Voice of Choices Magazine by K Lowden

The Great Invocation From the point of Light within the Universal Mind Let Light stream forth into the minds of men. May Light descend on Earth. From the point of Love within the Heart Divine Let Love stream forth into the hearts of men. May God/dess return to Earth. From the center where the Will of God/ess is known Let purpose guide the little wills of men. The purpose which the Masters know and serve. From the center which we call the race of men Let the Plan of Love and Light work out and may it seal the door where evil dwells. Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

Monthly VOICE OF CHOICES Magazine

Publisher: Kathy Lowden info@voiceofchoices.org 1-877-236-4080 206-715-2824 Copy Editor - Jim Bacon

www.voiceofchoices.org Whether you define ‘spirit’ as enthusiasm or spirituality, Voice of Choices supports you in exploring the many options for creating and enjoying your life! We feature articles on alternative healing, personal development, spirituality and a wide range of topics focused on spirited living. Giving voice to the myriad of choices available in every moment, information is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, or prescription regarding disease, illness or injury. We recommend you see a licensed health practitioner if you have concerns about your health.

Voice of Choices Celebrating Life... With Spirit!

November 2008

Online at www .V oiceOfChoices.org www.V .VoiceOfChoices.org

Features 4 Dancing With Life Kathy ‘Whyte Wynde’ Lowden 5 Wanting What Life Wants Guy Finley 6 Ear Infections - Are Antibiotics the Best Choice? Kasara D’Elene 7 Awakening Your Inner Warrior 8 The Perfection of the Moment Isha 9 Empowering Your Politics Julie Hutslar 10 November Astrological Influences Carol Barbeau 11 Giving Thanks for What Is Erik Laurentz 12 Indigo Insights - Courage to Use Your Voice Rainbow Ice Bear 15 Say YES to Life Carrie Hart

Cover Art by Bryon Allen MandalaArts More art - Page 8

Voice of Choices Delivered to your door- page 13

Voice of Choices is not responsible for any situations arising from participation in or application of anything written or advertised in this publication. We welcome your contribution of articles and artwork, to be published on approval as space permits. Articles do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Subscriptions to are available for $25.00 per year / 12 issues (U.S. - inquire for International rates) We accept MC/Visa. money orders and personal checks. Thank you for all your good work. Blessings in all your choices. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Blessings in all Your Choices Thank You for Supporting Our Advertisers page 3

Voice of Choices November 2008

Blessings From

The Publisher Dancing With Life

Hello and Welcome! November 2008 - and as we live in the ‘Now’ - where did the past and future go? Many people asked me why I didn’t publish the ‘Blessings’ last month. I did. A single paragraph of my own and the wisdom of Kerry Patterson www.vitalsmarts.com speaking to the ‘Dance’ that has been life for many of us searching for the appropriate response to new situations. An incredible time in our physical world, Life seems to be dishing up a perfection that may look very different from what we thought we wanted. Energetic shifts impacting many aspects and levels of our beings are helping us to grow into new expressions of who we are. Everything is energy. We can label it ‘good’ or ‘bad’ reaping the rewards of those thoughts. We can accept or refuse the reality of the physical ‘illusion’. We can use our energy to ‘fight’ what is making each step a struggle and each day a new ‘death’ to our spirit. OR... yes, there is an ‘or’ (oar... for those up a creek without a paddle?) we can DANCE. My music may not be your tune. Your melody and rhythym may not even exist within the range of sound frequencies I can hear. And yet both are perfect for each of us in this moment. I may stumble trying to find the right steps and stay off your toes. You may already know all the steps. Perfect! It is your dance. It is my dance. We all choose. I too have been ‘unconscious’ as I struggled to find a way to make my version of reality understood by those I love most. As Byron Katie www.thework.com - explains: no one, NO ONE, can understand our feelings, our understanding, our views, actions or choices. NO ONE. When we believe we can somehow convince others to see through our eyes we choose to fight the reality of life rather than dance with it’s energy and gifts. There is a beautiful new ‘man’ in my life. Just by ‘showing up’ he has created the most incredible opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. He has taught me forgiveness and respect. I am learning to value myself and speak my truth - realize and live the accountability for my choices.... and the list goes on and on. Pretty amazing considering he’s just 2 months old. I have a grandson! Daniel is beautiful, healthy and the pride and joy of his parents. What a blessing. They are happy and learning to make the important choices that come with parenting. At this time I do not know how to dance to the song they hear. Those lessons are filled with love wrapped in ‘pain’ or ‘joy’ - depending on the thoughts I choose to think about what having a granson should ‘look like’. I can attempt to convince them of an apology they have not been able to hear. I could to try to convince them of my ‘truth’ and what I ‘see’ as the best way to walk through our ‘issues’ with the false precept that my dance, my music and my truth could or should be theirs. It’s taken almost two months - and this morning I woke up realizing “I got it”. Blessing their perceptions and honoring their choices, there is no reason to live with the pressure my thoughts have created. Struggling in a battle of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ - ‘my way’ or ‘your way’ - convincing those I love that I love them? There is no possible way to do that.

