Inner Tapestry "New Beginnings" Winter 2015

Now published by The HeartGlow Center www.heartglow.org

WINTER 2015

A Holistic Journal Celebrating & Supporting LIFE! NEW BEGINNINGS

INNER TAPESTRY

From the Publisher...

The HeartGlow Center Welcome to Inner Tapestry, a holistic journal that has been in publication for 15 years throughout New England. We are now going digital and expanding our reach to a global audience.

Why? It’s important for us to be GREEN and to share holistic wisdom with as many people in the world as we can. The HeartGlow Center, a nonprofit public charity dedicated to conscious living, was generously donated this publication by Joan Emmons and Ron D’Amico in Autumn of 2014. This amazing gift will provide our charity a powerful tool of education and transformation. We are excited to bring you a diverse group of talented contributors, who have come together in conscious collaboration to make the world a better place. Several of our columnists have contributed to Inner Tapestry over the years and we also bring you many new voices, each sharing their unique wisdom and artistry. This publication is free for readers and supported by the generous donations of members, ad sponsors, and people like you. We are thrilled to have you join us for our New Beginnings issue and welcome your comments and questions.

In Light, Deb Snyder, PhD Founding Director of The HeartGlow Center

Would you like to appear in Inner Tapestry?

Inner Tapestry has been in publication 15 years reaching tens of thousands of devoted readers. We are thrilled to expand our readership to a global audience as part of The HeartGlow Center’s charitable mission!

All articles and content in Inner Tapestry is brought to you by our members, our HeartGlow Conscious Collaborators. Care to join us by sharing your wisdom with the world?

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The HeartGlow Center is a 501c3 Nonprofit Charitable Organization Registered and Incorporated in the State of Maine.

All donations to our public charity are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code Federal EIN 45-4991077 INNER TAPESTRY JOURNAL

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INNER TAPESTRY JOURNAL Winter 2015

Contents Relatively Speaking

Spirit Walking

Spirit Beauty: A New Perspective Essence of the Lotus

Listening to Divine Wisdom The Cosmic Dance

Ignite CALM

Exploring the World Religions Rock Talk

Caregiver Diaries

Blue Horses Book Review

Traveling with Purpose

The Next Step

Notes from a Journey in Progress Putting your Passion to Work Mindful Home

Love, Molly Kite

Art & Poetry

Sponsor Pages

Inner Tapestry Staff Publisher: The HeartGlow Center Editorial: Deb Snyder The HeartGlow Center Founding Director

Contact Us: Editorial: editor@innertapestry.com Ad Sponsors: dede@heartglow.org

Deb Snyder David Nicholson

Artistic Director: Mark Storck

Sponsor Ad Director: Dede Eaton

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HeartGlow Members may submit articles for consideration.

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Columnists Paul Coleman Evelyn Rysdyk Jennifer Crews Kathryn Drage Lady Deane James Bean Dede Eaton Jennie Krasse Suzanne Silvermoon Sue Yarmey Curtis White Carolyn Murray Mark Storck Lindsay Neithercut Tam Veilleux

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Relatively Speaking

By Paul Coleman, Psy.D. Thanksgiving day in 1985 was dreary and cold. My son, our first child, had been born eight days earlier but spent his first six days of life in the hospital. He had contracted viral meningitis shortly after being born making the joy of his birth short-lived. His young, first-time parents hadn’t prepared for that possibility and my wife and I spent many hours in the NICU that first week, often arriving at the hospital at two in the morning, donning scrubs and face masks, taking turns to bottle feed him. Our first major decision as parents had been to authorize a spinal tap—a painful procedure for a person of any age. Too inexperienced to know what was best we followed the doctor’s recommendations which fortunately all turned out for the best. Our fears diminished, we were finally allowed to take our son home. Our first Thanksgiving as a new family was just the three of us. Our son’s immune system was still compromised so visitors were not a good idea. There is a photograph of me taken by my wife that day. I’m holding a fully cooked turkey on a platter, smiling with a gleam in my eye that also showed how tired I was—and nervous. New beginnings. They are the stuff of life. You can’t avoid them so it is best to greet them with a sense of gratitude for what was—and a sense of adventure for what will be.

The Cycle of Change New beginnings usually bring about a combination of excitement and trepidation. A new beginning, by definition, is untested and therefore causes uncertainty.

What if things don’t work out? we may wonder. The part of our brain that operates to protect us doesn’t like surprises or unpredictability. It is like a trained guard dog that would prefer to bark at everybody—even a trusted family member—than to risk misjudging an intruder as a

friend. The number one reason many people prefer maintaining the status quo to risking an uncertain future is the fear of some future loss—the loss of money, the loss of safety, the loss of esteem, or the loss of an important relationship. And yet, research finding suggest that people who take reasonable risks and face fears in the process will report greater self-esteem later even if their efforts did not end in success. Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all is an axiom that carries truth.

Change Is Inevitable The irony is that change is inevitable and the effort to preserve the status quo not only can never truly succeed for very long, but it reinforces your belief that change is to be feared and that you cannot handle changes that may come your way. Our bodies change over time, our health changes, our physical abilities change. We change jobs and careers. We retire. People we love often relocate to places farther away from us. Friends come and go. Loved ones pass away. Our roles change. We may no longer need to provide for children that have grown up and left home. We may end up caring for elderly parents who once cared for us.

Another reason we may resist change is because it often means saying goodbye to something or someone else that has been important to our welfare. Change is a reminder that grabbing hold of something new probably means letting go of something old—some way of life must be released to make way for a new way of life. The good news is that we usually adapt to these changes until they become the new status quo—and then the day arrives when that status quo no longer serves us and the cycle of change renews itself.

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The Wizard of Oz—And You I believe that one of the reasons the movie The Wizard of Oz still enthralls people today is because it is a metaphor for how all of us grow and change. When our lives turn in a new direction, when we say goodbye to part of our past and venture forth to new and unfamiliar roads that await us, true growth and personal transformation can occur.

For most of us most of the time, transformation begins with disruption of the status quo. We move from a place of being fully oriented in our world to being disoriented.

Eventually we become re-oriented—hopefully with a wiser perspective about life, love, and our purpose for being alive.

Think of the times you faced major challenges.

Like Dorothy, your life had been going along as expected —for better or worse—but fairly predictable. In fact, that is how most well written movies, novels, and stage plays begin—the life of the hero is shown to be predictable, perhaps even ordinary. But then—usually ten minutes or so into the movie—a “triggering event” occurs. This event need not be calamitous but it alerts the hero to the fact that things are about to change. In The Wizard of Oz this moment occurs when Dorothy decides to run away from home to protect her dog Toto from the mean Mrs. Gulch. In your life, this moment may be a phone call that a parent has taken ill, or a threat of a job loss, or a health scare, or trouble in a personal relationship. The next phase is more dramatic. Then your world gets upended.

For Dorothy, this occurred when she was swept up by the tornado and transported to the land of Oz. For the rest of us, that is a metaphor for when our life changes drastically—perhaps in a serious way such as the death of a loved one—or in a less serious but life-altering way such as when the last child leaves home or you relocate to a far-off place away from friends and family. Now we are in a new world that operates with some different rules.

The future is not as clear as it had been. This is often a time when we have second thoughts about our decisions or when we long for the familiarity of the past. But there is no going back.

The Wandering Phase Perhaps the most disorienting part of major life changes occurs during the wandering phase. This is where Dorothy had to follow the yellow-brick road but had no idea what to expect along the way. In some religious traditions this has been called wandering in the desert or the dark night of the soul. Here, answers are not readily

forthcoming and while the hero may be making decisions about what to do and where to go, the hero is more often reacting to events rather than charting a clear course. In the classic story The Lord of the Rings young Frodo must carry the ring of power and face all manner of evil he is ill-equipped to confront. In the Oz story, this is when Dorothy meets up with her travel companions and realizes the wicked witch is out to stop her. Faced with uncertainty, our lower brain cares nothing about personal growth and cares only about personal and psychological safety. If you only heed the advice of your lower brain you will withdraw into hiding or be unable to make decisions for fear of making your situation worse. You may dwell on what was rather than forge ahead to what can be. But if you are wise enough you will understand that personal transformation only comes from facing fears and discovering inner strengths you didn’t know you possessed. You then become a warrior.

The Warrior Phase In this phase you become more active than reactive. Your forge ahead to achieve new insights and to adapt to the new phase of life you are entering. Here you must do battle. Dorothy battled the wicked witch. Frodo battled evil creatures. You may be battling a serious health problem, or battling day-to-day life as you struggle to create a future when a cherished loved one is no longer by your side. But the enemy that is faced is always a metaphor for the real battle that must occur—the battle you face within yourself. In many old stories the hero must battle a dragon. Dragons are reptiles with wings.

The reptilian aspect represents earthbound qualities we all possess—our fears, our animal instincts, and our desires for material things. But the wings represent a search for the heavens, a capacity for spiritual wisdom. So the concept of slaying a dragon really means transcending our lower, egoistic needs as we pursue and attain spiritual growth and awareness. Young Dorothy transformed from a scared girl who wanted to run away from home, to a warrior who battled her fears for safety to learn that “there’s no place like home.” For the rest of us, loss and change allows us the opportunity to learn great lessons— to appreciate the fullness of life and to become wiser in the process. The disruptions we endured allowed us to reorient ourselves away from fear and toward the higher values of gratitude for what was and trust for what will be. Until the cycle of changes once more begins anew…

Dr. Paul Coleman is a psychologist, motivational speaker, and author of thirteen books including his newest “Finding Peace When Your Heart Is in Pieces” (www.findingpeaceinyourheart.com). He has appeared on numerous televisions shows such as Oprah, Today, and Geraldo and has been interviewed on hundreds of radio stations. He can be reached at www.paul-coleman.com

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Creating a ceremony of beginning.

We are deep into the winter season and a New Year is upon us. Our predecessors celebrated the turning of the year as a time of hope, renewal and rebirth–energies our souls desire most as we wait for the return of the growing season. Even though our calendar is just an arbitrary way to mark the passage of time, we can utilize it as a tool in our spiritual life. When we acknowledge a beginning, we are also noting an end of something. These declared landmarks on our path can be a new season, a birthday or even the daily sunrise.

Whichever moment we choose, these can be opportunities to hit the reset switch in our lives. They offer us a favorable circumstance for looking back over our struggles and trials, taking stock of ourselves and bringing our attention to what we wish to change or encourage inside. We can honor the way Life has tempered our mettle and made us stronger. It is also a time to nurture the beauty of our soul’s purpose and renew our efforts toward manifesting our spiritual and physical goals.

The turning of the year can be an excellent time to set intentions. I don’t mean simply making New Years resolutions, but creating a sacred moment that helps you to manifest the coming year. It is an excellent time to create a ceremony to declare your intent to the Universe.

Whether for oneself or for a group, ceremony has the effect of making the intangible more real. The word “ceremony” comes to the English language from the Latin, caerimonia, which refers to a “sacred rite or ritual.” While this word may conjure up high religious rites or rigidly prescribed forms of conduct, a ceremony is different for the shaman. For spirit walkers, ceremony becomes a way of life, a way of behaving in the world that can, on occasion, be formalized. When we engage in a formal ceremony or ritual action, we are focusing our entire being. This has the effect of programing our subconscious about our conscious mind’s intent and so making those intentions more powerful. This is critical as it is the perceptions in the subconscious mind that must change for transformation in us and in our surroundings to occur.

Whether formal or more casual, the elements involved in enacting a powerful ceremony are largely the same. They include having a clear, heart-centered intent, preparing the space, setting the stage, calling together the participants— both seen and unseen—opening the energies, directing the flow, and closing.

Have a clear intention. This is the beginning place for all rituals or ceremonies and also for each day. What is your focus? Starting the day with a grateful heart is a great beginning, but in what way do you choose to utilize your energy? This step is often missing in everyday life. Selecting a focus, setting your intention for your day, can transform the way it unfolds.

For your New Year ceremony, your first step is to decide how you want to use your precious time on Earth for the next year. You might want to designate the next twelve months as a particularly sacred time to deepen your spiritual practice. Perhaps you will make it a year of intense creativity. Maybe you will choose to treat yourself with more reverence and respect. You may want to focus on living more from your heart and practicing gratitude for the next twelve months.

Once you have searched your heart and mind for a clear intention, take some time to breathe and center. Next, remember something that helps you to feel grateful. This provides a clear foundation for allowing yourself to feel what it would be like to live out your chosen intention. Give yourself permission to feel it in all of its sensory detail. Does it feel right?

Shamans know that our feelings are what manifest in the physical world. Whatever form your ceremony will take, it is critical that you are able to transmute any disruptive feelings, fill with gratitude, and project the feelings of what you wish to happen in the year as a part of your ceremony. For this reason, take the time to create a ritual or ceremony that has a clear intent, an opportunity to feel gratitude and then a time to fill up with the feelings of your desire already manifested.

This is the most important part! Never pray for something, but make your prayer a symphony of gratitude and the feelings of your intent already accomplished. I have found that deliberately working with my feelings effectively puts an overlay of ceremony on even the most mundane of tasks and makes every action much more rich and sacred.

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Clearing and preparing the space. When you decide to step into a experience where all is sacred, how do you clear away what is no longer beneficial? It is possible to use your morning time of showering and brushing your teeth as way to enact a sacred cleansing of yourself. Rather than mindlessly stepping into the shower, washing your hair, or lathering up for a shave each day, you can dedicate these times to a sacred clearing away and personal blessing. Along with cleansing your body, it is important to clear out any heavy or sluggish spiritual energy that may be present in your space. Wafting smoke around the space from burning special plants such as sage or incense is one method. Sweet scents may also be used for the purpose of clearing. Spraying a room with light, lavender water or Agua de Florida can be very useful, especially when burning something is not possible. Of course, the feelings you hold and project from your body while engaging in the activity are paramount and outweigh the importance of the substances that you use.

Honoring the seen and unseen—calling together the participants. Unseen guests require the same kind of attention as physical guests! For example, we begin a ceremony, workshop, or healing by honoring the spirits of those who are both physically and not physically present.

Using the format of the directions, we honor the spirits of the seasons, elements, our animal and plant companions, the forces of nature, the ancestors, our descendants, and so on.

We welcome and honor only those that are beneficial while, at the same time, feeling a sense of harmony and balance filling the space. Our honoring is usually done with our voices and rattles, but can also be done with songs, flute, drumming, or some other method of generating harmonious vibrations that are coherent with your feelings. Of course, the same can be accomplished in total silence while spreading cornmeal around the perimeter of the space or by dancing throughout it. Whatever the method you choose to use, remember to focus on the feelings of honoring and welcoming the helpful and healing aspects of the divine to participate in the harmony and balance of the space.

Opening the ceremony. Once the setting is ready and all the spirits are welcomed, it is important to officially open the ceremony. Sometimes this can be as simple as asking all who are present to share a moment of breath. They may be asked to imagine that they are all breathing one single breath with many bodies until every being who has gathered for the ceremony becomes unified into a coalesced whole. After this the ceremony begins in earnest. In a personal ceremony, it can be simply taking a few deep breaths and stating aloud your clear, focused intent.

Directing the flow. As the ceremony proceeds, describe each step clearly to the participants. When doing a ceremony in the woods and away from other people, I am still clear about each step with the animals, birds, and spirits with whom I share the woods. I do this through my feelings and sometimes even softly aloud. I should mention here that I am a big proponent of vocalizing prayers. This can feel awkward at first but the human voice is an immensely powerful tool.

We have the capacity to create the physical world through our feeling vibrations, and when we couple those with actual vibrations from our voice, we magnify their effects.

Making closure. Just as a clear beginning is an important aspect of ceremony, so is a clear point of closure. Thank the nonphysical beings and let them know that your work together is done. Let yourself be filled with gratitude as you thank them for their participation, releasing them back into their normal flow. At this point, the ceremony unwinds so that ordinary life may resume. It is very good to enjoy specially prepared food and drink to celebrate and ground back into the physical body.

Follow through. Ceremonies created in an atmosphere of gratitude are the most powerful that you can experience.

They help to transform us from the inside so that the world around us begins to shift, too. Of course, it is also necessary that we direct our actions in alignment with our intent. If you desire to have a more creative year, make sure to make time to practice your creativity! If you want to have a relationship, make sure you meet new people.

