, its enticing, ethereal qualities – and immerse ourselves in the beauty, the history, the passion, and capture all this inspiration with radiant pigments. Welcome to all, at whatever level of expertise. Children are also welcome! Together we shall ignite the sacred spark within to reveal the sacred tenamos of Seville. Experience traditional and modern techniques, or develop your own unique style as you discover your hidden depth of creativity through art.”
B� �n�p��ed �y S���l�e! Only €450 for 3 nights / €750 for 7 nights Includes transfers to and from airport, accommodation, breakfast and daily guided tour of Seville
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, continued… “You see what I mean? Do you get my point, Eleanor?” he asked. “She is talking about Mary, the mother of Jesus.” “I most certainly am not,” replied the woman a little sternly. “There are lots of mothers and fathers up there. Also there are lots of gods and goddesses too, not only angels,” she told them. Phillip shook his head in sympathy at what he believed was the old woman’s madness. “Come with us mother, we’ll help to find you a safe place to stay, where you’ll have food, warmth and clean clothes.” Phillip sounded reassuring. “Yes,” agreed Eleanor. “She can have some of my clothes too, and a coat.” “I’ll give her one of my knitted hats, with a scarf and gloves to match.” Gula offered with a smile. “Perhaps a few of my socks might fit her,” suggested Carl. “She can try on my shoes and a pair of my boots too,” Eleanor suggested, “Although her feet look so tiny, I do believe that Gula’s shoes will fit her better than any of mine.” With the decision made, Phillip picked up the bundle of sticks and started to walk away. “Come along mother, let’s go home,” he said. “You are both kind loving people and these children are pure in heart and because of that, they shall surely revisit their home one day.” “What is she saying now?” asked Phillip. The old lady ignored him, and so did the others because they were more interested in what the old lady had to say. “You, little lady, daughter of the Goddess Gula, you have come down for a purpose. You were born with inherited gifts from those high ones up there,” she said, pointing towards the sky. It was the goddess who placed the name in your parents heads, the very second they opened their mouths to name you Sara Elizabeth.” Eleanor looked surprised, but Phillip did not, he gave the old woman a suspicious look. “You are a blessed child,” continued the old lady. “Powerfully gifted, a seer and healer just like your mother. She is watching over you,” she added, and taking Gula’s hands in hers, she kissed them. “As an angel in human flesh, you were sent to help save the world from total destruction, set from the craftiness of the evil one. Your mother has already encountered him.” On hearing that, Eleanor gasped. “Did you hear that, Phillip? Are you listening to the prophecy?” Phillip grumbled. The old lady then turned to Carl. “And you little one; noble, honest, fair and true, son of two great unions; a god and a goddess. You volunteered to come down to go on this mission. You will remember your abilities in time, little Wobniar,” she added, then looked directly at Phillip, who was trying hard to suppress his surprise. “You are mistaken,” he coughed, “Our son’s name is Carl, not, well, his name is Carl,” he flustered. “The name Carl, it is not so bad. It is true,” she smiled at Carl. “Indeed he will always be free.” This time there was nothing Phillip could do to conceal the look of astonishment on his face.
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“Your abilities little one, they are many, and you will be as you were up there,” she said, pointing again before she added, “invincible and changeable. You young boy, will be one of a group of friends, and you Gula, will join them. There is much more, but I cannot tell all - that will come directly from those above in the higher realms.” The old lady’s voice rose a little higher than before. “I’ve wandered the earth for 500 years because of my disobedience, and now that I have seen you two with my own eyes, and have delivered the message, I will be allowed into the higher realms once more. I can return home, no more to roam the world, and I am so glad,” she said. They all saw how the woman’s face lit up as she spoke and, for the first time, they perceived her in a different light. She was no longer the old woman collecting sticks by the roadside. They knew she was someone very special, even though they didn’t know who she was. She touched the cheeks of Gula and Carl, as they smiled up at her. Immediately she was transformed into a beautiful tall being. Her eyes were as green as the far depths of the ocean, her skin was the colour of bronze, and her hair was long, black and curly. “You two will be among the most powerful seven, and one will be a feline, that much more I can say.” While the lady spoke, they also noticed that she was no longer dressed in the filthy ragged coat and shawl, but in a beautiful lilac gown. In place of the bundle of sticks, a golden sceptre appeared in her right hand, and on her head was a golden jewelled diadem. They all saw that she was majestic. She looked at them as they stood awestruck, but as they attempted to kneel before her, she forbade them. “It is I who should be kneeling before you, as I will when the time comes,” she told them. They also noticed that she was no longer wearing the plaited sandals; her feet were shod in shoes that sparkled like diamonds. “She reminds me of the Angel Gabriel, mummy,” said Gula. The lady smiled again. “I said you were as wise as you are noble, my child, I am of the same essence. My mission is complete,” she said, “and now I must leave.” Phillip was dumbstruck, as he, Eleanor and the children stood and watched in adoration, when the angelic being, who had visited with them and told them a little of the past and a little of things to come, ascended into the clouds. It was as if she had become one of the stars, with others like her, waiting perhaps, at the gates of heaven. Phillip suddenly felt silly and regretted his disbelief. At home for the rest of the day, they thought about the amazing things they had seen and heard while continuing to celebrate Gula’s birthday. They were confused, but very excited. The children promised not to mention to anyone what had taken place and had already forgotten the woman’s reference to a feline. Over the following 12 months, one thing Gula and Carl longed for was a pet of their own. They played with their friends’ pets, but it wasn’t the same as having a pet of their own. Finally, Phillip and Eleanor decided that they could have one. Their first choice – because it didn’t need walking or much looking after, was a shoal of expensive tropical fish in a large tank with an electric pump. Within a few months, all the fish caught a disease and died.