else should understand. Who is miserable if I do? What is served by struggling with what is? We can attempt to ‘jump and jive’ through a dance to music we cannot hear OR we can allow those who enjoy the music they hear to dance their dance in the way that best serves them and know that Love is all there is. As long as I continue to hold the resistance to what is - that resistance itself creates and feeds the energy of struggle. When I realease my need to be understood the tension disipates - just like in a game of tug of war. Life is presenting the opportunity for new ways to ‘be’ in Love. We strive for loving and being loved... unconditionally. Yet until that quality is tested how do we know the depth and meaning of unconditional love? When the going gets tough forget about shopping and find the love. Love for ourselves. Love that empowers and allows everyone their truth. Love that accepts, forgives, apologizes and loves even more. Each of us has our own ‘dance’.... our own struggle. Byron Katie also speaks to the idea that what we want from others, the judgments and opinions we hold of them, the expectations they cannot fulfill and be themselves.... are what we really need from ourselves. We are all mirrors for each other. With or without make-up and lipstick our reflections shine clearly... in the faces of those we love the most. My actions did not meet other peoples’ expectations. For not allowing my daughter her process without comment - I am sorry. For the realization that it’s no longer up to me to speak for her or stand up for her safety - I am grateful. There was truly more than one cord cut that night. The realization that my ‘truth’ is mine and theirs belongs to them releases me from my perception of a responsibility that wasn’t mine in the first place. Her mirroring back the feelings my actions created for her is helping me find a better understanding of myself and how that ‘self’ can best honor the sacred self that is my daughter. I trust there is a cosmic orchestra creating a new melody and dance that serves everyone’s highest and greatest good.

Testify to Love - Wynonna Judd All the colors of the rainbow All of voices of the wind Every dream that reaches out That reaches out to find where love begins Every word of every story Every star in every sky Every corner of creation lives to testify For as long as I shall live I will testify to love I’ll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above For as long as I shall live I will testify to love From the mountains to the valleys From the rivers to the sea Every hand that reaches out Every hand that reaches out to offer peace Every simple act of mercy Every step to kingdom come All the Hope in every heart will speak what love has done. With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above For as long as I shall live I will testify to love Blessings in all your choices Happy Thanksgiving, Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and Mahalo Kathy ‘Whyte Wynde’ Lowden

Each of us perceives life through our own perspective. Filtered through our ‘vision’ and colored by what we believe and feel to be real. That is how it is. There is no reason to present or argue my point believing someone

Voice of Choices November 2008

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Finding Your Way to Peace

Wanting What Life Wants Guy Finley

Everyone wonders whether or not there is one Great Secret for truly successful living. There is. And it is not a secret. It has been quietly, steadily telling itself right in front of us all along. We just couldn’t hear it over the clatter and chatter of our own secret demands. Listen quietly for a moment. Everything can change right now. Learning to hear this Supreme Secret is no more difficult than choosing whether to swim against a current or to let it carry you safely to the shore. Let it speak its wisdom to that secret part of you that cannot only hear what it is saying but that is, in reality, its very voice. Listen to it now. It is saying, “Want What Life Wants.” Think about it. Locked within these four simple words is the secret of an uncompromising power for effortless living; a new kind of power that never fails to place you on the winning side of any situation. Why? Because when you want what Life wants, your wish is for Life itself.

Now carefully consider what happens when you want what life wants: 1. You are never disappointed with what happens.

“What if I don’t like what life brings to me?”

2. You are always in the right place at the right time.

“Try to see that it is not what life has brought to you that you don’t like. It is your reactions that turn the gift of life into the resentment of it.”

3. You are quietly confident no matter what the circumstances. 4.

You are out of the reach of anger and anxiety.

“I don’t want to sound ungrateful but speaking plainly, I’m tired of being unhappy. What difference does it make why I feel this way?”

You are awake and sensitive to your surroundings.

“Because these unhappy feelings are born out of life failing to conform to your ideas of what you need to be happy. This shows you, if you will see it, that Life itself isn’t denying you happiness. It is your ideas about life that have failed you. Give up these wrong ideas instead of giving up on life. Be increasingly willing to see that they are nothing but a constant source of conflict. Your false nature will tell you that you must have these self-protecting ideas; that you can’t live without them or you will lose something valuable. What you must do, in spite of any such protest to the contrary, is to see that you can’t live with them. All you will lose is your unhappiness.” Here are two lists that will not only make these life-healing ideas more personal for you, but they will help you to help yourself make a higher choice when it comes to what you really want from life. It would be valuable to study and then compare the lists to each other. You may wish to add to either list some of your own insights, which I highly encourage you to do.

Let’s look at what happens When You Want What You Want: 1. You are often nervous and anxious because life may not cooperate with your plans. 2. You are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to get what you want, and this may include your integrity. 3. You are usually scheming in some way to win your next victory. 4.

You are either in a battle or recovering from one.

You are unable to rest quietly when you need to.

6. You are easily angered when someone or something gets in your way. 7.

You are forever driven to want something else.

8. You are against anyone else who also wants what you want. 9.

You are certain that what you have is who you are.

10. You are always trying to convince yourself that you got what you want.

6. You are free of ever feeling as though you’ve missed out. 7.

You are never thrown for a loss.