Remember, being a spiritual person isn’t about trying to do anything. Instead, you choose to bring feelings and thoughts into alignment and then take action. One heartfelt choice and its subsequent action, followed by another and another, are a spirit walker’s lifework. If you don’t immediately succeed at a goal or purpose, you continue to make the choice to realign and take action. As a result, you incrementally move forward. Since all is sacred, the path toward the goal is equal to the goal itself. Each is of equal merit and deserves full focus and attention in collaboration with Spirit.

If you would like some inspiration for crafting your ceremony, some gratitude-based examples can be found in my book, Spirit Walking: A Course in Shamanic Power.

However you choose to declare your intent to the Universe and yourself, embark on this New Year with purpose, a heart full of gratitude and the tenacity to continue unfolding your life with intent and action. © 2014 Evelyn Rysdyk

Nationally recognized shaman teacher/healer, speaker, and author of Spirit Walking a Course in Shamanic Power, A Spirit Walker’s Guide to Shamanic Tools, Modern Shamanic Living: New Explorations of an Ancient Path, and contributor to Spirited Medicine: Shamanism in Contemporary Healthcare; Evelyn Rysdyk delights in supporting people to remember their sacred place in All That Is. Whether through face-to-face contact with individual patients, workshop groups and conference participants, or through the printed word–Evelyn uses her loving humor and passion to open people’s hearts and inspire them to live more joyful, fulfilling and purposeful lives. In joint practice with Allie Knowlton as Spirit Passages, their web site is http://www.spiritpassages.com.

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Authors Stones Connection Jewelry Readings Holistic Wellness Music Networking Gifts Angels Love Fun Book Signings

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A two day benefit event featuring more than 20 Speakers, Authors & Self-Development Experts

Friday Night & Saturday March 20 & 21, 2015 Event will be held at Avant Dance & Event Center 865 Spring St. Westbrook, Maine

Special Benefit Concert by

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Seating is limited. Discount with advanced registration.

Proceeds benefit The HeartGlow Center, a 501c3 non-profit public charity dedicated to conscious living.

Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm on Friday Night Doors open at 5pm for Transform Events Concert begins at 8pm Inanna Tickets $20 in advance $25 at door 9 Full Conference Passes Available

Spirit Beauty A New Perspective

By Jennifer Crews, M.A.

Be Rich with Change Change can be unsettling. Change has a tendency to bring up a huge amount of uncertainty and fear of the unknown to most everyone. Typically, we don’t just respond to change when it shows up in our lives and we are standing in the middle of it. Instead, change can truly consume us and take us over creating fear, doubt, and endless worry. We make it appear bigger, scarier, and much much longer of a process than it really needs to be.

How does this happen? It begins with our pre-response to change BEFORE it actually even occurs or shows up in our lives. Anticipating its arrival we react with anxiety, uncertainty, and quite often the need for control. Then once change begins to appear you may find yourself in what I call “project mode”. “Project Mode” keeps us from having to really experience and feel the change while its happening - as if we can deflect it and deal with it later.

Project mode is staying busy, busy, busy. It is a self protection strategy to keep the change at an arm’s distance length away. It keeps us abit above the realness of what is happening in our environment or life.

Following project mode we continue swirling in the energy of change even AFTER it has happened reviewing, reflecting, and wondering if we should have done it differently.

So when all is said and done - do you ever really allow yourself to experience the richness of change and appreciate it for what it really is? The process of change gifts you with two distinct moments. It has an ending component and a new beginning component. When you are in “project mode” you are somewhere in between the ending and the new beginning. If you chose to remain in “project mode” and avoid feeling the actual moments of when change occurs with an ending and a new beginning, this can lead to an inner struggle in not feeling safe or secure. This fear of insecurity moves you even deeper into “project mode” in an attempt to control outcomes.

When you do not honor the two parts of change by embracing and accepting both the ending and the new beginning that is happening right now in your life, you create a breeding ground for looking outside of yourself to feel safe, secure, and to “handle” the change. This

moves you even further away from your true self and prolongs the process. Change becomes scary and exhausting. Lets take a look at this common process again: So if you begin the process of change and are dealing with it BEFORE it actually happens by worrying, controlling, struggling, and freaking out AND you then hang out in “project mode” to get you through the change by being busy busy in an attempt to control outcomes AND THEN you deal with change after it happens by second guessing, doubting, wondering if you should have done it differently, or wishing you made a different choice ----- you never allow yourself to deeply and authentically experience the richness of CHANGE. Where did the two moments of an ending and new beginning go? Where were they? When did they actually happen? Did you even notice when the actual moments of change occurred?

This exhaustive process of “dealing with change” keeps you disconnected from what is really taking place. This distance removes you from the magic that can be found in all change. The magic of something ending and the true beauty of a new beginning. When you are disconnected from being present to the very change that is happening in your life you may find yourself seeking security in false things, people, and situations. This happens because when you are disconnected you are frantically looking for something to grab onto in your life. An analogy is an astronaut who needs to be corded to the space shuttle. If he or she de-cords and disconnects him or herself from the shuttle, panic will ensue and the tendency will be to reach for anything tangible in their immediate environment so not to get thrown out of control and deeper into outer space. Your spirit self will look elsewhere to ground, cord, or root into something.

Unfortunately, you most likely will seek security outside of yourself that in the long run will not fulfill you.

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To really over come the fear of change and embrace it for the magic that it is what you want to do is to cord yourself into the very experience that is happening.

You want to root into the change. Connect with yourself. Cord into the very inner workings of you.

You want to be present to each step - honoring the ending and the new beginning. Allow yourself the experience.

Feel it and be with it~ What you will most likely discover is that the monster of change is not that scary at all. Our life is a mere series of consecutive moments. When you are present to those moments you can then see that the actual instance in which change occurs happens across just a few moments.

Not days, months, or years. The moment you drive away from your old house to your new house is when the actual change happens. All the other moments prior are just different actions occurring in anticipation of the big change in moving. The moment you walk out of your house and drive to your new job. Is when the real change of starting a new job happens. It occurs when you walk in the door of your new office. You create all the other stuff and mistaken it for change. Instead of avoiding, denying, pretending, worrying, fearing, anticipating, and controlling, recognize change for what it is and the exact moment in which it happens. You will see it is truly beautiful! You will see the magic and richness in the change. You will see that it is not that big of a deal that you made it to be. You will see that it was unnecessary to prolong the change process - because all it was, was an instant moment.

When you break it down this way it allows change to reveal and show itself to you. This gifts you with the opportunity to take action ONLY when the right step is shown. Project mode occurs when you are taking action BEFORE the next step is presented to you. You are taking action based on fear or anticipation and this is why it shows up in your life as “being busy”. If you take action just when the next step is shown to you then life flows in a different way and does not come across as busy but instead as rich and full.

You will come to recognize how much unnecessary energy you were giving to the fear of change through an old exhaustive process. Now you can be rich with change and see it for what it really is.

1. Open your arms to receive and be ready for change when it first presents itself 2. Be present to each moment so you can feel and experience each step and take appropriate action when the time is right. Be aware of when you are getting too far ahead of yourself and you are in “project mode”. If you find yourself in “project mode” let go and just do the very next action step that you have to. Then wait until you know what to do next. This will simplify things and create a level of ease.

3. Pinpoint the exact moment of when the ending component of change occurs. (i.e. drove away from your old house with moving van full of your things) 4. Pinpoint the precise moment when the new beginning component of change occurs. (i.e. walking into new office for your first day at a new job) 5. Honor and celebrate both moments.

So the next time CHANGE shows up in your life know you can do it differently. Be present to each moment and step. Notice when the two parts of change actually occur.

The exact moment of the ending and the precise moment of the new beginning. How great is that! Change is really only two moments. This eliminates prolonging the process and gives you an easier way to be with whatever change is happening in your life. Yes - it will still require action steps to walk through it all - but you can do it simpler, easier, and with grace and be RICH with CHANGE~

Jennifer Crews M.A. has over 20 years experience as a communications expert. Her passion for the written and spoken word led her to careers as a pediatric speech language pathologist, published author, live talk radio show host at KRXA in California, a performance speaker, and an intuitive leader. She has dedicated her life to creative expression in everything she does and in educating others on the mastery of spirit beauty, intuition, and personal power. “The highest form of beauty is the essence self.” Jennifer currently leads groups and mentors individuals around the globe. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about her programs and services at www.jennifercrews.com.

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Suzanne Silvermoon’s

What’s old is New Again: Complementary Medicine and Ayurveda Wellness The ancient Rishis of India gave humanity the greatest gift. This gift was a detailed road map to living the most optimal, vibrantly healthy and spiritually aligned human life. The gift they gave was the Vedas, Caraka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Hridaya, and the Yoga Sutras. Through these detailed books, the wise seers imparted the knowledge of two sister sciences, Yoga and Ayurveda. These roadmaps offered profound guidance for the conscious fulfillment of a soul’s human life here on earth. It is estimated this ancient wisdom dates back some 5,000 years. Though very old, it is a potent and extremely valid form of either healing from disease, or cultivating one’s best health. In contrast to the promise of this ancient form of holistic healing, modern allopathic medicine promises a scientific evidence based, pharmaceutically and surgically supported form of disease treatment. Each of these medicinal paths has their strengths to support health and wellness. Ayurveda has the potency of a system based in natural living, whole foods diet, balanced with yoga and meditation, while modern conventional medicine offers the scientific method which has led to a rich and deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology as well as the disease process, diagnosis and treatment. Though modern allopathic medicine has its strengths in the scientific method, it is by no means a perfected method of health care.

In the September 2013 issue of The Journal of Patient Safety, it stated that the number of premature deaths associated with preventable harm done in hospitals was estimated at more than 400,000 people per year. And, serious harm seems to be 10 to 20 fold more than lethal harm. There is a large percentage of modern Americans who have grown completely out of touch with their individual responsibility for their own health, with devastating results. Many have become so reliant on the illusion of conventional medicine and pharmaceuticals to solve the health problems resulting from an indulgent lifestyle, that Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes are killing people at an alarming rate. The CDC states that approximately 40% of American citizens are obese, one

half of the population is on at least one pharmaceutical medication, approximately 1 out of 5 four year olds are overweight, and it is estimated that 1 out of 3 people in America today will develop Diabetes in their lifetime.

With numbers like these it is no surprise that people in our culture are beginning to feel disillusioned by their lifestyle and medical treatment, and so are seeking out alternative forms of healing.

The National Institutes of Health’s National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) recognize Ayurveda as one of many adjunctive medicinal modalities to be used with conventional allopathic medicine. On the NCCAM website it states “Many Americans, nearly 40 percent, use health care approaches developed outside of mainstream western or conventional medicine for specific conditions or overall well-being”.

From the ashes of despair and dissatisfaction with a form of medicine that leaves 400,000 people dead yearly from its mistakes, there is a new form of health care emerging that draws from the relatively new, but widely accepted form of conventional medicine, combined with complementary and alternative medicinal modalities such as Ayurveda which has thousands of years of history behind it.

The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit to help prevent illness and promote wellness. Ayurvedic medicine can be a powerful healing modality to bring balance to a person who has developed illness in their body. Mostly though, the primary focus is teaching individuals how to create their optimal health. Ayurvedic medicine uses the awareness of the individual’s unique body constitution to understand specific vulnerabilities based on how the basic elements of life are expressed either in balance or out of balance.

Specific dietary recommendations are encouraged to nourish each unique body constitution. A variety of herbal remedies and techniques of daily and seasonal cleansing along with massage and specific treatments to address imbalances are employed to cleanse the body and restore balance.

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This philosophy of health and healing is coupling with the more widely accepted western model of medicine to use both approaches for diagnostics and treatments of illness and disease. We are seeing Wellness Centers open their doors in replacement of traditional doctors’ offices. In some of these Wellness Centers clients will find MD’s, and DO’s working alongside Ayurvedic Wellness Counselors and Practitioners as well as Ayurvedic Doctors. With collaborative medicine, the western allopathic trained doctors which are the ones accepted by the laboratories, hospitals, and insurance companies can prescribe these alternative modalities. So that now, many insurance companies are paying for services received from Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Naturopath Dr’s, Massage Therapists, Midwives and Doulas and even some times Yoga.

Thank heavens!

Our culture is at a time when the peace loving hippies of the sixties with their slogans of “drop out, tune in”, and “question authority” are in their age of wisdom. They are a strong political voice with the power to support positive changes in field of medicine and healing. As well, many of the children of these free thinkers and challengers of the accepted norms have grown up eating lentil soup, brown rice and kale, while drinking tea and taking herbal tinctures when they got sick.

This combination of cohorts is a commanding force for creating a new paradigm in the field of health, healing and wellness.

They are a group of people who believe that their level of health and wellness is directly correlate to their diet and lifestyle. In our commerce based society where money talks, these health conscious individuals are choosing complementary medicine and third party pay from their insurance company to cover the expenses of their consult with their Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Yoga Therapist.

The face of the healing center is beginning to take on a whole new persona. All across our nation, we are beginning to see people turning to the old ways of healing, but with a new twist.

Modern medical doctors are teaming up with Ayurvedic practitioners, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapist, and Yoga Therapists to assist people in cultivating their greatest health.

The focus has shifted from chasing symptoms of a disease to empowering clients to live vibrantly healthy based on a balanced lifestyle. One such medical practice was highlighted in the documentary film “Forks Over Knives” produced by Brian Wendel. Matthew Lederman MD and Alona Pulde MD from Transitions to Health work with their clients to improve their health by getting them off of their pharmaceutical drugs and onto a whole foods plant based diet. They are having great success with their clients by establishing their baseline health through physical examination and blood work, then assisting people in a 12 week program of eating a plant based diet. Their clients are reducing body weight, lowering blood pressure,

cholesterol, and blood sugars as well as reducing their potentials for heart attack and cancer. In Woburn Massachusetts there is a thriving example of this new form of healing center. Zanjabee Integrative Medicine and Primary Care offers a powerful combination of practitioners including, Basmass Ali, MD, Prathiba Shah, Masters in Ayurveda, Natalia Epstein, Masters in Acupuncture, and Jen Eddinger, Shirodhara Expert. The Zanjabee mission statement says that “you matter, food matters, movement matters, mind and spirit matters, up to date medical knowledge matters, and time proven medical techniques matter”. Their philosophy on integrative medicine states that, they “cherry pick the best from western and complementary medicine to develop treatment options that are maximally effective, minimally invasive and tailored to the individual needs of the patient. It is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit).

It emphasizes that lifestyle (nutrition, stress management and exercise) is integral to wellness. It actively recognizes the healing power of the doctor-patient relationship”.

There is a large wave of strong renewed interest in the field of Ayurvedic Medicine as a viable complementary healing modality here in the west. With this rediscovery of interest in this ancient form of holistic medicine there are now schools in the United States that are bringing this wisdom to the west for the benefit of our society that is hungry for alternatives to a lifestyle that has produced such rampant ill health. One such school is Kerala Ayurvedic Academy (KAA)whose programs meet the requirements mandated by the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA). They offer two main courses which are the Ayurveda Wellness Counselor & Ayurveda Wellness Practitioner, 6 specialty courses, 10 shortterm courses, India Intern Program, U.S. Clinical Internship, Indian Doctor Mentor Program, and a Masters of Ayurveda in collaboration with the Vedic Hindu University. According to the KAA website they have a wide range of Ayurvedic doctors and advisors including David Frawley who is one of the world living masters of vedic knowledge. KAA, along with other Ayurvedic schools such as The Ayurvedic Institute headed by Dr. Vasant Lad are training practitioners, counselors and Ayurvedic doctors to meet the need of individuals seeking the support of this time tested form of healing.

As consumers of health care, our voice is being heard. That voice is screaming “we are sick and tired of being sick and tired”. There is a better way, new way that is drawing from both old and new medicine. So if your voice in part of the choir, and you are looking for guidance to assist you in cultivating your greatest health in body mind and spirit. Look into the holistic health alternative of Ayurveda, it just might save your life.

Suzanne Silvermoon, Pediatric Nurse, Cert. Yoga Therapy Practitioner, teacher and speaker. Suzanne’s centered, skillful, compassionate and nurturing teaching style draws from her 35 years of personal yoga practice and study. She fosters peace, safety and ease with personal exploration in her yoga classes, private yoga therapy sessions, and workshops. She expertly weaves proper alignment, physical anatomy and the energetic flow of prana to guide her students in the multidimensional aspects of the human experience through yoga. Suzanne is a faculty teacher for YOGAspirit Studios and Kerala Ayurveda Academy. FMI: www.indigolotusyoga.com

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I wake up and feel the coolness in the air.