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Then the children were allowed to have little finches. They were supposed to be songbirds, but they refused to sing. They lived for no more than a month, caught a chill and died. Their next pet was a rabbit, which they warmed to immediately. It was as white as snow, with hazel-coloured eyes, and a squint in one eye. They called it Lucky. As no one had bothered to find out its sex, the children decided it was a girl because it was so gentle and timid. Lucky used to crawl onto their laps to sleep. Gula and Carl cried one morning when they woke to find that Lucky was not in her hutch in the back garden. They searched and searched, but the rabbit had disappeared. In the end, they decided she must have been stolen, as she could not have escaped on her own from the hutch. Months after their sad loss, they learned from a neighbour’s four-year-old son that Lucky had been taken to the children’s nursery down the road by another neighbour. Not wanting to investigate the matter, Phillip and Eleanor decided to let the nursery keep Lucky. The family bought another white rabbit, which they decided was a boy because it was so wild and frisky. Carl dubbed the crazy new rabbit Mad Max. They had begun to get fond of Max when one morning a few weeks later they awoke to find him dead in the hutch. They buried him under the apple tree they had planted at the bottom of the back garden, and in no time the tree, which had never produced any fruit, began to thrive and blossom. One by one, they had lost all their pets. They now decided they only wanted one more pet – a cat. They pleaded for months and months, but Eleanor and Phillip kept refusing without explaining why. They became tired of pleading and eventually gave up - until one day on the school playground… “Carl, Craig, you’ll never guess,” said Tom, excitedly. “Guess what?” asked Carl. “Yeah, what?” asked Craig, grumpily. “Hildegarde,” replied Tom. “What about her?” asked Craig, not really interested. “She is pregnant. Lady H is going to have kittens!” Tom exclaimed. There was real excitement in Tom’s voice that day. “Is she?” asked Carl, his eyes widening. “Yeah, she is going to have kittens,” repeated Tom. Mary was skipping with her friends when she heard Craig’s yells. “Hey! Irish eyes Mary!” he shouted. She dropped the skipping rope, much to the annoyance of her friends, and hurried over to him. She was cross, but changed her mind when Craig announced. “Tom’s cat, she’s pregnant.” Mary jumped, clapping her hands. “Oh goody goody!” she cried, smiling happily. When Carl arrived home that afternoon after school, he told his sister the news. Gula was excited. The two children harboured a secret wish that their parents would let them have one of Hildegarde’s kittens. They hadn’t spoken to Tom about it yet, but they intended to, and they felt sure he wouldn’t say no.
Don’t miss the next instalment of coming in the next issue! Children of the Diadems by Sonia Braithwaite – Part 1 of 13
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Red Tent Womb Lodge Seville, Andalucia November 15th - 18th 2013 with Fiona Willis & Anara Durand A space for women to reconnect with their source … the inner ocean … the ancestral time tunnel and birthing chamber … It’s a time for sharing our womb stories and journeying to the heart of Shakti … the primordial cosmic energy
“In the red tent, the truth is known. In the red tent, where days pass like a gentle stream, as the gift of Innana courses through us, cleansing the body of last month’s death, preparing the body to receive the new month’s life, women give thanks – for repose and restoration, for the knowledge that life comes from between our legs, and that life costs blood.” – Anita Diamant,
www.lapalmillaretreatseville.com Breastfeeding children are welcome in the circle. An arts & creativity space, run by a childcare professional, will be held for older children.
Heart of the Goddess
Erzulie Venus Hathor January 31st - February 3rd 2014 “Metrses Erzili Freda Daromen, Neges Imamous Lade, Neges Tokan, Neges Miwa-Ze, Neges Rada Freda Daromen, Lorvana Freda-si Freda, Li Freda-si, Li Freda e Li Freda li Daromen Dako, Neges fla Vodoun, Freda, Neges Sizafle Vodoun, Neges Se-Braken, Neges Tabo Voude.”
Join Anara by the sea in Andalucía – Southern Spain – for a journey of rebirth love and self empowerment with
The Goddess of Love Erzulie Venus Hathor
A long weekend of loving thyself Immerse in the arts of abundance manifestation & ceremonial rites of passage ² Luxurious Turkish baths ² Holistic Luxury pampering ² Tantric Goddess Belly Dance ² Transformational Re-birthing ² Womb Blessing ² Sacred Sound Baths We will visit the sea at the Costa de la Luz for a traditional Sea Ceremony & Water Blessings - we ceremoniously cleanse & imbue ourselves within the womb of beloved ocean mother Erzulie You will be gifted with an indulgent sacred love oil for self anointing, made uniquely for each sistar, and an Erzulie Venus Hathor Talisman £550/£495 Concession 3 nights all inclusive (except for flights & travel insurance) Come to her that is love - let her awaken the love within you - you are her daughter
Awaken the Goddess within - Manifest Love, Experience Love, Be Love
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