You are in total command of events.

You are mentally quiet.

10.

You are eternally grateful.

“Is there a simple guideline to follow when it comes to distinguishing between what Life wants and what I want? How can I easily tell which is which?” “Always remember the following. If any want is the source of anxiety or sorrow, that want is yours and not Life’s. If the want has pain, it is in vain. To let Real Life flood in, pull yourself out of the flood of self-wants that promise a future pleasure but only deliver a present pain.” “How do I pull myself out of the flood of my own wants?” “See that you are being washed away by them and you will grow tired of being bounced along. Here is a key. Never accept the presence of any mental or emotional suffering as necessary no matter how much importance these impostors lend to a particularly pressing want. By refusing their dark presence, you make space for the real Present. This is where the Life you want and that wants you is waiting.” Let Life bring you itself. Welcome it. At each instant, it is new, full –untouched and undiminished by any moment before it. To enter into this full relationship with Life is to give yourself to your Self. Fulfilling the true purpose of Life is fulfilling yourself. They are one and the same. Want What Life Wants. Excerpted from The Essential Laws of Fearless Living, Published by Red Wheel/ Weiser Books, 2008 Guy Finley is the best-selling author of more than 36 books and audio albums on self-realization.. The founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, a nonprofit center for self-study in southern Oregon, he gives four talks weekly. For more information visit www.guyfinley.org, and sign up to receive a free helpful newsletter emailed to your desktop once each week.

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Voice of Choices November 2008

Ear Infections

Are Antibiotics the Best Choice? Kasara D’Elene Kasara D’Elene Ear infections are very common among children and can also be with adults. I remember when I used to fly on airplanes a lot, I got ear infections every other month or so. What a lot of people don’t know is that you have several other options besides taking overused and abused antibiotics.

the lymph system, and if the lymph system isn’t draining properly, it can cause a buildup in the head, causing ear problems, sinus problems and headaches.

If you have an ear infection and take an antibiotic, you should then take a probiotic to repopulate the beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, that were killed when you took the antibiotic. It has also been proven that taking a probiotic when you have a respiratory infection can shorten it significantly and prevent future infections as well. Read more about this at: http://www.webmd.com/ cold-and-flu/news/20051107/good-bacteria-good-for-colds. Of course eating yogurt would be bad, however, because of the dairy, In fact, many recent studies state that antibiotics are being over- and the high percentage of sugar they put in yogurts. Instead, find prescribed, which is causing more health problems then they ini- a good probiotic at your local health food store. There are many tially solved. To learn more visit: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z- strains — acidophilus is just one; try to get a probiotic with more guides/using-antibiotics-wisely-topic-overview. than one strain for best results. Also I would recommend reading “The Lost Language of Plants” by Stephen Harrod Buhner. It explains how we are all ingesting Another very helpful supplement for treating ear infections is colloidal silver. There are many brands of colloidal silver, but only antibiotics and other drugs, whether we want to or not. three I know of that have a U.S. patent on them and lists the organThe first thing I recommend if you have an ear infection is to see a isms they are proven to kill. Colloidal silver has no taste, can be good chiropractor. Surprisingly to some, chiropractic care is indi- taken internally and can be put with a dropper into the ear. cated not only for ear infections but as a safeguard against them as well. As you know children are rambunctious, and vulnerable If you are in a pinch and can’t get to the health food store, one structures in the upper and lower neck are often affected without thing you can try, which many mothers have used in the past, is readily apparent symptoms or signs. Because these injuries also warmed olive oil dropped into the ear. You can also add garlic to affect the nervous system, many people don’t associate them with the olive oil if you want to help kill the infection. The olive oil acts altered spinal conditions. The top two bones in the neck, called as a natural anti-inflammatory to help bring down inflammation in the atlas and axis, surround and are lightly tethered to the brain the ear. Some stores sell garlic oil in capsules that you can prick stem. If these bones fail to move fluidly due to injury, brain func- with a pin and squirt into the ear to treat infections. tion is impaired and affects the body’s immune response. Ear in- One herb used to strengthen the ears and prevent future problems fections then occur because of opportunistic bacteria and viruses. is mullein. Take it in liquid, capsules or tea. The body responds by spiking a fever to burn up the bacteria as a secondary defense. Chiropractic care is effective because the tis- Several homeopathic remedies for treating inflammation include sues in the neck are now swollen from the “infection” and poor ferrum phosphorus and belladonna. These can be used to help drainage occurs. Gentle spinal adjustments reduce the underlying bring down inflammation and fevers associated with infection. muscle tightness that is contributing to the poor drainage and On that same note, are you sure it is even an infection and that the insure the bones are aligned and moving in a balance fashion. pain isn’t being caused by teething? Many times with my son, I (Information from Dr. Michael Ashley, a chiropractor) have found that giving him a homeopathic for teething stops the Next I recommend that the person stop eating dairy, sugar and pain and the problem. Remember teething affects the whole head, wheat products. I can’t tell you how many people I have told this and often with teeth falling out and growing back in, it can cause to who now have no ear or sinus problems, just from eliminating an imbalance, inflammation and symptoms identical to ear infecthese things from their diet. Dairy especially is bad at clogging up tions. The homeopathic I use for this is chamomilla. It is great for