Breathing in deeply, I stretch and feel appreciation for the warm blankets that cover me. I feel the familiar warmth of cat bundles by my knees, ankles, shoulders and head. This makes me smile, and as I open my eyes, there is a pair of very intent green and gold eyes staring at me. Bright Star! He’s a beautiful long haired tuxedo cat. I laugh because I know he’s been intently waiting for me to stir and I also know that I woke up just in time to avoid being kneaded or gently pawed on my head. It’s one of the few mornings that I get to sleep in. The other kitties, all five of them, have given up and have decided to join me in sleeping. They create warm patches around my body as they snuggle close. I can feel their love surround me; my heart smiles because the feeling is mutual.

Somebody has to take charge around here and Bright Star is just the one to do it! He knows there’s much to do today. I try to wiggle myself out of bed without disturbing their sleep, but by the time I’m standing, everyone is stretching and yawning. Okay Bright Star, let’s go! As we make our way downstairs, I smile and giggle at the gentle thundering sound of 24 excited feet joining me to start our day. For me, most mornings begin this way and every day I am beautifully reminded of how blessed I am to be doing what I dreamt of as a child.

I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to write this column and to share my experiences from the beautiful animal kingdom with hopes that you too can gather new perceptions or feel validation for what you already know.

I chose the title for this column with intention. Animal communication is an opportunity to listen and gain insight from animals, it always comes from the heart without judgment. Animals are ready to share and assist us in our healing journeys. Besides the spiritual reasoning for the title of my column I am obliged to tell you that it’s also my physical reality. It seems that no matter what I’m doing or where, most often there is a cat on my head, on my lap, or my shoulder. My cats are my constant companions.

I wanted to share a few stories of hope, love and awareness that has been brought forward to humans via the animal kingdom…they have been a beautiful inspiration for me and I hope for you as well. Throughout my journey of finding my place in the world of animal communication I had read and researched everything I could find about it. For me, the book that resonated most for me is, “Kinship with All Life”

by J. Allen Boone. When I read the passage, “Whenever I was properly humble and willing to let something besides a human be my instructor, these various four legged, six legged and no legged fellows shared priceless wisdom with me. They taught me that perfect co-operation between the human and all other forms of life is unfailing whenever the human really does his required part.” I can’t begin to describe how those words hit me. I have always felt this

By Kathryn Drage way. I’ve known it in my heart as long as I can remember.

He confirmed for me that my mode of communication was valid. WOW! Thank you J. Allen Boone for expressing the words that set my journey in motion.

What I have learned on this path is that we all feel, see and share things differently. Yet the communication is relevant no matter the form. The information that I receive from the animal kingdom goes far beyond their favorite foods, activities, or illnesses. Their messages are deeper, more beautiful and meaningful. I’d like to share with you a few examples of how their wisdom transcends any barriers and delivers it straight to our hearts.

My first example gives us the message of unconditional love. I’d like to introduce to you a beautiful horse that I’ll call Joseph. Joseph lived a life in the race world. When that part of his life was over he was placed in the care of individuals who advertised their facility as “an animal sanctuary.” It was far from a sanctuary for Joseph or the others that were taken there. Conditions were unhealthy. It didn’t take long for Joseph’s health to deteriorate.

Fortunately, Joseph was discovered by a group of kindhearted people. Their mission was to get him out of there and in a safe place.

I was contacted and asked if I could connect with him to see how they could better assist him. We made an instant connection; Joseph was amazingly open and candid. He asked me for a special request. He knew that what he was asking me to do was far greater than the people who rescued him could or would do. He understood that they had been through so much and saw what strenuous conditions he was kept in and they were angry with the people who kept him this way. He was clear that he didn’t condone what the people in the sanctuary had done, but he wanted me to know that it was imperative that I look at this situation from a different perspective. Instead of being angry for the suffering he had endured he asked that I send healing to them. Yes, Joseph wanted me to send prayers for healing for the three women who ran the sanctuary that caused him further disease. He knew that love is the only way to bring forth change and end the cycle. He was aware that the three women who ran the sanctuary had been abused in their youth. He understood the way they were treating the animals in their care actually was a tell tale sign of the wounds they suffered on the inside.

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I asked Joseph how he would like me to do this. Should I use Reiki, prayer or any one of the other techniques I have learned along the way? While he agreed that these would all be helpful, he had a different technique to show me. As soon as I said yes I started to receive a series of images in my mind’s eye. I saw myself holding an infant in my arms, a precious human baby. Intuitively I brought my arms to my chest as if I was cradling a physical baby.

What I felt was love, pure and unconditional love. I intuitively knew that I was to send nurturing thoughts.

Then, I saw an image of a woman standing next to Joseph in his neglected state. Joseph asked that I continue to hold the infant and shared with me that the baby was indeed one of the three women from the sanctuary. He asked that I say all the words I felt an infant would thrive from hearing; that I say words in a positive form and present tense, so that this infant would know that it was loved, cherished and safe. My job was to do this for all three women and this would send them a vibration to assist in their healing. Joseph said that no one in a healthy state of mind harms another on purpose.

Thank you Joseph for trusting me and sharing your wisdom because of this technique I have been blessed to assist with helping to change the lives of both animal and human. I too am forever changed. I am thankful for the people who rescued Joseph and that they called me to assist in his journey. For me, this experience showed me that love is the key to change a life’s cycle and that through love we can change our past, present and future.

My next story is about a serious matter but has a lighthearted twist. One thing to remember is that these stories are from my perspective and how I saw them unfold.

This example happened when I first started doing events and offering animal communication/healing sessions.

Since I was new to this kind of event, I was observing the room. I heard the double doors to the gymnasium open and I heard a woman ask loudly, “Where is the animal communicator? I am looking for the animal communicator!” It seemed like everyone in the room stopped to look at her. I saw the person in charge point in my direction. Then everyone, okay, it felt like everyone turned to my direction. Hmmm, I thought… I guess that’s one way to get noticed. The lady then proceeded to march over to me. Maybe it was that I still felt all eyes on me but you couldn’t miss her bright blonde hair and pink fluffy clothing. With her on a leash, was a light colored cocker spaniel with pink adornments. As she approached she said, “Are you the Animal Communicator? The police

have sent me to talk to you!” My focus waivered for a split second, I pondered how the police had known that I was an Animal Communicator. I was quickly brought back to the lady telling me that her home had been broken into and the police had no leads. They told her to talk to an animal communicator because her dog was the only one home when it happened. As I connected with this lovely cocker spaniel, she had something else on her mind and could I help her? She had severely itchy skin. I shared with her person that we needed to honor her dog’s wishes and discuss the skin condition first. Once we had that taken care of, the dog did give a description of the people who broke in. It was a relative and one of their friends. I am grateful to this wonderful dog for assisting me with delivering this very delicate information. I was able to gently give information that the lady could absorb so that she was able to figure out who it was.

As an Animal Communicator I learned early on that it was my responsibility to interpret and offer what the animals share with me to the best of my ability. This experience taught me the delicate art of communicating truth with compassion.

My ability stems from a meditation I performed years ago, where I connected with the energy of Animal Consciousness. For me, this represents the collective energy of the animal kingdom sort of like the union leaders of all animals. I asked how I could serve them and how do I learn to trust what I was feeling? The reply was strong and no nonsense. It surprised me! They said, “We have enough beings attempting this part of the way.

If you really want to work with us, we require that you go all the way. Cast your doubt aside. Take a leap of faith. If you do these things, you will be guided to exactly what is needed from you. What do you wish to do?”

It was then I fully realized what I’d been sensing since childhood. This was something much bigger than me, it existed in the universe. The choice to communicate with the animal kingdom, to serve them and humanity; all I needed to do was commit to it. I can’t express the fullness of my heart. I had known all my life that this is what I wanted to do and here was my opportunity. Right at that moment, I pledged to listen and serve to the very best of my ability. Trust, respect and honor are always at the foundation of my messages. Animals know my intention, they know my pledge. So when I give a message to a loved one I always give information the way the animals wish me to and aim for harmony to be the result.

Namaste

Kathryn Drage is an Animal Communicator who resides in Gardiner, Maine. She has been communicating with animals and nature since early childhood. For the last 20 years Kathryn has also worked in the holistic health field, which enhances the information she shares from the heart. During a session, Kathryn infuses her wisdom, many healing modalities as well as past experiences to help assist with the well being of the receiver. She truly enjoys teaching workshops on a variety of topics. She believes Animal Communication is everyone’s original language and the more that it’s shared the closer it brings all beings into harmony and balance. She can be contacted at earthtalking@aol.com and www.earthtalking.org

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The Cosmic Dance

By Lady Deane

The Dance of the Eclipse There are many ways to look at a new year—astrologically speaking, anyway. I prefer eclipses. Because they offer a bird’s eye view of the cosmic dance between the Sun, the Moon and the Earth. Eclipses are like mini-ballrooms (that is, if the ballroom in question were run by the janitorial staff). Because at their core, eclipses tend to operate like vacuum cleaners. They “Hoover” out the house they hit, and force you to clean up your act…get your ducks in a row, tidy up your closet, get the junk out of the trunk. And this is all true enough, and it is a good analogy. But here is possibly a better one: eclipses are like picking at a scab—annoying and itchy but somehow satisfying at the same time. The best eclipses do cause some discomfort, but if they didn’t we’d ignore them and let our wounds fester and become infected. We open the wound up to clean it out, so that we can really heal up. It doesn’t always feel good at the start, but once we pay attention, we gain important awareness that ultimately helps us to make necessary changes.

If you doubt this, just take a moment to think back to October/ November of 2014. Did you feel the deep cleansing energies at work then? Were you depressed, ill, or just plain worn out?

Were there days that felt so heavy you could barely get out of bed? Did you feel like the world just got a whole lot meaner (or crazier) all of a sudden? Or did you perhaps have an epiphany or breakthrough about your life (and the people in it)? Such is the reward of walking thru the underworld. The eclipse of late October was a solar eclipse in Scorpio and that made us tango like we meant it. Don’t like to tango? Well, then it may have just turned you into a pillar of salt. This is the power of eclipses, but don’t forget that the purpose of eclipses is not to trip us up or lay us out begging for mercy. The purpose is to clean out your old wounds (this is especially potent in the sign of Scorpio) so we can begin again, all healed up and stronger still.

In 2015 there are 4 eclipses and three of them are TOTAL eclipses (these are the strongest kind). Now, all eclipses get the energy moving again—that’s what they’re supposed to do—but total eclipses will bring with them some particularly potent energy for change. For the eclipses of 2015, I used the Sabian Symbols for the degree of each eclipse (along with the sign the eclipse occurs in) to get a glimpse of some themes we might be processing. Sabian Symbols are like little psychic vignettes; images that we can meditate upon for more clarity about our individual and collective issues. Sometimes they are just metaphorical images, meant to stimulate our subconscious

imagination; to open up our minds to see potential new possibilities or solutions. But sometimes, I have found them to actually be quite literal. So, are we all ready to learn a new dance this year? Here are some of the highlights and possible themes for the upcoming year, courtesy of the dance of the eclipse: March 20th: New Moon and TOTAL Solar Eclipse @ 29ºPisces “Light breaking into many colors as it passes thru a prism.”

Do you like the Ballet? At the edge of Pisces, this eclipse may have you (literally) “dancing in the moonlight.” But it might be a good idea to take dance lessons first. So, you might need new shoes (or to take better care of your feet). Also, as Neptune is part of this Eclipse’ Pisces stellium, you might want to have your eyes checked or get new glasses. Sight is definitely an issue now, the question is—what kind? This can represent as literal sight and problems/solutions with the eyes or “the” sight (psychic visions, prophetic dreams, etc). Being able to see and use color (photography or crystal healing for instance) is one theme, and photographers, artists, musicians and healers may go through a very creative phase now. Another theme is “seeing” the many colorful possibilities that exist in your life! Opportunities should expand now but they only exist if we can actually see them. Try to look at things from different angles or points of view. A single idea or vision may contain many possible outcomes at this time.

And you may be “blinded” by being one-sided. So open your eyes and look around! The view might suddenly surprise you.

April 4th: Full Moon and Partial Lunar Eclipse @ 14ºLibra/Aries 14 Libra: “In the heat of noon, a man takes a siesta.”

This is a Dance in Slow Motion. Time for a well-deserved break (or needing a break to restore health). Needing to rest in order to begin again, renewal, recuperation, downtime, getting your “mojo” back, taking time off. Solutions to problems may come through dreams or meditation now. Using stillness to rebalance your life. May also indicate taking a break in relationships in order to help you regain perspective on your own life. Learning to stop and enjoy the moment. Ask yourself if you’re “too pooped to pop.” Avoid forcing issues now or working til the point of exhaustion; because in the long run it will have been wasted effort and can actually set you back instead of helping you move forward. Another good saying for this energy is “work smarter, not harder.” Also remember that noontime is just halfway through the day. Perhaps this symbol is telling us we need to remember to conserve some energy to get us all the way home.

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September 13th: New Moon and Partial Solar Eclipse @ 20ºVirgo “A caravan of cars headed for promised lands.”

This Dance is really more like a Marching Band. A journey or pilgrimage of some importance is on the horizon. Perhaps a trip that is taken for a larger purpose—such as relocating to create better opportunities or to take advantage of new offers (of employment, better living conditions, relationships, etc).

Restlessness, itching to get going. Moving on, but not travelling alone, shared goals, shared adventures. Creating fellowship. For some, this journey will be more metaphorical than physical and they will be moving on in terms of new and better ways of thinking and being (instead of actually relocating or travelling).

The literal meaning of this eclipse (especially in Virgo) reminds us all that the details count now, so make sure that your vehicle is road worthy before heading out. And don’t forget to pack a map!

September 27th: Full Moon and TOTAL Lunar Eclipse @ 4ºAries/Libra 4 Aries: “Two lovers are strolling through a secluded walk.”

Now we shyly ask our partner for a Romantic Waltz. The need for privacy in order to allow true intimacy to develop, partnership, sharing your heart or mind with another. Falling in love, wanting alone time with someone special. Needing time to devote to one special person, project, or idea. Something beautiful has begun, but it needs to be nurtured and paid attention to in order to mature and blossom. Processing issues by walking a path, labyrinths.

All of us will be processing these eclipse themes this year (at various levels of intensity) at the same time because the eclipses happen in real time up in the sky and they happen to everyone.

However, we will also have individual (as well as collective) responses to eclipses. How will these eclipse energies manifest specifically in your own personal life? Well, that depends a great deal on where they hit your natal chart. If you have a copy of your astrology chart you may want to start by seeing which house(s) the eclipse degrees will fall in. That represents the stage on which the planets will act out their parts. For instance, if an eclipse falls in your natal 7th house of marriage and partnerships you might meet someone, get married, get divorced, etc. Because the 7th house is the stage on which we work out our important and intimate relationship dances. Here’s a brief rundown of the houses and what they represent:

1st House: “me, myself and I” the self, the physical appearance and body, self-expression, identity.

2nd House: the house of resources, how you earn your money, self-esteem, self-worth.

3rd House: communication and the mind, local travel (generally this means by car, bus, ferry, etc).

4th House: home, where you lay your head at night, early childhood, the family, the tribe one hails from, the emotions.

5th House: children, creativity, lovers, youth, recreation, speculation.

6th House: physical health, chronic health problems, daily routines, work and service, co-workers, employees, small pets.

7th House: the house of marriage, partnerships of all kinds, significant others, best friends.

8th House: the house of death, transformation and rebirth, sex, taxes, insurance, inheritance, wills, your partner’s resources.

9th House: the house of truth, higher education, spiritual philosophy, publishing, long-distance travel (generally this means travel by plane).

10th House: career, achievement, awards, where we spend our day when we go to work, the public.

11th House: hopes, dreams, goals, teamwork and group work, groups we belong to because we share something in common (project groups, hobbies, etc), step-children, what we do in retirement, hospitals.

12th House: what is hidden, the subconscious, the unconscious, psychic ability and intuition, dreams, sleep, imprisonment.

Keep in mind the above list is just a “taste” of what each house offers. But wait (gasp)! What if you don’t have a copy of your natal chart or know anything about astrology? Guess who can help you there? Call me, we’ll talk.

So, as we all begin this brand new wonderful year, may we open our hearts to the many breathtaking possibilities before us. And now is the perfect time to ask ourselves some important questions. When offered a new beginning—how will you respond? What part of your life needs a re-boot? And where should that new beginning take place? Whatever adventures 2015 brings you, remember, it’s only a dance. Surely we can all afford to learn a few new steps every now and again. So play, laugh, be kind, and—most importantly—keep on dancing. Then look up and thank your lucky stars.

Deane Driscoll is a professional astrologer with over 22 years experience in New York, California, Maine, and North Carolina; and holds elder clergy credentials as Lady Deane with CoG (Covenant of the Goddess). She offers natal chart readings as well as classes in astrology, card reading, and other metaphysical topics. She also creates custom meditations for clients, concentrating on a specific area of focus. Some examples include: limitless possibilities, a new career path, prosperity, love, health and wellbeing; as well as overall relaxation and stress reduction. Visit her website at www.deanedriscoll.com or email her at deanemae@juno.com for more information.

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ASK LADY DEANE This column belongs to everyone. Here I will answer Reader Questions about the Sky, your Natal Charts, or Astrology in general. Have a burning question? Curious about the sky? Confused about something in your chart? Write in. Your answers await.

Q: “My natal Venus and Sun are less than a degree apart in Virgo, which I’ve heard conflicting opinions about. I’ve been told that this causes a situation called ‘combust’ which can adversely affect romance or marriage. But I’ve also been told that it could be intensely beneficial.

Can you shed some light on this?”

From Marie in North Carolina A: Well Marie, this is an excellent question and one of the hardest to answer, and here’s why: astrology mirrors life.

In life we have something called dichotomy where very good and very bad can exist simultaneously. Think about a day where you might have, say, been promoted at work only to go home that night and find that your lover has moved out: all the time and effort expended toward your work may have caused problems with your relationship.

I’m making this up, of course, just to illustrate a point. But such is the up and down condition of a combust Venus (or any combust planet, for that matter).

In any conjunction between two planets (where the planets are like next-door neighbors—very close to one another), the planets exchange energy. So, in this case, Venus bestows its grace, charm, artistic talent, and beauty onto its neighbor the Sun. In return, the Sun gives some of its better qualities to Venus as well. It strengthens the life force for instance, making the overall health and recuperative powers greater. And it can even increase some of the Venusian qualities of charm and artistic talent.

However, the Sun is very hot and it will also burn what it touches (hence “combust” because the planet touched by the Sun combusts or burns). So, in addition to enhancing certain traits it can also damage some of what it exchanges with Venus. What results may be difficulties in love and romance, or problems with selecting the right mate/partner.

Does this mean that you can’t have a successful marriage or partnership? Not at all. But it does mean that you might

have to either work harder at it, or kiss a few more frogs than someone who’s Venus is not afflicted by the Sun. It is said in astrology that the Sun is meant to purify what it touches. In this case it would purify the intentions of Venus (love, desire, finances) by burning off what is impure. This may at times require some sort of sacrifice in relationships and can be seen through the house that Venus and the Sun occupy. If your Venus/Sun conjunction were in the 4th house of the home, for instance, you might need to make sacrifices about your home (where it’s located, what type it is) or within your home (how the space is used or organized) in order to serve your partner’s needs. Once the intentions of Venus have been purified, relationships become easier.

And, last but not least, in Vedic Astrology (practiced in India), Venus conjunct the Sun is actually considered to be quite desirable. It makes one kind, gentle, good-natured, and warmhearted. These individuals will often excel at any of the arts and are said to be protected throughout life by divine grace. It is considered an aspect of good karma and bestows a loving father (who may also have talents in music or art) and protects one from violence or harm. The Renaissance artist Rafael and the English romantic poet Percy Shelley had close Sun/Venus conjunctions, as do the actors Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio. So take heart Marie, you’re in excellent company!

If you have a question about the sky or about something in your natal chart that you would like me to answer in a future column, please email me at deanemae@juno.com. Questions may be edited for space or content.

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Ignite CALM in 4 Simple Steps

By Deb Snyder, PhD Everything in life is connected. Our home life influences our work and our work can dictate our level of day-to-day happiness. We simply can’t expect to live happy lives if we’re miserable at work. Not only do we spend at least 50 hours per week at our jobs, we end up wasting precious energy complaining about work during our off hours. This often leads to frustration and disappointment with our friends and family who’ve heard it all, again and again. Yet, within us, we each have the power to create working lives that are both pleasant for us and profitable for our employers. It’s up to us to make changes, and those changes begin in our own hearts and actions. Together, let’s break the negative habits and find a new way of being. Let’s ignite CALM! What do I mean by “ignite?” I mean this is the moment to LIGHT IT UP and stoke your inner fire by taking positive action—by accepting responsibility for your own life and how you live it. We decide where we work and we choose the people we spend our time with. The company and companions we dedicate our life to. We must not fall into the comfortable trap of blaming people and things outside ourselves for our unhappiness. “Oh, I’d be so happy if it wasn’t for this crappy job, grumpy parent, or controlling spouse.” Enough already! This is your life and it can be anything you want—if you have the courage to genuinely be yourself in every moment. This is what I want for you: empowerment and unyielding bliss in your life.

Ignite CALM is my call to action for all of us to find this special place within ourselves and look at the circumstances in our lives through this new, high vibration filter. This four-step technique will bring you closer to your inner calling and soul’s purpose. You will no longer doubt your thoughts and actions. You will hear your inner voice loud and clear, enabling you to tune out static and confusion caused by the rules and projections of others. You will know you are in resonance with your purpose—and you will also know, with confidence, what no longer serves you and needs to be released.

CALM is an acronym I use for essential components that allow bliss to work in your life. They are easy to apply on the job, at home, and for any challenge you face. When we ignite CALM, we make an active choice to bring the best of ourselves to whatever we’re doing in that present moment.

I’d like you to use this technique whenever you face a decision or challenge at home or on the job. It quickly gets us into our best place, so we can see a situation clearly without distraction from the ego mind. It only takes a few

moments, yet focuses in on what is essential. These four questions are at the heart of the CALM approach—the only questions you need to get the internal fire started. This is your flash point, where you strike the match.

CALM = Creativity, Authenticity, Luminosity, and Mindfulness To ignite CALM, ask yourself these four simple questions and be absolutely honest in your answers.

Creativity:

Have I looked at this situation creatively?

Authenticity: Am I being true to my personal values and goals?

Luminosity: Am I bringing the best of me to this issue?

Mindfulness: How does this situation affect my life and others?

Although these questions may seem basic, they are incredibly powerful. Think back over your life to critical decisions that didn’t work out so well. Now apply the CALM questions in hindsight. During my life, I could have avoided a great deal of pain by asking these questions before I jumped into situations. Now, when I face decisions this simple exercise helps me find the proper place within and bring the best of me to whatever I am doing. Give it a try right now with an issue you’re currently facing at work or at home. It works for issues with clients and for colleagues. Your answers will show where your opportunities live and allow you to unleash your full potential.

I promise you, we each have a purpose in life and can be happy in our work and homes. Give yourself the gift of discovering your unique purpose. Find out how you’re meant to be of positive service to the world. Find what makes you come alive and be your best self. Your employer, family and friends will thank you. Are you courageous enough to let your unique talents shine and be successful beyond all limitation? I know you are. Let us open ourselves to our inner fire. Let’s ignite CALM!

Deb Snyder is an inspirational speaker, personal development teacher, and award-winning author of four books for adults and kids. She holds a doctorate in metaphysical philosophy and empowers people to live their best lives through embracing their own unique challenges, opportunities, and blessings. Deb offers her heart-centered services in workshops and private sessions worldwide to individuals, businesses, and groups of all sizes. For more information, please visit the website: www.ignitecalm.com INNER TAPESTRY JOURNAL

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Light and Sound on the Path

The Fall and Rise of the Gnos1cs, Part One As I begin by addressing the fall of the Gnostics and this long dark slog through the matrix of history orchestrated by an iron hand of fate and it's oppressive archon rulers, I do promise dear readers there is a light beyond, a rising of the Gnostics again for those brave souls that read on.

Mother India has long been a place of refuge for countless religions and ethnic communities, an oasis where schools of spirituality have had the luxury of existing long enough to develop some fairly advanced yogic and meditation techniques for the purpose of exploring the Atman (Higher Self) and the Divine. Some of the world's oldest sacred texts articulating their wisdom, preserved in the libraries of Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism have been read by countless millions over the ages. India has had it's share of invading armies and difficulties, but what a difference a few thousand years can make if souls are free to openly follow their path!

Amongst the thriving population are even some Gnostic survivors and other refugees who traveled there to be free to practice the faith of their ancestors, including some Parsis (devotees of Zoroaster), Thomas Christians of the Syriac Church of the East, Nestorians, and Manichaeans of the Silk Road.

In the West unfortunately, mystical movements in some cases could only function secretly behind closed doors, only had at best a few years, decades, or on a couple of blessed occasions, a century or two of freedom before Thor's Hammer would come crashing down. We have a nightmare history "written by the victors." Old patterns of not respecting religious freedom and human rights continue up to the living present. The legacy of oppression and dying lives on. Even as I write, in Iraq and Syria there are many minority communities under siege, being targeted for genocide by warrior fanatics: Kurds, the Yezidis, a fascinating sect with Gnostic roots, Syrian Christians with their ancient monastic libraries to preserve, Sabians, also known as Mandaean Gnostics, and members of various Shia sects, to name a few.

"Sabian Mandaeans face extinction as a people. As their small community is scattered throughout the world, Sabian Mandaeans' ancient language, culture and religion face the threat of extinction. In 2006, UNESCO listed the Sabian Mandaean language in its Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger of Disappearing. Since the outbreak of violence in 2003, most Sabean-Mandaeans have either fled the country or been killed. Today, there are fewer than 5,000 remaining in Iraq." "As Christians, Armenians have also found themselves targeted in the recent

insurgency of extremist Islamic State (IS) forces. A joint letter by Armenian organizations in September 2014 reported that as many as 200,000 Assyrians had been displaced from towns and villages in the Nineveh Plain in North Iraq as a result of IS. http:// www.minorityrights.org/5746/iraq/sabianmandaeans.html The website of the Minority Rights Group International provides regular updates about the Yezidis, Assyrian, Armenian and Chaldean Christian communities, and several other groups currently being targeted by extremists of the wrathful tribal demiurge, an unforgiving god of death.

Some religions of the West and East were originally founded roughly at about the same time, two thousand or two thousand five hundred years ago, and yet some Western counterpart faith communities seem so much younger, still at earlier stages of development, as "the wheel keeps needing to be reinvented" again and again.

There have been holocausts, so many persecutions, pogroms, ethnic cleansings, inquisitions, crusades, book burnings, even spectacular library burnings, schisms, show-trials of beleaguered heretics and the burnings of countless innocent at the stake of bad religion.

Not only during medieval times, but going all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire and its occupation of Palestine we find violence and religious intolerance being accepted as the norm, even by those claiming to represent the pious. One day, during 68 AD, over the hill came the Roman Legions to raid the Essene headquarters at Qumran. Now removed from the scene, the Essenes were once another whole branch of Judaism. Close to the ruins of Qumran near the Dead Sea is the location where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered several decades ago, hidden away in caves during the first century AD by Essenes who knew their days were numbered.

Not merely once; not only twice, but on at least on three separate occasions angry mobs have burned the "brain" and "Internet" of the ancient world known as the great library of Alexandria in Egypt, which only can be described as a tragic lobotomy on a planetary scale.

Politicians Usually Have Little Interest in Enlightenment, Much Less Good Scholarship

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Eventually, for political reasons an emperor decided to make himself the ruler of Christianity, a state-church breach amounting to an occupation of another religion, only this time from within. The new official religion of the Roman empire's war on it's own Gnostics, mystics, quietists, minority sects, indigenous apostolic churches in various regions, Ebionites, Valentinians, Barbeloites, Sethians, Manichaeans, Cathers, Bogomils and other socalled heretics unfortunately was largely successful.

Innovative spiritual movements were declared to be heretical, informed they could no longer hold any public gatherings. Everyone was supposed to join the one official church of the empire. Brilliant minds fell out of favor, their voices silenced. During a time in Egypt when heresy hunters were engaging in "Gnostic cleansing" throughout the land, a hard-line bishop in Alexandria issued an edict (Athanasius's infamous festal letter of 367 AD) proclaiming that, out of the hundreds of sacred texts read during those days, from that point forward, only twenty-seven New Testament books were officially to be recognized. The rest of the gospels, acts, revelations and other scriptures were to be removed from circulation, discarded, and forever banned. The process of creating an official "canon" of approved scripture, and creating lists of banned books to be rejected, wasn't simply about scholars figuring out which books were genuine and getting people to discard the rest. Rather, there was a political motive behind it. What was going one was those following one particular interpretation of Christianity asserting themselves over ALL by purging the majority of religious and mystical texts in circulation, keeping only a small percentage of books that seemed helpful to their cause of unity under a single religious franchise for the empire. Scores of the 'upanishads' and 'sutras' of the West, poetry, prayers, masterfully written spiritual discourses, a wonderful treasure-trove of Judeo-Christian and Hermetic literature representing a multi-verse of possibilities appreciated by some discerning souls as sources of spiritual inspiration and guidance, were thrown out, hidden away, censored or forgotten. "Those who control the present, control the past and those who control the past control the future." (George Orwell, 1984) Or that was the plan at least!

Things Don't Always Stay Buried However! The Winds of Change “Know what is before your face, and what is hidden from you will be revealed to you. For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor anything buried which will not be raised.� (from the Greek Gospel of Thomas unearthed at a rubbish dump in Oxyrinchus, Egypt) In December of 1945 a collection of ancient scriptures was uncovered near the village of Nag Hammadi in Egypt. These texts had been placed in a clay storage jar, sealed, and buried sometime during the Fourth Century

AD. They most likely were hidden there at the time by monks who lived at a nearby monastery founded by Saint Pachomius. They would have been sacred texts once copied and preserved as part of the library of this monastic community, one of several Pachomian monasteries operating in Egypt. Most Nag Hammadi scholars suspect that after the monastery received the above-mentioned Easter letter from Athanasius in 367 AD they decided to hide away these particular books. For all we know, there could be more writings in other clay jars that remain buried and lost. There have been many such discoveries of ancient Coptic texts made in, around, or nearby various Egyptian monasteries.

This almost two thousand year old "time capsule", now known as the Nag Hammadi Library, has set in motion a spiritual revolution. Buried under the sands of Egypt for centuries, these censored and forgotten scriptures from the early years of Christianity are imparting to spiritual seekers of today knowledge of several mystical traditions that once existed in the West. This ancient library contains spiritual discourses from Jesus, (Gospel of Thomas, Dialogue of the Savior), James the Just (brother and spiritual successor of Jesus), Hermetic (as in Hermes Trismegistus), Sethian (Jewish mysticism), Valentinian (a Gnostic Christian denomination founded by Valentinus of Alexandria), Pythagorean and other spiritual movements.

What has been returned to us are the teachings of various Gnostics who initiated their students into the "Mysteries of the Kingdom of Light," and wrote down descriptions of their otherworldly journeys into inner space. One of the most read and discussed books of the Nag Hammadi discovery is the Gospel of Thomas, a collection of the wisdom sayings of Jesus on gaining enlightenment.

Instead of a wafer-thin New Testament at the end of a very long old covenant, how about a huge collection of literature, including poetry? Some of the twelve surviving codices of the Nag Hammadi or Gnostic Gospels are organized with a curious new testament-like format of: 1) gospels, followed by, 2) letters or spiritual discourses, and then, 3) books of revelation (heavenly apocalypses).

These revelations consist of the visionary or out-of-body encounters by various Saints soul-traveling through several heavenly realms of consciousness.

The Gospel of Thomas is a "sayings Gospel," a collection of the proverbs and parables of Christ about exploring the Kingdom of the Noetic Heavens. The theme of these sutras of wisdom is that the Supreme Being is Light, our soul is made of Light, and that by contemplating the Living Light we can reenter paradise -- find a presenttense Kingdom of God. The book of Thomas describes a Jesus who was a spiritual Master who taught that: "We have come from the Light, from the place where the Light came into being by itself..." "There is Light within a person of Light, and it shines on the whole world." And, "If one is whole, one will be filled with Light."