Voice of Choices November 2008

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teething and irritability. There are several other remedies for inflammation, infection and flushing the lymph system. Check with your local herbalist or health food store for what people are finding useful. Some companies sell products specifically for ear infections and inflammation that work extremely well. Emotionally there may be an issue as well. For example: what do you not want to hear? Or what are you not hearing that you want to hear? Obviously this is popular with children as they don’t want to hear what their parents and teachers are trying to tell them — do this, do that, clean your room, etc. Acknowledging this often can help break the cycle of reoccurrence. As a parent, try looking at how you talk to your child. Find a way to explain things that will cause the child to reach for the information instead of close down. In addition to the items listed, making sure the person is eating a healthy diet and eliminating toxins is also key to preventing them from getting an infection in the first place. Kasara D’Elene is a nutritional counselor, a master herbalist, an intuitive herbalist, wellness coach and President of Tru-Health,Inc 1803 Bothell-Everett Hwy Ste. L, Bothell, Wash., a health food store specializing in all natural products. Visit her website at www.truhealth.com

Awakening Your Inner Warrior There are certain personality archetypes that we all carry within us, such as the inner child, the lover, and the mother. Some of these archetypes present themselves strongly, while others lay fallow. For example, there is an inner warrior in each one of us, but in some of us this warrior is underdeveloped to the point that we are unable to stand up for ourselves, even when necessary. There can be many reasons for this. We may have grown up with a parent whose warrior aspect was overdeveloped, and we responded by repressing ours completely. On the other hand, we may have grown up with parents in whom this aspect was dormant, so we never learned to awaken it in ourselves. A warrior is someone with the strength to stand up for what he or she believes; someone who perseveres in the face of challenges and obstacles; someone who speaks and acts in the service of an ideal; someone who protects those who are too weak to fight for themselves. Regardless of the reasons for an underdeveloped inner warrior, you may begin to notice the lack of its fiery, protective presence and wish to awaken it. You may need to stand up for yourself in a certain relationship or situation, or you may have a vision you want to realize, and you know you will need the courage, energy, and strength of a warrior to succeed. Similarly, if you find that you often feel scared, anxious, or powerless, rousing this sleeping ally may be just the antidote you need. One excellent way to cultivate the presence of your inner warrior is to choose a role model who embodies thequalities of bravery, strength, and vitality. This person could be a character in a myth, movie, or book, or a historical or living person you admire. Simply close your eyes each day and contemplate the quality of energy that attracts you to this person, knowing that the same potential lives within you. Confirm for yourself that you are capable of handling this energy responsibly, and stoke the fire of your own inner courage Author unknown - when submitting articles please include your name contact information in the article if you want it included.

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Voice of Choices November 2008

The Perfection of the Moment belief is the origin of our discontent. It is a false mental idea that keeps us from experiencing fulfillment. It is the idea that there is something wrong with this moment. Deep down, although we may not be aware of it, almost all of us share this belief. Even if we love our lives, very few of us feel absolutely complete. The first facet brings us to that completion by healing this belief at its source. When we make this profound change deep in our subconscious, our entire perception of life shifts dramatically. Through the use of this facet, you will be amazed that something so simple can have such an incredible impact on your life.

Isha

In each moment, there is perfection to be found. When we are totally present, nothing is wrong; all the apparent imperfections appear when we stray off into the past or the future. The first facet of the Isha System brings us into the perfection of this moment. By bringing our attention fully into the present, the first facet naturally draws our awareness into the experience of love-consciousness. Being in the present does not mean that we will not continue to grow. Life is always evolving, always moving toward greater growth and expansion. Yet by embracing the inherent perfection of this moment, we naturally elevate our internal vibration, re-creating ourselves in everhigher frequencies of love. Bringing our attention fully into the present destroys one of humanity’s most deepseated negative beliefs. This

We are now going to create a perfectly harmonious thought, a profound truth that reaches beyond all the negative conditioning of the intellect, anchoring us in the beauty of the here and now . This thought is focused on the concept of love as an all-encompassing force of unity. It will use the emotion of praise, which simply means appreciation. When we shift our perception to appreciation, we begin to take the power away from our old fearbased beliefs and habits and move toward more love, toward loveconsciousness. The more we choose the love, the more we clean our window, until the light of pure awareness shines through its crystal-clear surface. We move away from our perception of criticism and self-doubt, free to fly high in joyful celebration of the here and now. Here is that thought, the first facet: Praise love for this moment in its perfection.