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The Gospel of Thomas was missing for essentially two millennia until three copies of it were almost miraculously discovered several decades ago: two sections of it written in Greek found at Oxyrhynchus, and a more complete edition in the Coptic language found near Nag Hammadi, also in the dry climate of Egypt, home of many exciting ancient discoveries. This hidden book has been found, and now has it’s own home page on the worldwide web. The "second coming" of Jesus's wisdom in the form of the book of Thomas has occurred -- it is a "resurrected" or "reincarnated" book, if you will.

The Gnostic Gospels reveal that some in antiquity around the Mediterranean and Mesopotamian regions were aware of Inner Light and Sound (transcendental seeing and hearing during meditation), Inner Realms/Heavens, charged words/sacred names, reincarnation, the need to be "initiated into the Mysteries" by a Living One, a living teacher.

5) visionary and auditory mysticism (inner Light and Sound, spiritual seeing and hearing) -- descriptions of souls traveling within through various inner regions; 6) they have an ethical code, and this ethical foundation includes a vegetarian diet (see, The Prayer of Thanksgiving, Nag Hammadi); 7) The Goal of the teachings and meditation practice is experiencing direct union with God. ”If your spiritual guides say to you, ‘Look, the Divine Realm is in the sky,’ well then the birds will get there ahead of you.

If they say,

Ingredients of a Living Gnostic Spiritual Path Present in the Nag Hammadi Texts

‘It is in the sea,’

In the Corpus Hermeticum and Nag Hammadi scriptures are described all of the ingredients of a living, viable mystical path:

"No, Divine Reality exists

1) living masters/teachers with students (Gospel of Thomas, Saying 17 -- past masters, dusty scrolls, cuneiform tablets or old scriptures are not enough; a competent living guide is required); 2) a cosmology of several heavens/inner regions/planes/ spheres (see the Nag Hammadi book, The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth); 3) an understanding that souls can access these realms here and now during this present life (a present-tense Kingdom of Heaven available to souls right now is a major theme of the Gospel of Thomas, not a spirituality postponed till some magical date on a calendar or hypothesized future age); 4) an initiation into the mysteries of the heavens, imparting to spiritual seekers the contemplative techniques and sacred names;

then the fish will precede you. inside and all around you.

Only when you have come to know your true Self will you be fully known -realizing at last that you are a child of the Living One.” (Yeshua, Saying Three, The Gospel of Thomas -Wisdom of the Twin, Lynn Bauman translation) To be continued! In the next installment I'll be exploring the visionary and contemplative practices of Gnostic spirituality.

My Collection of Sacred Texts Online and Recommended Reading: Gnostic Gospels, Contemplative or Mystical Christianity, the Lost Books and Spirituality of the West: https://medium.com/sant-mat-radhasoami-books/gnosticgospels-contemplative-or-mystical-christianity-the-lostbooks-and-spirituality-of-the-west-28ed95fc3401

James Bean explores the world of spirituality, comparative religion, the Path of the Masters (India), Inner Light & Sound Meditation, books -- sacred texts of the East & West, and the vegan diet, via Spiritual Awakening Radio on HealthyLife.net , Positive Talk Radio, as well as satsangs (spiritual gatherings or retreats). He has been involved with podcasting, public radio, Radio For Peace International, the community radio movement, the Wisdom Channel on satellite radio, is an independent producer currently creating programs for various stations. Address questions or comments to: James@SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com Website: http:// www.SpiritualAwakeningRadio.com

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Welcome to Rock Talk; a place for crystal lovers and rock hounds! Together we will explore a variety of crystals and stones, their metaphysical characteristics, properties and beauty, as well as formations, shapes, grids, symbolism, selecting, clearing, cleansing, chakra and element connections, daily integration, lore and more. My intent is to keep the format simple and straight forward, creating a quick reference guide without lengthy descriptions, (keeping in mind the great lyric “shove me in the shallow water before I get too deep” from Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians). The information presented here will include my own experience since discovering the magick of minerals at a young age, and knowledge that has been shared with us by those who worked tirelessly, been an inspiration and have paved the way through their writing and teaching. I feel it important to give credit where credit is due, plus, there is no need to “reinvent the wheel”. That being said, having been studying and implementing the use of crystals and stones in my life and work for so long I do not always recall from whom, when or where I learned every piece of information, when I do specifically know I’ll be sure to say so. I certainly have my favorite “go to” resources, including but not limited to, Love Is in the Earth; A Kaleidoscope of Crystals by Melody, The Book of Stones; Who They Are and What They Teach by Naisha Ahsian and Robert Simmons and The Crystal Bible; A Definitive Guide to Crystals by Judy Hall.

Additionally, a wide range of crystal healing books are available from your favorite book seller, not to mention an abundance of articles available on the internet.

Everyone interested in crystals and stones, and feels an affinity with the mineral kingdom, is encouraged to read everything they can find. Besides the universally agreed upon symbolism and energetic properties, on occasion, you will find conflicting points of view or differing interpretations or perspective. I advise to always be discerning and above all trust your own inner knowing, instincts and intuition. I believe the stones tell us what we need to know when we need to know it, and that what is beneficial or successful for one person may not necessarily be for the next. We each approach things in our own unique way, from our personal frame of

reference and point of view, each of us resonate, connect and respond in a way distinctively our own. While it is helpful to learn from others, nothing beats one’s own experience. I make no claims of being an expert on the topic, I’m just an ol’ “Rock Chick “ who loves stones and crystals, has learned a thing or two along the way and enjoys sharing her experience and love of stones through groups, writing, in private one to one energy sessions and conversations with other enthusiasts. Like you, I continue to experiment, research and incorporate crystals into my daily life. So far, I haven’t met a stone I didn’t like! (If I do, there are methods and techniques to take care of that!)

Our first theme is “New Beginnings”, an appropriate and inspirational starting place for the first digital issue of Inner Tapestry Journal and the New Year. My personal belief is that any day, hour, anniversary, sun/moon phase, seasonal change, birthday or special, significant life event can be a good time to shed the old and start anew. It’s up to each individual to select the right moment in time to set life changes in motion based on their own set of circumstances, need and desire, regardless of the date.

However, January is the traditional month for resolutions and New Beginnings and certainly does hold the feeling, idea and energy of letting go of the previous year, setting intentions, initiating personal transformation or embarking on a new project or venture. Cheers to New Beginnings!

Prior to entering a time of new, fresh, exciting endeavors I find it helpful to spend some time reviewing, releasing, and gaining insight and clarity. Entering a state of calmness and serenity goes a long way to opening ourselves to new ideas and motivation. Combined with focus, our stones can help us when enlisted in meditation, worn with intent or ornamentally, carried or simply being in our environment. I’ve selected the following stones that may be beneficial at this time to process endings and embrace beginnings.

Let’s begin at the beginning, for me that means Quartz, Quartz, and more Quartz!

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Quartz is the most common mineral on this planet and has been used by nearly every original people for healing and religious ceremony since the dawn of time. The ancient Japanese believed it was formed from the breath of a white dragon and represented perfection. The Aborigines used quartz crystals in rain rites; the Cherokee used it as a stone of divination. It has been a reliable and useful partner for the shaman, the healer and the mystic. Technology proves the powers of quartz; it is used in radios, watches and the like. Science has shown us the energy of quartz, it is piezoelectric; "it transforms mechanical energy into electromagnetic energy".

Quartz has proven itself to be adaptable, flexible and unwavering in its commitment to the human race, it is anxious to help, to heal and to assist in our every endeavor, on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. We need only ask and do the required work, Quartz programming, clearing and cleansing. Quartz is known to store, amplify, transmit and transmute energy. It is a mighty tool for manifesting needs and desires, bringing clarity, higher states of consciousness, and communication with spirit guides, heightening meditation, dreaming and healing. It opens all chakras and will enhance the energies of other stones it is paired with. Use quartz to inspire creativity, retrieve information from past lives and to re-form old patterns in the current life. Enlist quartz for clearer psychic visions, to bring balance and harmony to your environment and as a protective talisman.

All quartz crystals have the above mentioned characteristics. Those characteristics will vary according to the area they sourced. They may change over time, exhibiting new cracks, crevices, lightening, darkening, pieces fall away, heal themselves. Choosing a quartz crystal is not about appearances, how clear it is, or how perfect or pleasing to the eye it may be, but about the energy it exudes. Their beauty is undeniable; quartz crystals may be clear, cloudy, veiled, smooth or rough. Each is special and useful with its own singular personality. It is a personal preference on the appearance, try selecting with eyes closed, sense the energy and trust your intuition to guide you to the correct crystal for the purpose at hand.

Primary Aspects: Amplification, Release, Clarity, Cleansing, Clearing, Purification, Flexibility Light Ray: White: Integration, Balance, Alignment, Wholeness Element: Storm Chakra: All Locale: Earthwide Crystalizing in striated prismatic crystals with a subtle, but high and clear frequency pink tourmaline is a gentle yet powerful stone to assist with the process of reviewing, releasing and getting to “the heart” of an issue. It is connected to feminine power; love, family, community, humanity, understanding, peace, harmony, faith, wisdom, communication and more. Pink tourmaline is an exemplary heart cleansing stone, creating a column of Light from the Heart to the Crown Chakra aligning them to purify and release old wounds and detrimental patterns clearing the way for love; in all forms; Divine, Self and romantic.

Pink tourmaline is helpful when desiring to integrate and balance the male (electric) and female (magnetic) aspects of oneself, and will assist in uncovering and recognizing previously unrealized gifts, talents or skills. Pink tourmaline contains lithium lending it the effectiveness to calm the nerves, we must feel tranquil and at peace in order to heal and Pink Tourmaline release past trauma in our effort to move forward. Pink tourmaline can be especially contributive in times of major change and personal growth. Robert Simmons (The Book of Stones) tells us the name derives from the Sinhalese word turamali, meaning “something small from the earth”. Other interpretations say it means “mixed”, referring to multi-coloured gemstones; tourmaline would fall into that category; as it is found in a variety of colours. An Egyptian legend says tourmaline gathered its many colours by traveling along a rainbow on a journey to the Sun. While tourmaline is found in many areas of the world and highly prized, here in Maine we are quite famous for and proud of our exceptional specimens.

Primary Aspects: Healing, Heart Chakra Activation, Joy, Happiness, Release Past Abuse, Compassion Light Ray: Red: Passion, Survival, Strength, Manifestation Element: Water Chakra: Heart Locale: Sri Lanka, Africa, Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, U.S. Additional Colours & Primary Aspects Black: Protection, Deflection, Balance Green: Healing, Strength, Compassion Blue: Service, Harmony, Communication Gold: Highest Good, Manifestation, Inner Strength

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Long associated with Moon Goddesses, Moonstone is a member of the feldspar family, with a monoclinic and prismatic crystal system. Thusly named for its chatoyancy (having changeable luster; twinkling) and blue/white sheen, moonstone has been used in jewelry and adornments for thousands of years and is considered the gem of the High Priestess. A stone of all things mysterious and feminine, moonstone is deeply connected to the cycles of life; supporting us through the ebb and flow of our existence, learning to trust our inner guidance and gracefully navigate the milestones and rhythms of our lives. Moonstone enhances confidence, compassion, calmness and creativity and provides deep understanding within and in the outside world. Engage moonstone to heighten psychic ability, reveal hidden information, ensure restful sleep and reduce stress. Moonstone will help access long discarded dreams and goals of childhood as well as unveil unnoticed or Moonstone under nurtured talents and gifts. Similar to pink tourmaline, it will help navigate our inner world to illuminate hidden gifts or abilities we may have ignored or forgotten. It will then radiate the energy to attract circumstances that will bring forth the actualization of those gifts. Moonstone will open us to perceive and discern the truth; in our own nature as well as the motivations of others and guide to right timing of taking action. Moonstone is a problem solver; it seems to magickally provide creative solutions to everyday dilemmas and challenges when utilized during meditation or dream time.

Primary Aspects: Intuition, Mystery, Feminine Energy, New Beginnings, Cycles, Illumination Light Ray: White (Lunar): Integration, Balance, Alignment, Wholeness, Lunar Insight Element: Wind/Water Chakras: Third Eye & Crown Locale: U.S., Australia, Europe, Madagascar, Burma, India Additional Colours & Primary Aspects: Peach: Soothes Worries, Supports Heart Grey: Potential, Magnifies Intent, “New Moon” Rainbow: Deflect Negativity, Protection White: Inner Vision, Perception Cat’s Eye: Clarity, Balance Try the above stones alone, together or combine one with one or two of your favorites. Wishing you the brightest of Blessings in the New Year, may you find Joy, Fulfillment and endless Happiness!

Notes: The use of crystals and stones should not replace the advice of your medical or mental health care provider.

Elemental correspondences based on the work of Naisha Ahsian.

The Crystal Ally Cards; The Crystal Path to Self Knowledge 1995. www.crystalisinstitute.com Light Ray correspondences based on/inspired by William C. Stuber.

Gems of the Seven Color Rays; A Comprehensive Guide to Healing with Gems 2001.

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Dede Eaton: Specializing in the Primus Activation Healing

Technique since 2007, Dede incorporates her twenty-five plus years of metaphysical study, experience and teaching to offer her clients a safe, non-judgmental space to begin or enhance their journey to healing; physically, emotionally and spiritually. Dede offers a variety of on-going classes and meditation groups as well as private one to one sessions and spiritual events. She has owned and operated The Magick Closet, Purveyor of Spiritual Goods since 2003, now an on-line shop, Magick Heart Healing, her private healing and teaching practice since 2007, is the creator of The Enlightenment Expo, held each Spring and Fall since 2011, is the founder of United Light Workers of Greater Portland and was co-director of Magick Bridges Spiritual Enrichment and Healing Arts Center from November 2011-April 2013. Dede is honored to be on the board of directors of The HeartGlow Center and columnist for Inner Tapestry Journal. She joy-fully resides in Portland ME with her husband, daughter and felines. Please visit her website at: www.themagickcloset.com

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Caregiver Diaries

with Carolyn Murray

Adam’s Story I’ve met a lot of extreme caregivers during the past sixteen years. Part of my path in life includes raising a son who is completely dependent due to a rare brain disorder. I’m grateful that Daniel was born in 1998 when internet support groups were getting off the ground. What I lacked in face to face companionship was made up for by global access to people walking in the same shoes as me. These relationships sustain me.

A few years ago I made another connection with kindred spirits when I started reading the blog: Healing, Empowering and Thriving. Some of my deepest friendships are with parents whose children were born disabled. In Phil and Sharon’s case, their son was a typical, very active twelve year old boy until an accident changed things.

On July 24, 1998 twelve year old Adam Dzialo woke up ready for one more day at adventure camp. A baseball tournament was scheduled for later that afternoon and hockey camp in just a few days. Adam’s calendar was always booked full with his sporting events. His mother, Sharon, prepared to pick him up as he took part in the final event, a rescue drill in the river.

What began as a drill became a true emergency rescue when Adam’s foot was entrapped and he spent twentyfive minutes underwater. It took a team of people to free his foot and bring him back above water. That much time without oxygen usually means certain death.

It was a catastrophic injury for Adam. For three weeks he was comatose and on life support, his survival unsure.

Once he made it through the initial trauma, he was sent to a rehabilitation hospital for six more weeks, and then discharged. Without words, without the ability to eat by mouth, muscles stiff and body rigid from the injury to his brain, Adam came home.

How do you make sense of such devastation, and how do you move forward? In the sixteen years since Adam’s injury, the Dzialos understanding of healing has changed, as well as their approach to therapy. Their core beliefs about life have transformed. Phil, a retired high school principal who once spent eight years in a religious order, and Sharon, a former school counselor, became explorers of both the inner and outer realms of healing.

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Miracles

Behind Adam’s bed trees sway in a light breeze outside the glass doors. Their dog, Ollie, a bischon poodle hybrid, lies curled at his feet. Phil slowly presses In her book, Ceramic to Clay: A mother’s search for authentic healing for her brain injured son, Sharon wrote against Adam’s upper thigh while Ollie watches.

In a soft voice, Sharon explains the effects of ABR on that the idea of miracles happening over a long period of her son as Phil demonstrates the technique. In sixteen time resonated with her at the beginning of their journey. years Adam has been hospitalized only once after When asked about it, Sharon had a lot to say about the exposure to a virulent bacterial pneumonia. He soon evolution of her understanding. resumed eating by mouth and lost the feeding tube. His “In the beginning, after the accident, I desperately breathing is much deeper with an expanded rib cage. wanted a miracle. I wanted someone to petition God or Before, the musculoskeletal system was collapsing the Universe on behalf of my beloved son. He would inward on itself, she explains.

He can now better avoid miraculously open his eyes, look around, smile and ask, the frequent respiratory issues that usually go hand in ‘What happened?’ Then he would return to his twelve hand with traumatic brain injury of this severity. year old life.”

Phil and Sharon are in their sixties now. She is “When the extent of Adam’s brain injury became beautiful and elegant with short cropped salt and pepper apparent, I recognized the raw and blunt truth. Adam was colored hair.

Beneath a calm exterior is a dogged pioneer severely injured and no one could tell us the outcome. I whose research saved their son years of fruitless switched gears and moved in the direction of therapeutic therapeutic approaches. Phil is still the strong, outspoken interventions in the world of rehabilitation.” warrior who fought systems and people in the early day.

“At this point in my life I don’t think that I would even use the word miracle anymore. As I review our life I He says, “I still fight for Adam, but the intensity is much, much less. More energy and much more time for care. can see that significant people and therapies appeared Sharon and I have balanced roles. It has taken a toll on when we needed them. I only needed to open my mind our bodies and minds, but without any regret and without and heart and I could see and hear what Adam needed, any anticipation of reprieve. And that’s ok.” what we needed, to continue to move in a healing direction. I identify more with the concept of synchronicity now, the perfect working of the Universe.” Acceptance Phil adds, “Adam’s ability to survive twenty five minutes without oxygen while entrapped underwater was In Ceramic to Clay, Sharon writes about acknowledging a miracle. His acceptance of his new life and immersion the difficulty of her new life. She shared more with me into it led us to many places and sources of energy. This about this. personal transformation, I now realize, was the miracle “The role of extreme caregiver is very intense. It was we were allowed to experience.” not fair to myself or others in the same situation to describe this role as anything but hard. Caregivers, in Recovery general, are not given the appropriate validation, attention or recognition. I am Adam’s mother and his In the beginning they worked with traditional caregiver. Most people can identify with the dependency therapists to relieve the pain of muscle spasticity until it of the infant, toddler or child, but when you have a was clear that Adam was not benefitting in a significant completely dependent adult, very few can understand this way from the typical treatments. In fact, they were role.” Sharon embraced it and says it has been one of causing additional pain and injury. During her research, amazing challenge and growth.

Sharon found Advanced Biomechanical Rehabilitation.

Phil cuts to the point. He says, “We have had other ABR uses an aggressive yet soft approach to options for Adam which would have made life easier normalizing the musculoskeletal structure after a brain such as adult day programs, nursing homes, personal care injury. This was the chance for a progressive plan of attendants and residential care. We choose full time change for Adam. They traveled to Canada for intensive shared care giving because any of those options would trainings. Rather than splinting, casting and other ways of have been a death sentence. Adam has needs for forcing the body into position, ABR uses gentle pressure adjustments to his body that only we understand. to effect slow change. They began to see progress.

Communication is subtle and through body language and In a testimonial video that Phil and Sharon did for facial expression. Even the closest people cannot read other parents interested in the therapy they’ve chosen for these signals and without the ability to read and Adam, Phil rolls a therapy ball across Adam’s lower leg. understand, trips to the ER would be regular occurrences.

There are several sizes and shapes used in ABR, usually Home is the safest place and we are the safest people.” rolled over the top of a thin piece of rubber material placed on the area being treated.

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Peace and Purpose

They are also enriched by the relationship with Adam’s older sister, Aimee. She was fourteen at the time of the accident and immersed in adolescent life. It was tough for Sharon describes how Adam’s recovery is connected to her own. “Over the years I felt such an intense need to make her to have life change so drastically. Over the years she sense of the events in our life, to find meaning and purpose, met the typical milestones of school, career, marriage and to transcend the daily grind and routine. Once I understood now motherhood. Sharon says that Aimee is their reminder that Adam’s healing must encompass body, mind and spirit I that life goes on, and they celebrate each new phase with her. It helps balance their life of caregiving to have their also accepted that for myself. I realized that I had to open daughter, son-in-law and beautiful, blue eyed those parts of myself, heal them, or I could not be present granddaughter, Evie with them for the ride. They are for Adam.” another reason for Adam’s exuberant smile.

Phil feelings are nuanced. “Healing doesn’t mean that you are less resentful about those who made promises to be there for you for the long run, or that the ‘chronic sorrow’ of Connection a living loss is more palatable. It’s gaining the strength to see that those issues matter less than the caring in which At the top of Phil’s blog is a picture of Adam. A very you are engaged.” large photograph of him with a huge smile, and clear, bright As for Sharon, she says, “We searched for people who eyes. There are also visible wrist contractures. He’s in a would guide us, not only through the maze of therapeutic wheelchair. It’s sometimes hard for the uninitiated to interventions but into the spiritual world. It felt like home. understand that joy and love are compatible with such Whether I am practicing yoga, doing a walking meditation, drastic bodily changes. having readings, finding books and articles and mentors, I “So few people are comfortable around Adam. Hello and am always searching for strength, meaning and purpose in goodbye is what most folks offer. Adam loves people to talk this lifetime. I would like an easier ride next time!” with him, but most can’t move out of their own comfort Their goals for Adam are pared down and focused. They zone to speak to someone who cannot talk back. He speaks work towards comfort in his body and the ability to enjoy with his eyes, believe me,” Sharon says. the things that make him happy. I think that unless you’ve People are often afraid of disability and weakness. If cared for someone so completely dependent past infancy they could just step close enough and engage with Adam you don’t really comprehend the joy of these seemingly and others like him, their fears might evaporate like the small things. It’s about healing, not fixing. morning mist in sunlight. He is not a lesser person because of the effects of his injury. His humanity and divinity are intact. Phil and Sharon work to ensure that his health and Simple Joy dignity are as well.

Sharon describes Adam’s communication. “It’s quite loud.

Happy, sad, bratty, uncomfortable, headachy or grumpy.”

Carolyn Murray is a Adam still loves the movies he enjoyed as a twelve year registered nurse and writer. old. The Mighty Duck series never gets old, and he laughs at Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler movies. He loves the ever Over the past twenty years irreverent humor of his son. she has written articles for Sharon says it’s very easy to make him smile. “You Nursing Magazine, The merely get in his face, acknowledge his presence, do American Journal of something silly (or not) and he meets you with his beautiful smile. We take him to movies and we go for walks or sit on Nursing and various online our deck. He watches the breeze off the pond move the tree forums. In 1994 ARE Press branches and the sun sparkling on the water. He has his published her book, Walking moments of feeling uncomfortable and we help him with the Spiritual Walk, a record of her own experiences this. Generally, he is peaceful, calm and happy. Oh, and he also smiles when he sees beautiful women.” in relationships, work and life. Carolyn began Their days have a rhythm. Along with occasional help writing about parenting and disability in 1998 after from the caregiver that’s been with them for fifteen years, the birth of her son, Daniel, who has multiple the Dzialos do several hours a day of loving, hands-on ABR disabilities related to a rare brain disorder. She loves work with Adam. At night, a machine gently inflates and deflates to continue the softening of his muscles. Phil and hearing from others engaged in extreme parenting, Sharon have quiet dinners out together. She walks the beach and welcomes your emails. She can be reached at and reads avidly. It’s a busy and purposeful life. Phil is holisticnurse82@yahoo.com. Carolyn lives in active with an online community and many support groups Florida with her family. for families impacted by brain injury, particularly near drowning. The two take separate and short vacations.

Sharon acknowledges that their life as caregivers is isolating, but both told me they are the other’s best friend.

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Love and the Natural World in Mary Oliver's Blue Horses

Reviewed by Teresa Piccari

BLUE HORSES By Mary Oliver Published October 14 2014 Penguin Press ISBN: 978-­‐1-­‐59420-­‐479-­‐1 $24.95

In Blue Horses, her new poetry collec1on released in mid October, lyric poet Mary Oliver con1nues her conscious rela1onship with the natural world, embraces a new love as she approaches 80, and encounters cancer.

In "LiGle Lord Love,” why, she asks “he with the arrows,/ has definitely shot the last one/ with my name on it/ straight to the heart/ now, when I am no longer young.../ why did you wait un1l now?"

Creeping stealthily "like a cat/on silent feet/ about my own house-­‐"/ in the poem "I Woke," the author peeks at her sleeping lover "your hair/ sprayed on the pillow.../ the most beau1ful thing/ that has ever been in my house."

As a reader I am stopped in my tracks, my mind progressing swiRly through the astrological wheel...Aries, Taurus, Gemini, taking in the gravity of "The Fourth Sign of the Zodiac," where a more serious game of stealthness plays out. "Why should I have been surprised?/Hunters walk the forest/without a sound.../ Just as the cancer entered my body,/ without a sound."

The Pulitzer Prize winner (American Primi2ve) navigates the seen and unseen worlds in a state of alert wakefulness as she muses on 1me and 1melessness from her perspec1ve of consciousness, which is derived more from her absolute reverence for nature, than from medita1on or yoga, although she playfully dabbles there also in this collec1on.

Like a master chef whose culinary talents may be best spotlighted in the crea1on of a simple dish such as a roasted chicken, Oliver's work aGains poe1c mastery by harnessing the elusive present moment and stretching it out, to depict how

human complexi1es and drama can yield to simplicity and be transformed by the salve of the natural world.

This slim volume swells with riffs on God, gods, love, angels, the rela1onships she has with birds, trees, stones. She tends these with a curious, child-­‐like simplicity and gratefulness. What a wonder it must be for Oliver to close the door to her home and enter her church of the natural world, each 1me she goes for a walk. What a giR she offers her reader, with the poems that lay strewn along her path.

In "DriRing" she takes us by the hand on one of her jaunts, allowing us to bear witness to her process. "I was enjoying everything: the rain, the path/ wherever it was taking me, the earth roots/ beginning to s1r./ I didn't intend to start thinking about God,/ it just happened./ How God, or the gods, are invisible,/ quite understandable./ But holiness is visible, en1rely./ It's wonderful to walk along like that,/ though not the usual inten1on to reach an answer/ but merely driRing."

The 1tle piece, "Blue Horses" is an ekphras1c poem inspired by a pain1ng by the late soldier and war vic1m, Franz Marc, part of the Blue Rider group of painters. Stepping into the art work and engaging the horses, Oliver admits, "I would rather die than try to explain to the blue horses/ what war is.../ I do not know how to thank you, Franz Marc./ Maybe our world will grow kinder eventually./ Maybe the desire to make something beau1ful/ is the piece of God that is inside each of us."

God, smaller gods and angels appear on her journeys. In "Forgive Me," she muses that "Angels are wonderful but they are so, well. aloof./ It's what I sense in the mud and the roots of the/ trees, or the well, or the barn, or the rock with/ its citron map of lichen that halts my feet and/ makes my eyes flare, feeling the presence of some/ spirit, some small god, who abides there./ If I were a perfect person, I would be bowing/ con1nuously."

In contempla1ng their existence in "Angels," the poet declares, "You might see an angel any1me/ and anywhere. Of course you have/ to open your eyes to a kind of/ second level, but it's not really/ hard.../ I don't care how many angels can/ dance on the head of a pin. It's/ enough to know that for some people/ they exist, and that they dance."

Like a favorite walk, this is a volume a reader can return to to be reminded of the wise world that beckons, to help us transcend the human din, just beyond our doorstep.

Teresa Piccari is a writer, teacher and crea1vity coach. A na1ve Philadelphian, she lives in coastal Maine.

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Traveling with Purpose

By Jennie Krasse

The Glebe -­‐ Luss Scotland Photos Copyright 2010 Jennie Krasse

Many of us love to travel, to see new places and meet new people. Some of us travel to decompress from our stressful lives to take the 1me to gain perspec1ve. And then some of us simply have travel imprinted in our DNA and / or are astrologically giRed with the quest of travel.

Some years ago I started planning travel adventures that were more than a “vaca1on”. I needed and wanted to reconnect to my physical self, to my soul and to the planet – Sacred Travel. Our ancestors seemed to have possessed knowledge on the impact of architecture and direct placement that we in our modern technology age have forgoGen. This planet is a matrix of lay lines weaving a delicate intense lance work connec1ng specific points.

Since the theme of Inner Tapestry Journal is New Beginning – let’s take a walk to the Luss Glebe located in Luss, Scotland. Scotland is one of those magical places where the old and the new are 1ghtly bound together.

Here you will see the Ancient Cel1c Spirituality in harmony with modern Chris1anity. According to history Saint Kessog brought Chris1anity to Luss in 510 A.D. Kessog’s martyrdom at the hands of druids in 520 AD transformed Luss into a place of pilgrimage, gaining the aGen1on of King Robert the Bruce. The saint’s crozier was taken into baGle by the Scots army in the most famous of all the baGles of the Wars of Independence,

Bannockburn, whose 700th anniversary was just this past June 2014.

As in anything in Scotland how you get there is all part of the journey. Starting at the Loch Lomondside village of Luss .

You wind round un1l you come to a wooden bridge. As you cross the bridge, you cannot but feel the spiritual presence of this place begin its cascade over you like fine mist, covering you as you step off the bridge and onto the pilgrimage path. This sanctuary was created as part of a project to mark the 1500 years of Chris1anity presence in Luss. At the beginning of the winding path is a beau1ful Cel1c Cross.

The upper part of the cross contains Chris1an symbols including the dove of peace, the grain of wheat, the fish symbol of the early Church, the chalice and the candle of hope. Also included is the Luss Lily, an iris only to be found on this glebe. Below the lily are other faith symbols, not all of which are religious; they spell out the word ‘co-­‐exist’. What is a pilgrimage but learning to co-­‐ exist with where you have come from and who in this life you become? As you walk this winding path, you are transported into a realm of consciousness. A place where you can unwind layers and examine, do you wish to keep them or integrate them into your being. At every marker there is another sign of harmony and integra1on.

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One of the things I adore about Scotland is how she lets her natural beauty shine, a fallen log, a collec1on of rocks perfectly balanced. When I first encountered the glebe, there were many changes going on in my life, new role at work, circle of friends changing, new things coming and going at lightning speed. My friend Jane gently put her hand on my back and said “Go Walk the Glebe, Counter clockwise first , and then clockwise.”

With that she gave me a liGle push and I started to walk the spiral path. As I was walking the first thing I was aware of, was that I was “aware”. My senses came alive.

I smelled the wet grass, wood, mushrooms, and flowers.

My eyes began to see shades of green and shades of color. I was keenly aware of the color of the sky, the color of the woods, the color and shapes on the miscellaneous rocks on the path, the ground beneath my feet. As I walked further – I felt like I was the only one in the glebe at that moment. My mind suddenly cleared and all the chaGer of things brewing leR. About half way through I realized I needed to co-­‐exist with myself. I turned so I could see the magnificent cross with its stained glass colors behind the sun. I needed to co-­‐exist with my physical world and mental world, truly reconnect to the soil, the air, and the sounds. My New

Beginning began that day. As I finished my first pass and came back to my friend, Jane, I felt lighter, clearer more authen1c. Jane smiled a knowing smile and said “Now go back around counter clockwise, no1ce if anything changes.” So off I went again around the pathway. Now I had just finished walking it – but walking this way it was like discovering a whole new way of looking at things-­‐ Jane calls it looking from behind the mirror instead of looking at the mirror. So many 1mes our reflected percep1on is skewed but going to the other side and looking from behind the mirror gives you a whole new perspec1ve. It’s raw, and true and you see exactly what needs to be seen, this path opens up your heart.

Halfway through I felt these deep sobs come from the boGom of my toes, but here in this peaceful Glebe where everything co-­‐exists – I leR my sorrow behind and it was answered with compassion, harmony and joy. Birds began to sing, the wind began to blow, I could hear the water nearby even more. All of this allowing me to unwind the wrappings of so many things. The last part of the walk I was skipping and smiling. Feeling free.

Sacred Travel is a wonderful way to reconnect to the planet as a whole. It allows you to remember a 1me when all things began with the heart of the planet.

Jennie Krasse, International Tour Consultant Jennie has an extensive background in group ritual, earth connections and energy work. She is of Czech and Scottish descent. Currently she lives in Maine, lectures, teaches and conducts consultation for clients and businesses.