Here’s how to practice the first facet: 1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Allow any thoughts that come to mind to gently pass. Don’t seek to stop your thoughts; don’t try to enter a state of no-mind. Instead, just allow whatever comes to happen naturally. 2. Say, in your mind, this thought: Praise love for this moment in its perfection. Think it without any effort, the same way you might think any other thought, without concentrating or even trying to understand its meaning. 3. At the same time that you think this facet, put your attention deep in the area of your heart. , 4. After thinking the facet, leave a space, a pause. After a few moments, repeat the thought and again leave a space. 5. Continue in this way for about twenty minutes. You can glance at your watch or a clock to check the time. Don’t think the facet over and over again nonstop as you would a mantra — always leave a space of a few seconds between each repetition. You may experience peace and silence during this gap, but it is also possible that you will have thoughts. Sometimes you may forget the facet, change some of the words, or stray from the point of attention. If this happens, as soon as you realize it, simply go back to thinking the facet correctly. All of this is perfectly normal and natural. Just remember: when you realize that you are not thinking the facet, choose to think it again. Continued page 13

Voice of Choices November 2008

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Empowering Your Political Process

Bryon Allen Mandala Arts

Julie Hutslar On the eve of a very emotional presidential election it couldn’t be a better time to have a look at how we can view politics through the spiritual lens. Two issues need attention. One is that as a spiritually conscious individual it is imperative that you do only one thing and that is remember that we all have higher selves. No matter what your opponent may say, do, or believe, the only thing for you to do to be part of the solution instead of the problem is to hold the constant image of the highest potential, the Divine Self of each candidate. Not only that, but of each person you find yourself frustrated with, given that their views do not coincide with yours. This country seems almost on the brink of a civil war as the media has pitted red against blue, conservatives against liberals, race against race, gender against gender. This election has them all. To offer your energy to any fight is to empower the fight itself. Spiritually evolving individuals must be present now with a light much brighter than the fights. You must hold an image as radiant as a star that within each of us, no matter what our political persuasion, no matter who is expressing themselves as evil, or who is calling someone an Anti-Christ, the bottom line is we all carry the Christ Consciousness within. It is not possible to exist otherwise and even when no one else can see it, even when it doesn’t seem to be evident, it is our job to remember that it exists. We must let it shine within our collective minds. The second issue is this: everything that happens in this Earth experience is only for the purpose of our personal growth. You can use this political experience to either rise to the occasion or sink to the lowest. When you give something your energy, you empower it. So to validate evil or negativity, or whatever it is you wrestle with in your opponent, is to validate its existence. Remember, it is only an illusion, your job is to hold steady to the truth that we are simply here to use these experiences we manifest within this illusion to grow ourselves back to the memory of our Divine Selves. Anything else is a distraction and wasting valuable energy. It is simple, be part of the problem, encourage dissent and separation or be part of a well-needed solution by holding the truth of our Oneness and Divine natures as a constant beacon. Julie Hutslar is the author of Relationships: Gifts of the Spirit and recently released ‘The Mask, the Mirror and the Illusion: Awakening to the Knowledge of Who You Truly Are’. She works in Core Belief Restructuring out of Sandpoint, ID. Visit her web site at www.jrhutslar.com

A visionary artist working predominately in the theme of mandalas, Bryon Allen creates art that inspires and uplifts the spirit, and affirms peace and well being in the world. Each piece has a message ranging from light heartedness and joy, to a deep spiritual vision and focus. These vibrant images are designed with mixed media, as well as hand-painted silk out of Bryon’s studio on beautiful Maui, Hawaii, and in the Rogue River valley of Southern Oregon. Each environment contributes unique energy and personality to Bryon’s work. Widely received and internationally distributed, Bryon’s art is available in a variety of forms including fine art prints and paintings, Good Karma Flags, wall hangings, window stickers, and many other beautiful gift items. Bryon has developed a small distribution company for some of his work called Mandala Arts. It can be found on the web at MandalaArts.com. Currently working on a project designing large wall hangings, T-shirts and eco tote bags, Bryon is seeking a unique and inspiring environment to create out of between the months of November and April. He is willing to rent, trade, or caretake in the right situation, and can be contacted through MandalaArts.com, MandalaArts@Yahoo.com or 1-808-214-2094.

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Voice of Choices November 2008

The colors of Sagittarius are purple and deep colors of blues. Keywords for this time are freedom-loving, truth, optimistic and aspiring to higher awareness, and can also be a bit dogmatic in a belief that there is only one truth.

Happy birthday Scorpio and Sagittarius. We begin this month using the energy of November’s gemstone, which is the aquamarine or beryl. Power colors great for us to be using now are those deep reds and oranges of passion and creativity. This 11th month of a number 1 year makes November 2008 a number 3 month of great learning and a tremendous month to make new connections to others. As we begin this month it is time to fly high by turning in toward your self. With the sun in deep and intense Scorpio until the 21st we have the opportunity to be deep-sea divers and gain more powerful understanding of our own needs and desires. With this understanding as the sun moves to Sagittarius on the 21st, we gain the firepower to get out and get moving to get what we desire. The big news is Neptune, the planet of intuition, finally moves forward Nov. 1 and will give us great new ideas and visions of what we can make happen if we truly know what we want. This planet’s direct motion leaves only Uranus, the planet of change, retrograde, but with it moving direct on the 27th, the day after Pluto moves back into Capricorn, it is full steam ahead for us all. On the 12th we have a full moon with the moon in Taurus and the sun in Scorpio. This fixed water (emotions) and Earth (building) energy will surely show you what can be eliminated from your life over the next two weeks in order to manifest your heart’s desire on the 27th with the wonderfully illuminating new moon on the 27th. Full moons are times of decrease and a wonderful two weeks are ahead of us to make significant changes internally. On this full moon day Venus, the planet of what we want, moves into the sign of Capricorn. We will all be much more willing to do the work necessary to build a new future for ourselves and in doing this for the world. On the 14th expect new ideas to come at you that perhaps are not exactly what you might have wanted, but perhaps are exactly what you need. This day carries some strong energy of change so I should expect news to be quite interesting that weekend.