Upcoming Scotland Tour Join Dr. Meg Blackburn Losey in Scotland! July 4 -­‐ 12, 2015 Come with us to experience the Magic of Ancient Caledonia! You will be able to experience firsthand the Powerful Energy Spots that fill Scotland and be able to connect to the energy of them. This will be the trip of a Life1me!

Sacred Travel Tour informa1on – please visit us at www.nualacenter.com

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THE NEXT STEP

By Sue Yarmey, Energy Translator

From the very beginning, you are taught to take things “one step at a time”. From learning to crawl to learning to walk, to being able to run, you are encouraged to move slowly. Each step you take in life is designed to take you forward to a better life. As you age, you are still told to take small steps. Most have heard the adage of “don't bite off more than you can chew”. When you review how you were taught, and how those lessons have stayed with you, you will also note that there were times when you just didn't have the patience to take it slow! Most teens want to be older so they can have more privileges. Who didn't want to drive before legal age? You were impatient waiting to be old enough to drink, or to vote. Often, once you get to the “right” age, the attraction dims. In fact, as you age, you fall back on those lessons and start slowing down again, taking it one step at a time. You are not in such a hurry to make up your mind, take a risk, or do something crazy. Most older people want to be younger.

Most younger people want to be older. It seems to be the dilemma of being human.

In this new year, you'll want to be rushing ahead in your personal, spiritual growth and taking giant steps to get there as quickly as possible. You want to bask in the sunshine of a new year finding joy in all things. Once again, however, it is time to take the advise of all those who have come before, and learn to take things one step at a time. If you, like many others, felt that 2014 was a challenge, by taking one step at a time, you will be able to approach the new year with a new attitude and a new strength.

For the most part, 2014 was a year designed to get people and planet prepared for change. As you know, preparation for change is not always pleasant. In fact, most people resist any kind of change that they do not initiate. Just take a look at how the planet has changed.

Take a look at the environment, the economy, politics and the world order, all of which were turned upside down.

The changes in the weather patterns created cranky people since the “usual” wasn't usual any more. There were more volcanoes, more earthquakes, more natural disasters than we had seen in a very long time. The economy was in constant flux as the middle class began to disappear and the super rich began to flex their muscles and make themselves better known. The United States Congress accomplished one of the least productive years in history much to the dismay of the American people. No one wanted to take responsibility for their actions and for

many there were no consequences for inappropriate action. Greed seemed to be the order of the day. Anger went hand in hand with greed and many people began to give up. However, there were also those who finally had enough of these negative changes and they began to organize for a more positive outlook. Although most of the world seemed to be struggling with many of the same issues, they began to come together in their need to right some wrongs. If you're reading this, you are one of those people!

You are a microcosm living on the macrocosm. With the many energy changes throughout the year, there was no way you could have avoided all these problems. You had to be effected by what was going on. If you review your year, you will discover that nothing was as expected. It seemed that everything that was always done in one way now needed to be done another way. Nothing stayed the same. Much of what you experienced called on your inner strength and a great deal of patience. So, like a child once again, you just wanted to skip ahead and hurry out of whatever event left you struggling. You wanted to have things “over with” so you could get what you “really” wanted.

What do you really want? Some of you are so wrapped up in surviving that you are not aware of how to live.

Your day to day struggles revolve around money, paying bills, getting out of (or into) debt and keeping up with expectations. Some of you are so into the material that your spiritual side is ignored, and not even recognized as important. You consider yourself practical, responsible, and a realist. The reverse can also be true. Your attitude toward survival could be “why bother”. You have given up and feel you are insignificant. You can be so caught up in being “good” or “spiritual” that you lose sight of living in the 3-D world. You think every thought and action has to be saintly!

Please be aware that the root desire of all people is peace.

Your inner thoughts and feelings are constantly creating.

Think magnetism. Your thoughts and feelings are joined by other similar thoughts and feelings. It is important to know what you hold in your mind and in your heart.

What happens around you is directly related to those thoughts and feelings. Since you created all those things that you didn't want, it's time to create what you say you really want.

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Whenever you build, you must start at the bottom and work your way up. All the work that you have done, all the changes that you have allowed, as well as those you have resisted will be revisited as the new year continues.

This re-visitation is not about “testing” you. It's all about making sure you learn to create your true wishes and desires. This is a time to be sure of where you put your energies and what you allow to rule your world. The next step in this case is taking the time to list the positive highlights from your life in 2014. By doing this, you will be able to get a better handle on the new foundation you have created for 2015 and a clearer picture of what you really want..

Admit it. Underneath that “I don't care” demeanor is the control freak! Giving up control feels like you'll be out of control That's NOT true. Giving up control means you'll get away from the old thoughts and actions that have already proven to you that they don't work. Allowing this new energy in will help you, like the song says, to feel and see, without the worry of trying to hold!

Be aware that the energy that is now coming to the planet is something that we have never seen before. It is here to add to the foundation you have started. With that knowledge, it is important to find new ways to incorporate this energy into the very fabric of your being.

Like this publication's name, you need to learn to weave this new energy into the tapestry of your life. To quote some of the lyrics, written by Carole King (hopefully some of you will remember):

Your next step is allowing this new energy to enter into your being – physical and spiritual. When you have a twinge or discomfort in your physical body, allow the energy to move on through and be grateful for how short lived the discomfort is. Breathe through these changes with the light of this new energy allowing all of it to move through you and back out to the universe. When you start feeling things that don't seem to be yours, know that the energy is working with your spiritual self. At these times, it is important to allow yourself to embrace those feelings so that they can also move through your energy and back out to the universe. Allow yourself to believe in the impossible. You have more abilities than you know, and it is time to learn how to use them. Open your heart and find within yourself the courage and patience to take the next step.

“My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue An ever lasting vision of the ever changing view A wondrous, woven magic in bits of blue and gold A tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold” All your experiences make up your life's tapestry. There is nothing to be wasted, nothing to change. Grab onto the magic and take the next step. Learn what it means to ALLOW. Sounds simple, doesn't it? However, you like to control the how, the why and the when of things.

Know that 2015 can be your best year yet! It promises to help you, with all others who are thinking, acting, and feeling like you, to begin creating a world where peace will be the outcome. No matter what you say you really want, peace is part of that formula.

If you're working on finding your next step and wish to share your experience or ask for some guidance, let me know.

Sue Yarmey – Energy Translator/Channel/Psychic Sue has been interpreting universal energy for more than 40 years. She offers guidance for the 3D world by accessing the various faceted levels of energy. Using all her sensory perceptions as well as occasional physical tools she counsels people in the now, offering insight into the current dynamics of a situation acting as a reflection of a persons lessons.

Sue is a 1975 graduate of the Institute of Psychorientology, and a shaktipat initiate of Anandi Ma. She was Portland, Maine’s original radio psychic with an educational call-in show and on-air readings. She developed a 3-hour call in show on metaphysical topics, did call in readings on WTHT and daily “Tarot of the Day” updates. FMI: Sue Yarmey, 207-284-9498, www.sueyarmey.com or sue@sueyarmey.com Photo of Sue taken in the Arkangel Chair

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Notes from a Journey in Progress Neanderthal DNA, Diabetes & the Zombie Apocalypse

By Curtis White Scientists have discovered a connection between having Neanderthal genes and being at higher risk for certain diseases. ‘Apparently, [Neanderthals] passed on variants involved in type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease and curiously - smoking addiction.’ This, according to a Harvard University study, as reported in BBC News on January 29th 2014.

It just so happens that I have a wicked tobacco addiction, have had trouble with Crohn’s-like symptoms since my early 20’s and was diagnosed with Diabetes about six months ago. So, when I saw this news story it piqued my interest.

Not least of which, because it may indicate that I’m part Neanderthal.

I didn’t end up with the physique of my Neanderthal ancestors. They had robust, barrel chests, large noses and strong, powerful limbs. I’m 5’ 8’’, 165 lbs. with a pug nose. But, I do have large knee caps. So, at least I’ve got that going for me.

When I was diagnosed I was not overweight, and was eating healthily. Relatively. But had I known I was part Neanderthal, I might have cut out the cola a lot quicker and would never have taken that first drag of a cig back in college.

Genes can tee you up pretty nicely for all sorts of things, good and bad. They can put you at risk for disease or addiction. But they can also give you an edge in being a great athlete, in having the kind of memory that helps you win pub quizzes, or the kind of mind that can do quick mathematical calculations in your head. None of which apply to me, by the way. Except pub quizzes. I’m alright at pub quizzes.

must be staggering. It may be that in 10,000 years, a descendant of mine will be able to levitate 5 feet off the ground at will- when his peers can only achieve a scant 2 feet- all because of some ‘faulty’ Neanderthal gene that I passed down.

If that happens, I hope he remembers to take a quick trip back in his time machine to say thanks. And maybe bring me back a half-decent sugar substitute from the futurewhich, 10,000 years may be just long enough for them to develop.

Since the diabetes diagnoses, which I’ve taken to calling ‘the betes’ (I figure if it can claim my toes someday, I should at least be allowed to give it a nickname) I’ve stopped all the sugary drinks, and stick with water. I don’t eat a bunch or processed stuff, and choose whole grain options wherever possible. Fibre is my friend, and I watch sugar like a super hero with x-ray eyes. (Apparently, Neanderthals had larger eye sockets and more brain development in regions controlling sight, so I’m in luck there.)

Gone are the days when they were viewed as carnivorous, gore-covered savages who went around bashing each other’s skulls in for a laugh. Now, with many more discoveries being made about their culture, it appears they were a bit closer to humans than previously thought. They ate their veggies, for a start.

Maybe uncomfortably closer to us than we thought. After all, a great many of us have distant kin who found enough in common with them to shack up, at least for a night.

But, then it’s how you use your genetic inheritance- how you choose to invest it- that will determine whether it pays dividends or ends up costing you.

They must have had game, in other words. And good for them. With their pronounced brow ridges and strange facial features, they might have had an uphill battle in the courtship department. But, whatever they were doing evidently worked, because up to 20% of the Neanderthal genome survives, in various fragments, within the human genome, according the study cited above.

The world is awash with people who have all sorts of talents they don’t develop and don’t use- or don’t even know they have. The potential that exists in human DNA

Their genes must have brought something to the partyshinier teeth, stronger toenails, sexier dance moves. It’s hard to say.

Neanderthals Gave Us Disease Genes, from BBC Science News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25944817

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I don’t know. All I do know is that if the zombie apocalypse comes around, maybe some hearty Neanderthal genes will come in handy. Maybe, because of my DNA, a diet of toasted cockroach eggs will really suit me- keeping me strong for those long nights listening to the scratches of the undead outside the walls of whatever flop-house I’m huddled up inside with a group of strangers.

And maybe if I do get bitten, I might not turn into a zombie. I might just get bronchitis or my toenails would fall off.

Inconvenient, sure; but, survivable.

And in the zombie scenario, quitting smoking would be a cinch. I don’t see a post-apocalyptic society investing in tobacco cultivation as a first priority. Sure, eventually, someone in Virginia would fire up a tobacco farm, but not before I’d have had many moons to quit. Initially, the stock that remained would be sold at super high prices by shady characters wearing eye patches. And I certainly wouldn’t be willing to trade my toasted cockroach eggs for them, since they’d have been keeping me in such good health all that time.

The point, if I can be said to have one, is that there are all sorts of untapped potentials in people, and things which initially may seem like deficits, can ultimately, if even only in parallel universes or in the lives of our distant descendants, be potential benefits.

So, my advice to myself- and to all those with ‘faulty DNA’ - is to think about these flawed genes with less severity. Sure, my Neanderthal forebears may have left me wide open to murder by Mars Bar, but who knows what else their genes might offer me in the days ahead when the undead roam the streets looking for fresh brains to eat. And, in the meantime, if I just keep eating well and take care of myself, I’ll probably be alright.

Curtis White lives in Portstewart, Northern Ireland. He is a freelance copywriter and an internationally ranked Chutes and Ladders Champion (Grandmaster, 1st Class). Well, no. That’s not exactly true. He doesn’t play competitively. Not anymore. Not since that time in Istanbul when things got tragically out of hand. He’s given up that world now. Sure, he occasionally misses the razzle-dazzle of the competitive board games circuit. The women. The cars. The cash. But, he rolled the dice. He took his turn at the table and in the end he wound up with more ladders than he did chutes. And that’s the main thing. His email address is cwwhite78@gmail.com

Experience the transformational magic of The Steelgraves at

Transform 2015! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxx

March 20 & 21, 2015 Portland, Maine to benefit The HeartGlow Center

Tickets on sale now!

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P P utting your

assion to work

By Mark Storck

We leisurely stroll through life and think, “I know what passion is.” Your initial memory of passion may be your very first girlfriend…in second grade. The next: maybe a trading card collection or bag of marbles. Passion can be a fickle and fleeting thing. One day you’re excited, animated and motivated. The next, you trip over that damn soapbox and kick it aside.

No, real passion is something different. Nothing you can lay your hands on, but never the less, more real.

Let us look at history. Can you imagine Leonardo di Vinci painting the “Mona Lisa”, without passion? Martin Luther King, certainly he was a man of deep conviction and passion, as was every other civil rights activist of the time. Or how about the ecologist, the one fighting for the very health and survival of all things, organic or otherwise, are they of a passionate nature, as well?

Passion is not always for the greater good. War for example, is there really passion in the act of committing to the slaughter of countless soldiers and innocent civilians? And those very soldiers, marching lock step into battle…where do their passions lie? As we can see, passion can be for good or for evil. Most of today’s life-saving medical procedures were created with a passion to save lives. Some of the most heinous atrocities committed by mankind, upon mankind, were from the deepest-seated passions.

What in our make up as human beings, gives us this innate ability to not only survive, but do so with gusto?! PASSION! How do we identify it? What are the markers and once you recognize it, how do you proceed?

Passion is recognized by most, as a strong feeling of enthusiasm for something. It can also be an intense feeling of romantic or sexual desire for someone. Wow, could we be any more vague?

This definition allows us to run the gamut of human experience.

Precisely.

Passion is as individual as your own fingerprints. Something uniquely personalized and wholly you. The amazing wonder and power of passion is: it can be shared and spread by all!

Mankind has been tossing around a particular, esoteric word for centuries. Using it as cavalierly as you would any other word.

However, this provocative word comes with something more attached to it…personal power. The word?: intuition. It is that innate ability to understand something from a feeling, rather than conscious reasoning. Some call it a hunch, others a gut feeling.

No matter how you choose to define this word, you cannot deny its influence. Some will refute its very existence, claiming it is not INNER TAPESTRY JOURNAL

based on the scientific method. Cops, psychics and mothers have used this instinctive nature since time immemorial. Believe it, practice it, and use it. Passion depends on it.

Passion can give life a feeling of purpose and continued hope.

Your every breath being dedicated to the one thing that brings your focus to a fire-hot pinpoint. When you wake in the morning and are dressing for work, you no longer feel that nagging dread of another day wasting your life away. For you know the meaning of passion.

I would like to share a true story with you. Earlier this year, in Oakland, California, a nursing home was callously shut down without consideration of the residents. So much so, the administrators and nurses forgot sixteen elderly patients were still in habitation, with nowhere to go. The janitor and a cook from the facility were so taken aback by the sudden departure of support staff, that they took it upon themselves to care for the panicked atrisk population, some of which were suffering the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. For three solid days, these two charitable gentlemen administered medications, served meals, cleaned soiled garments and put the residents to bed. The men were not compensated for this duty, nor were they consulted as to their own personal wishes. They heeded the call of something deep inside, something greater than monetary recompense or accolades of public approval. Together, they agreed to help those caught in a nightmare of red tape. Finally, after three sleepless days and nights of selfless care and concern, the fire and sheriff’s departments took responsibility of the elderly residents.

From where did this generosity and concern spring? What was the point in the conversation, when these two men mutually knew their course of action? Was it even verbal?

Could this be passion, too?

There must be a point, in all our lives, when we stand for what we feel is right and just.

It may be the boss that has been badgering you, or the bullies on the playground delighting in making a disabled kids life even more miserable. Have you ever been witness to one of these inequities? Or have you been the brunt of one person’s personal torment?

The feelings inside you well up, like a balloon with too much air, until finally…BOOM! You explode in a torrent of uncontrolled emotions, none of which you have power over. The resulting aftermath is nothing you could have predicted. A cathartic release has left you feeling spent, even frightened. That my fellow traveler; is the very raw, very real, unadulterated essence of passion.