Topaz is a wonderful stone to connect you to this powerful time of intensity and knowing your own truth.. Topaz is worn to radiate the gift of light that dispels the darkness and ignorance. Topaz is said to calm anger in the wearer and light a path through the darkness. True and lasting friendship is symbolized by topaz, which is found in various colors. Pliny the Elder called it “the Stone of Strength.” The dark of the moon (balsamic moon, magic intention days) occurs on the 25th and 26th with the moon first in Scorpio asking us to move deeply into connection with our emotions. Then on the 26th it is in Sagittarius, heralding the new moon on the 27th. These days are about looking within and then finding the courage with the new moon to take that fire and optimism energy and get on with our lives. Uranus, the planet of sudden change, moves direct on the 27th which is the new moon day and also Thanksgiving. The powerful energy of this day further indicates that the train has left the station and we are all recognizing changes are now a part of our lives. Uranus’ forward motion in Pisces should decrease some of the vague fears and rather strong confusion we have been experiencing. The 27th also is Jupiter’s day, when the sun is in the Sagittarius decanate of Sagittarius, whose keyword is devotion. Jupiter, ruler of Sagittarius, symbolizes the abundance of harvest. My prayer for all of us upon this planet is that we can use the power of Jupiter and believe that we can be more. Jupiter in Capricorn says none of us can move forward unless we all move forward. The good of the many is truly the good of the one. I wish you a happy and grateful Thanksgiving. Look at your life and truly be grateful for what you have. We all have so many things we “want” but let’s take more time to really look around us and see what we “have.”

Happy November.

Contact Carol Barbeau at carolastro@carolbarbeau.com. For other articles pertaining to the planets shifting, and more, visit her Web site: http:/ /www.carolbarbeau.com.

On the 16th Mars, the planet of action, finally moves out of Scorpio. (Have you noticed folks a bit more zippy and zingy than normal?) Well, that frustrating energy is now over, and with Mars in Sagittarius a new optimism and hope begin to be felt. After the 21st when the sun moves to Sagittarius the energy becomes lighter and more optimistic. Fire is added to the powerful mix of planetary energy.

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New Website www.nwpsychicfairs.com 425-562-4777 Voice of Choices November 2008

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Giving Thanks For What Is Erik Laurentz Folklore identifies the saying, “May you live in interesting times,” as an old Chinese curse. To be sure, we all live in interesting times. Like a lot of folks, all of my retirement is in a 401(k), so I’ve recently lost almost one-third of my life savings. That was money for the future. I saved at the highest rate that my employer would allow and I was proud of my nest egg, so saving is important to me. And, I’m alive right now. When I really think about it, there was nothing that that money could have bought when I put it away in savings that would make me any happier right now. My wife and I have a small home. We have a cat and a dog. She and I love and respect each other more deeply than most couples seem to. She is dearer than my closest friend and, to me, more beautiful than sunshine. We are slowly building gardens out of the untamed earth that surrounds our home. Some of the things that we planted in the past few years are beginning to bear fruit. Do you know how utterly delicious the first grape is, from a vine that you’ve tended for three years, or the first mulberry from a tree that you planted before you ever tasted a treeripened mulberry? Have you ever sprinkled a few out-of-date zinnia seeds on a patch of soil that had been thick with weeds, watered them with hope and love, and watched as they sprouted and grew and filled the patch with a delight of color? I love zinnias.

It can’t be hurt. It can’t die. The you that can be hurt isn’t the real you. You are a divine cell in the body of the most Holy Divine. You have no soul to lose. Your soul is already home in the place where it was before the beginning and will be after all that is ends. This is not to say that the laws of cause and effect don’t operate in the dimension that we experience as physical beings. I’m only saying that those effects don’t penetrate down through the dimensional barriers to your divine core. Perhaps you have not utterly forgotten who you are. Perhaps you recognize the truth of who you are. I look up at the sky and I see. I see with a rawness and an intimacy that brings me more pleasure than all of the treasure that my 401(k) lost. I am alive right now. I am alive. © Erik Laurentz, 2008. Erik Laurentz is co-founder of Dynamic Duality, Center for Energy Healing. Dynamic Duality leads students to spiritual healing on the Western path of enlightenment. Dynamic Duality students learn to use their physical bodies as exquisite spiritual tools to experience the Divine within. Find us at: http://www.dynamicduality.com.

They’re almost weedy in their enthusiasm for life. We heat with solar and with wood. I just went out for a load of wood. Did you happen to look up at the sky that I just saw? Did you notice how bright and how pale the evening sky is right now? Did you feel the chill of autumn air on your face? Did you see those few clouds set ablaze by a setting sun? It reminded me of my last summer at home, between high school and going into the military. My family spent two weeks at the beach. I’d hike off away from the crowds to be alone; to think; to be. I remember watching the clouds turning gold in extravagant sunsets. I knew that most people were busy doing other things and not watching. I knew that if I retained my ability to really see, to really see a sunset, to really see the trees and the sand and the waves, then I’d be richer than if I owned all the gold that I saw in the clouds that evening. As my 20s melted into my 30s, I began to take less and less time away from “important” things to watch the sunset, or to thrill at a passing thunderstorm. By the time that I was in my 40s, I could hold the sadness of having once seen a sunset, but I could not do so any longer. I had become very busy and very important in the story of my life. In my mid-40s, I became a practitioner of traditional Usui Reiki. I knew a Reiki master who could make the most intense pain melt away in seconds. I was impressed and it seemed like such a practical thing to be able to do. I was completely unprepared for the mystery that becoming a healer would hold for me. The neat little confines of my rational mind were about to unravel. Some people called me “gifted.” I never really knew what that meant. “I” didn’t do anything. “I” was merely the channel for Reiki energy. I can tell you that I got to witness the most amazing transformations using Reiki. Little did I know that I’d only just entered the rabbit hole. A few years later, I entered a four-year healer training program that taught me how to fine-tune my physical body into a spiritual instrument. Along the way, I learned how to perceive into deeper dimensions of human existence. I directly experienced the spark of the divine within myself. From that experience I know for a certainty that I am not special; that every living being contains a spark of the divine that is so pure that it is not unique to anybody.

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Voice of Choices November 2008

connected to the parents and the tribe in this way. Each child’s voice was important because it was a reflection of the spark of God. Women were appreciated as equals to men and had equal voices within the tribe. Children learned to love the voice of their parents and learned to develop their own voices as well. They were encouraged to sing, play, and to imitate and help with parts of the parents work.

Indigo Insights for kids of all ages

Courage to Use Your Voice! Rainbow Ice Bear Our voices are important because our throats are one way that our souls speak to the outside world. Our throat chakra is developed and made stronger when we use our voices in various ways. Perhaps you as a child can think of times when someone you cared about “shushed” you or did not listen to you. What did that feel like? Did you wonder what you did wrong or perhaps you wondered why this person was not able to listen to your shining voice, bright and full of magic. Maybe you wondered why this person could not love you enough to simply accept you as the incredible gift from the creator that you surely are. Many years ago, when there were more peoples who lived among the ice flows and glaciers of the far north, the Inupiat(or Inupiak) people were present in larger numbers. They understood how to love the lands upon which they lived and how to respect all of the animals whom they encountered. They looked upon the land and it’s inhabitants with reverance because all they could see, hear and smell were gifts from the creator; the Inupiat understood how the part of the creator within themselves was connected to the land and the animals, birds and to the very ice itself. Among the Inupiat, children were cherished because they were gifts from the creator. They carried the same spark of God which the people understood they themselves possessed. They were

Because one of my animal totems is the Polar Bear, I intuitively understand the peoples of the North. They hold a strong place in my heart. Part of the spiritual characteristic of the Polar Bear is innocence and purity. Most folks with this totem regularly clear their bodies and spirits as a way to purify themselves. They understand the gift of “innocence” and why it is important to protect it. Innocence is about seeing the world each day and each moment in a fresh, new and magical way. Each person we encounter is a gift, waiting to be unwrapped, as we seek that magical spark of God within the person on the playground next to us. How can we use our voices to reflect this divinity and connectedness we may seek? How can we use our voices to protect our innocence? How can we open up our throat chakras? Singing is a great way to do all of the above. When we sing, we learn confidence and our voices become clearer. Our throat chakras open and become stronger. We are learning to find our place in our world, our tribe of humanity, by stating who we are, what we believe and what magic we see on a daily basis. A circle leader once told me that she wanted to bring in a professional singer because she was uncomfortable with her voice. I remember thinking that this statement told me a lot about her. Perhaps one day, she will discover that the point of singing is not to compare ourselves to others but instead to remember who we are singing for in a circle. For me, when I sing, I sing for myself, for others and for the creator. I find that my voice sounds the most beautiful in a drum circle not because I am a professional singer or because I am trying to be a professional. My voice sounds beautiful to me because I can hear the creator in it. When I feel the power and magic of the spirit world, the spirit world speaks through me. The spirit world “sings me” , and I sing to them. Honestly, I do not worry anymore how my voice sounds because my voice is a reflection of what I’m sensing in the circle, my reply to spirit and spirit’s answer to me. My voice is dancing with the spirit world and the spirit world is dancing with me, a partnership. So how can we learn to use our voices more? Sing in the shower, on your way to the bus stop or on the playground. Hum your favorite tune at your brother’s fast pitch softball game. Delight your parents by breaking into song during the next car ride. See what happens. Perhaps you may feel silly at first, but soon singing will feel more comfortable. Remember that you are training your voice to express the magic that you see all around you. You are protecting your innocence. You are learning to shine as a spark of the creator.