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First, let us identify what gives rise to your passion. You might want to actually sit down and make a list. Look at this list with a critical eye of discernment. Ask yourself some tough questions and give the honest answers. No need being dishonest with the one person who really knows. Be ready for some hot tears, as well. Delving into the “inner you,” deeply enough to find passion, can release some hidden emotions you never realized had been couched.

With time, you will learn passion is more of a visceral journey, than a singular emotion. Okay, say you have found what feeds the fire in your belly, now what? Where do you go from here?

Two words: baby steps. Anything taken to extremes is not going to support your better self. Jumping into a new interest, especially with emotional blinders on, can lead to heartache and disappointment.

Research…research…RESEARCH! Have I made my point?

Building a good knowledge foundation is key for any new endeavor. If it is political, look into the facts, on BOTH sides of the platform. This can give you a perspective of unbiased observation. From this station, you have an understanding of the issues of opposing factions and can come from intelligent integrity, when commenting.

Perhaps you are positioning for a new and innovative medical procedure or treatment, which is quite controversial. Take off the rose-colored glasses and burn some midnight oil. If it is truly something worthwhile and you feel would make the world a better place, fill your head with facts and figures. Your opposition loves nothing more than to emotionally bait a situation, and knock your feet out from under you. This is where your hours and hours of research pay off. Calmly and coolly stating your position and backing it with irrefutable evidence, is the core to winning any argument. Once you have found this place, and your footing, passion comes into play in a BIG way.

There is nothing more satisfying than being challenged by someone who blindly believes in his or her viewpoint, than to counter that position with a heart-felt argument, based on facts and reason. The final triumph is to have them see your point of view, not necessarily bringing them to your camp, but possibly agreeing on the talking points and parting with mutual respect for one another. No hard feelings and no bruised egos. This type of discourse is thrilling, yet beware the ecstasy of conquest, as passion can cut both ways.That is still a person on the other side of the adversarial isle. They have feelings, aspirations and yes… passion. Tempered with a course of civility, passion is useful

and manageable. Allowed to run unchecked; global warming, genocide and mass extinction of thousands of species can be the net result of passion gone awry.

Now that you have identified passion and realize its power and benefits, how are you going to apply it to your everyday life?

Begin by listening to your inner voice, that gut feeling we discussed earlier. Not the voice that echoes, “I want”, but the one that asks you to step outside your safe zone, to possibly be of service to others. Embarking on the adventure of community service or volunteerism is one that, until you experience the grime and grit of helping others, you will never know the thrill.

Living life through your own eyes and personal experiences is a path on which you can build passion.

Do you love to belt out ballads while driving in the car? Show tunes? If your voice is untested and you long to take to the boards, Community Theater might be your next passionate endeavor. We all can’t let our responsibilities fade in the rearview mirror as we motor to New York or Nashville, to make our big break. Working with others in our own community, to stage a production is not only the next best thing, it can be the VERY best thing…done with passion!

Is there a hobby you put on the back burner to work over time?

Consider picking it back up and putting your all into it.

Photography…painting…needlepoint…what hobby gives you butterflies in your stomach?

I have a friend that showed his interest in carpentry, on a very small scale. He was so adept with his hands, he settled on dollhouses. The dollhouses he produced became something more than just an occasional weekend project. He built miniature furniture, tapestries and even detailed the wallpaper.

Close inspection and macro photography could discern no differences between his dollhouses and their full size counterparts. His passion was so great; dollhouse building became his full time vocation.

While most of us are not going to throw our entire lot into a pastime or hobby, we CAN express our passion for living in the everyday things we do.

So, the next time you are out taking that evening stroll and your sense of injustice is piqued by someone littering or your nose catches the faint whiff of freshly planed pine boards, you might ask yourself, “where do my real passions lie?”

Mark Storck is a writer, photographer, and philosopher. He is a founding director of The HeartGlow Center and lives in the lakes region of Maine with his wife, Deb, and daughter, Raegan.

An avid freedom fighter, Mark is known to speak passionately about issues important to improving our world. You can find Mark on the internet at My Divine Source.

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MINDFUL HOME

By Lindsay Neithercut

What’ll It Be; Your Stuff or Your Life?

Happy New Year! Let’s start the year by taking a journey together exploring what it means to have a mindful home.

The creation of a home that supports us through all of life’s experiences. When we are ‘mindful’ we are “aware of something that may be important”. Your home provides safe haven to the significant people in your life – you, and your family.

In today’s busy world, we all perform a balancing act every day, with work, school, commuting, chores, maintenance, errands, homework, family time, self-care, and recreation. Its disappointing that family time, care of ourselves, and fun are losing the battle to more demanding items on the never ending list. We all weave numerous activities into the fabric of our daily lives. The new year is a good time for each of us to reflect on what is most important. It’s a time of new beginnings. We get to choose what we weave. We can increase the quality of time, energy and space for the people and activities we hold dear. We create the colors and pattern in our own individual fabric through our mindful choices.

Comedian George Carlin once spoke of home being a place for our stuff. Whether you life in a large house, or a one-bedroom apartment, most of us have a lot of stuff. If you’re like me, you eventually gather stuff that isn’t used much, if at all. My husband and I have lived in our house for over nine years, and I have to admit we’ve managed to collect a lot of stuff which isn’t used, loved, or necessary. There’s the pair of silver plated champagne glasses that fit together into the shape of a heart. They were a wedding gift and must be polished and dusted and were never meant to be drank from. (eye roll) Then there is the old computer printer that hasn’t been used since we got rid of the desktop years ago. Baskets that collect dust and cobwebs, and shoes that were comfortable when I tried them on in the store. I no longer bake very often, but have two electric mixers, cake pans, cookie cutters, and cooling racks.

And I’ll bet everyone has at least one item in their home like this – the electric ice cream maker I found marked down to the bargain price of $20. I brought it home, read the instructions and placed the drum in my freezer, dreaming of all the delicious flavors I would make. Two

years later, I took the drum back out of the freezer and packed it all back up in the box. It’s now somewhere in my attic along with old Halloween costume props, a tote full of my now 18 year old step-daughter’s stuffed animals, and boxes that haven’t been unpacked since we moved in.

We pay a mortgage every month to house all of our stuff.

If we didn’t have all that stuff, we’d likely have more money in the bank. If we had just what we needed and loved, maybe we could live in a smaller house, with a smaller mortgage, and fewer maintenance requirements.

We might feel more comfortable stepping into a totally new career that we love, that pays a smaller income.

It’s difficult in our society today to avoid the consumer trap that surrounds us almost everywhere we go.

Advertisements on television, radio, and in print media seduce us with all of the marvelous things we surely cannot live without; restaurant meals, snack foods, clothing, toys, perfumes, electronics, loans and vacations.

All will be better if you buy this item, they insinuate.

You’ll be richer, thinner, sexier, happier, and more popular, with thicker hair and better erections. Yet many of these items cross the threshold of our homes and rarely live up to expectations. They might be used for a short time, then wind up on a shelf requiring dusting, or in a closet taking up our precious space. Or, they might be like my bargain ice cream maker that never got used and was really just a waste of $20. Yet we put our energy into them. How many hours did we work to earn enough money to purchase the item, and what joy did it bring to our lives? The stuff we make space for in our homes, and take our time to wash, or dust, takes time and energy away from someone, or something we love more. Just make sure those items are worthy.

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Let’s all take a hard look at our homes, and see what works for us and supports us, and what is just taking up space and our life energy. If we pare down to what we use, need, and love, we make room in our homes and in our lives, and we free up some of our energy and time. By doing so we expand our potential. We can create more energy and time for doing what we love.

What would you do, if you were free to do as you pleased? Coach your child’s Little League team, take a cooking class, be a Scout leader, an entrepreneur, a Big Brother/Sister, an inventor, world traveler, marathon runner, volunteer? Now I’m not suggesting you go live in a yurt or join the Tiny House Movement, unless that’s your vision. But why not take a look around at what you have created thus far, and ask yourself if you’d like to make any adjustments, or outright changes, or just make it better. At the same time, think about what you love, and what your visions are.

The perfect way to start this journey, at the beginning of a new year, is to start sorting through our stuff, rediscovering all that we love, and identifying all that we don’t love. What are we ready to let go of? Involve your family; after all, some of that stuff is theirs. Once you get in the groove, it’s easy and feels fantastic to let go of the dead weight.

Here are five easy steps to show your stuff who’s boss.

1. Box brigade! Place three boxes in each room.

Recognize whether you need banana boxes, or refrigerator boxes. Label your boxes “Sell It”, “Donate It”, and “Toss It”.

2. Schedule one or more blocks of time. A weekend day is a great time.

3. Be methodical and look at every item. Don’t skip a closet or corner because it’s too daunting.

That’s the area that really needs your attention!

4. Be honest, ruthless even. Ask yourself : Do you love it? Do you use it? How frequently do you use it? Does it fit? If the item needs repairs, are you willing and able to make that happen? If the answer is no, it goes in one of your boxes.

5. When you’re finished, move the “Donate” and “Toss” items out of your home ASAP. Make a plan for the “Sell It” items and follow through, whether they’re going on EBay immediately or to a temporary holding area for a spring yard sale.

You’ll come across some things that you’re just not going to get rid of, but that you’re not actively using, such as old family photos, or a box of your now college-aged child’s artwork. Think creatively. What about making a framed collage out of it and hanging it in his or her old bedroom (or is it your new sewing room)? My mother has framed embarrassingly cute childhood tubby pictures of both my brother and I and hung them in her bathroom.

My brother’s is particularly funny – a bald, robust, pink

baby with a twinkle in his eyes filling a 1950’s era pink bathroom sink to overflowing. He’s a vision of delight.

She’s elevated two small but precious items from being part of the contents of another box on the closet shelf, to something that brings sweet memories and humor into her home.

When you’re finished, take a moment to savor how good it feels to release all that stuff you no longer loved or needed. Do something to celebrate. What were some of those things you’d like to do with your time and energy?

Treat yourself; you’re making room for more good things! Go hiking or sledding as a family, take a bath with that book, or watch a movie together.

Even if it’s not immediately apparent, you’ve made room for all manner of good things, good times, and good experiences for you and your family. You’ve consciously removed clutter and distractions from your home and from the pattern of your own personal fabric. Take notice of the remaining colors and patterns. They are uniquely and beautifully yours. In the future, when you consider any purchase or acquisition of new stuff, consciously decide whether those items fit with your vision for your life and are worthy of your time and energy. You are worth it!

Lindsay Neithercut is a writer and conscious living expert who relates to the struggle so many face today in finding the balance between career, responsibility, and passion/joy. After buying her house, all her careful planning evaporated when fuel costs exploded after Hurricane Katrina. Her vision fell further down on “The List” as it met reality and the budget, leaving her feeling lost. After reconnecting with her passion, Lindsay is tackling her life and home to re-align and make time for her passion and joy. Lindsay hopes others will be inspired by her experiences and make room for their own passions.

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Dear Diary, It's a new year! Nana Whacky keeps saying “Time flies when you're having fun” so I guess that means that I must be having plenty of it because it seems silly that I'm already seven. I really enjoy January because each year Nana, Brando and I sit down and do a process that we call “Review and Renew”.

What we do is make a cup of our favorite tea, gather in the living room with a notepaper and pencils and answer some questions. Brother Brando likes to be the one to read the questions while using special voices. This year he stood up like that picture of George Washington crossing the river with his soldiers and with a serious face and a deep voice he asked “What were you the most successful at last year?” after we giggle and roll our eyes we all start scribbling our answers onto our papers.

Later, when all of the questions have been asked we take turns sharing our answers with each other.

We have buckets of fun!! It's an entire afternoon of sharing and caring and learning about each other, and I keep my rag doll Faith with me so she can hear all the silliness, too.

I had no idea that Nana Whacky's favorite moment from last year was when I presented her with the vase I made with the help of JP. Whodathunkit? I also didn't know until I really thought about it that my own most funny moment last year was the time Brando, JP and I spent an afternoon baking cookies but accidentally used salt in place of the sugar and served them to Nana and her company. Oh my did we laugh as Nana's guest tried not to gag.

Once the review process is over we work on family goals. We talk about what we would like to do together as a team, we write sentences about those goals and then take quiet time to write out personal wishes, too. This year I'm asking for a new two-wheel bike for me and a new dress for Faith along with more time baking with Brando.

You know, dear diary, you just don't know the important moments in life until you take a minute to stop and think about them. I'm glad we do the Review and Renew process each year and I'm already excited about creating new memories for 2015.

Well, gotta run, I'm off to create a new memory with Brando. He wants to make a gigantic snowman that look like our pet raven, JP. This should be fun!

Sugarless cookies kisses, Miss Molly Kite (& Faith)

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FAMILY FUN: Do your own Review & Renew process as a family. Here are a few questions you can use to get you going.

What was your happiest moment from last year?

What was your saddest moment?

Who did you enjoy spending the most time with?

What was your favorite book, favorite color, favorite food?

What do you wish you could have done differently?

Did you accomplish your goals? Why or why not?

What goals do you hope to accomplish in 2015?

How much money do you want to save?

How much time do you want to volunteer?

How many books will you read?

Do you love the Dear Diary column and have questions for Molly Kite or Nana Whacky? We'd love to hear from you. Please contact the author of this column by emailing:tam@choosebigchange.com

Author, trainer and transformational speaker Tam Veilleux has been changing audiences with wit, wisdom, science and spirituality for several years. Her goal is to engage people of all ages in creating change by mastering the five areas of life through mindset management with EFT, NLP and energy principles. Her children's book “Molly Kite's Big Dream� , available at Amazon, encourages the dream, do, have of life for all ages by teaching the ABC's of Dreaming. For more about Tam or Molly Kite please visit: www.choosebigchange.com

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Art & Poetry Submitted by our Members and Readers

PRETENDING Aren’t you tired of pretending all the time? I know I am.

I am no longer a child; Pretending is not a game I want to play anymore.

It’s exhausting, it overshadows everything; It’s something I have come to abhor.

Aren’t you tired of pretending all the time? I know I am.

I will no longer hide in the corner, covered by other’s perceptions.

Your rules are no longer my guide; my compass lies within me.

My soul wants to be free from the dogma – it wants to sing, to soar.

Accept me for the person I am, not who you want me to be.

Aren’t you tired of pretending all the time? I know I am.

Time to cast off the chains and throw open the curtains.

It’s time to be set free. I have been hiding my light for too long.

The voice I listen to now is mine, not someone else’s.

I know this is my path and I should have been doing it all along.

I’m not pretending anymore.

Deb Guillerault live in Southern Maine. She is a lifelong student in the classroom of life. www.facebook.com/whitepeonyspirit

Photo by Mark D. Storck “Sunset at Highland Lake” Bridgton, Maine © 2015 42 INNER TAPESTRY JOURNAL

Winter 2015

www.heartglow.org

A benefit concert with

Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm Friday March 20, 2015

Portland, Maine

A part of Transform 2015 to benefit The HeartGlow Center

Tickets on sale now!

Doors open at 5pm for Transform 2015 Events Concert begins at 8pm

Tickets $20 advance $25 at the door, space is limited

3HAMANIC 7ORKSHOPS )NITIATORY 4RAININGS

X X

INFO SPIRITPASSAGES COM

WWW SPIRITPASSAGES COM

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Xxx xxxx xxX

New books by HeartGlow Members:

XX XX

XXXXX XXXXX

Meet these and other fantastic authors at Transform 2015!

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Authors Stones Connection Jewelry Readings Holistic Wellness Music Networking Gifts Angels Love Fun Book Signings

transform

速

2015

celebrate integrate rejuvenate

mind, body & soul

A two day benefit event featuring more than 20 Speakers, Authors & Self-Development Experts

Friday Night & Saturday March 20 & 21, 2015 Event will be held at Avant Dance & Event Center 865 Spring St. Westbrook, Maine

www.heartglow.org

Full event schedule and tickets available at www.heartglow.org or call (207) 776-4811 FMI

Seating is limited. Discount with advanced registration.

Proceeds benefit The HeartGlow Center, a 501c3 non-profit public charity dedicated to conscious living.

Special Benefit Concert by

Inanna, Sisters in Rhythm on Friday Night Doors open at 5pm for Transform Events Concert begins at 8pm Inanna Tickets $20 in advance $25 at door Full Conference Passes Available46