Rainbow Ice Bear is a shamanic practitioner, currently teaching drum circles and other classes for Indigo Children and their parents. As student and practitioner of metaphysics for the past 25 years, she directs Inner Technology. She is a Celtic Shaman and Ceremonial Master. You may reach her at: (425948-4555 or (877)885-9531 or rainbowicebear@gmail.com

Voice of Choices November 2008

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Perfection from page 8 In order to benefit from the full power of these facets, it is necessary to commit to regular practice. If we join a gym but never go, we do not get fitter. In the same way, if we do not practice the facets, they do not work. Ideally, practice for an hour a day with the eyes closed. You can divide this hour into two blocks of half an hour or three blocks of twenty minutes. The most important thing is that you do it. If on some days, you can’t do an hour, a shorter time is better than nothing. We refer to practicing the facets as unifying. There are two ways to unify: with eyes open and with eyes closed. Keeping the eyes closed is the most profound way to unify, as it takes you deep into the experience of love-consciousness. You can think this facet with your eyes open whenever you want, in any situation. For maximum results, think it every time you remember — while you are brushing your teeth, exercising at the gym, watching TV, or waiting in line at the bank. Every time you use the facets, you are bringing your attention completely into the present moment and connecting with love-consciousness. When you are present in the moment, the projections and fears clouding your window of perception begin to dissolve. You start to see with new eyes.

The four facets of the Isha System are explained in their entirety in Isha’s new book, “Why Walk When You Can Fly? Soar beyond your fears and love yourself and others unconditionally”, from New World Library. Isha will present her new book, “Why Walk When

You Can Fly?” in the following events: Vancouver BC :November 10th, 2008 7.30 PM at the Vancouver Public Library, 350 W. Georgia St. Seattle: November 14th, 2008, 7 pm at East West Bookshop. Portland: November 17th, 2008 7pm at New Renaissance Bookshop More information at www.isha.com or (646) 688 5232

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who has inspired profound inner change for thousands, author of ‘Why Walk When You Can Fly?’ Vancouver, BC Public Library/Banyen BooksMon. Nov 10, East West BookShop – Seattle – Friday Nov. 14, Portland, OR – Renaissance Books Monday Nov 17. Visit www.isha.com or call 646-688-5232 for more information.

IINDIGO CHILDREN’S DRUM CIRCLE

Children ages 9 - 18. Ongoing. Meets Mondays 4 - 6 p.m. at Vision Quest Bookstore, Everett, Wa. Leader is an artist, Occupational Therapist, Counselor, Martial Artist, has worked with teens in residential treatment, as well as the school system. She is a shamanic practitioner and Ceremonial Master. Call Ann/ Rainbow Ice Bear: (425)948-4555 or (877)8859531. email: rainbowicebear @gmail.com

FRIENDS AND FELLOWSHIP’S NEXT Bellingham Intentional Living and Intuitive Arts Fair is on November 9th! To visit the fair or to participate in it, check www.friendsand fellowship.com or call Frances: 206-679-0316.

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WOODS CREEK RETREAT CENTER perfect place for retreats of 6 to 15. 30x30' group room, path through the woods to the brook, meals. Go to woodscreekretreat.com for more information. ON WINGS OF LIGHT ~ Shamanic, Medi-

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Voice of Choices November

2008

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Look around. Look around with new eyes. For every wall that has fallen, a passageway now exists that did not exist before. A barrier has been removed and the open vista of life stretches out ahead. Do not stare down at the stones that lie broken and crumbling beneath your feet. Look out. Lift your eyes and see that this fallen wall is now a portal that you can walk through. See how the walls that you thought were bringing you stability and safety were actually blocking you from walking your path more fully, more vibrantly, out in the sunshine of life. See how the open vista beckons you, how your heart yearns to walk free, out in the sunshine, carrying only a packet full of faith. See the others who are out on the path, how their steps are beginning to pick up vigor as they begin to see that they can not only survive, but in fact can thrive, out in the open fields of life, free of the heavy walls that others put up around them over the centuries.

Say YES to Life! Carrie Hart Look around. Look around with new eyes and see your life opening up around you. Step out of the rubble and be glad that your prison has crumbled and the guards are looking away, their eyes clouded with self-pity over their losses. Look around and sense the wind of freedom that is blowing across the land. See how it stirs up the dust and blows it away. See how the light pouring in now through the fallen wall exposes the dust and cobwebs in which you have been living, the moldy old ways of thinking and seeing and being. Step outside these crumbling walls and feel the fresh wind of promise, of newness. “Yes, yes!” it calls. “Yes!” rings out across the land. “Yes!” each bird sings.

wonder of the becoming. This is the moment to feel the greatness within you, to dip down into your heart of courage and pull out all of your talents, your deep abilities, your glory and beauty and wonder. Pull it all out; lift it up to the opening vista of life and say: ”Yes, yes! I am ready to live, to move into my greatness, to open to all that I am and let it shine out. Yes, I am here. I am ready. I am.” Visit www.CarrieHart.com to learn how to access your own greatness. Carrie’s inspirational messages, meditations, music and private Soul Power sessions will lift you into all the power that is truly yours.

Step out here and take a deep breath, look around and then say “Yes!” Say “Yes!” to life as it unfolds before you in wonder. This is the springing open wide. This is the opening and unfolding. This is the

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