Talismans – Understanding These Powerful Tools for Healing, Protection, Spiritual Growth

Talismans – and the related Amulet – have likely been utilized by humans as helpful tools of protection, healing, and spiritual growth since our earliest hunting and gathering days. Perhaps beginning with wearing or carrying an animal claw or a hawk feather, these items were  believed to assist in connecting humans with the power of sacred Spirit forces. References to talismans and amulets have been found in prehistoric graves and dwellings, as well of course in indigenous cultures around the globe. Jewish, Christian, and Muslim practices all have descriptions of various kinds of talismans and amulets used in their religious activities.


There is much blending and confusion about talismans and amulets, especially now that many jewelry makers are calling their creations a “talisman” or “amulet” in efforts to attract the buying public searching for spirit connection and help in everyday objects. As a long-time spiritual healer, student of shamanism, and newer artist, I confess to being troubled by what appears to be efforts to apply terms that have strong sacred associations to objects intended primarily for decoration and admiration, by people creating them who have little or no spiritual intention in the work, and pieces (or crystals) accompanied by descriptions of flashy actions “performed” on the piece and big words that obscure – rather than help define and support – the purpose of the created object.

When I began crafting my talismans as tools for meditation and healing, I researched many sources to come up with a definition and description of my work that resonated with my intentions to create pieces for spiritual needs. I crafted the definition shown below, which is posted on the main information page of my Etsy & Artfire shops:

• TALISMAN - an object consecrated with psychic force and crafted to be a tool to serve its owner in healing and/or protection. Talismans are tools – not jewelry. One’s mind responds to a Talisman – used for focus, meditation, amplifying personal power, healing - in a different way than one does to pretty jewelry worn for ornamentation and adornment. A Talisman is only made from natural elements – gold, silver, copper, wood, gemstones. The setting is as simple as possible.

• AMULET – a natural object left in its virgin state [can be worn as charm, carried, or kept covered or protected until owner wishes to use it]

A customer recently wrote to me describing her delight in a specific piece, and also wondering about using her new talisman within the context of her Christian beliefs:

“Still learning how, as a Christian, to add these to my life without using them as "idols"--but they are truly a physical comfort at times.”

In responding, I drew on the use of art, symbols and gemstones in many religious practices:

Art and symbols help us with the characteristics, messages and practices of what the symbol stands for, this is a human practice since we first began our living on Earth in this form. A talisman like you received is the same as a painting on a wall - the ancient cave paintings, or modern pictures of Jesus - all help remind the viewer of spiritual higher power and messages.

Pelican Totem-Abundance Serenity, Group Harmony

The talisman is not an idol in any way - the piece [you purchased] helps you with meditation, healing, to focus your intentions and affirmations, and to assist in work with your spiritual development. The particular talisman helps you remember what Pelican symbolizes, and the message(s) and energy that Pelican carries. There is absolutely nothing harmful or idolatic (new word) about that. Christians too have ever so many symbols in your religion - the cross, doves, the Trinity, Eve's apple and snake, the physical Bible … So don't worry - you are not worshipping the talisman or the crystal, you are using them in practices for your personal and spiritual growth. That is a universal religious practice. It is a "tool" - enjoy and appreciate the help that it brings!

Many effective and powerful tools are available all over the world to help the spiritual seeker. Everything from a simple found rock that appeals to you found on a walk, a crystal, or a detailed painting can help you raise your vibration and assist in your spiritual journey. Just be aware that just because an item is described as a “totem”, “talisman”, or other spiritual item does not mean that it automatically will fill the intended purpose, carries spiritual power, or bring the answers or help that one seeks. Research the seller/artisan’s background, experience, and credentials.


And remember that any piece ultimately does not bring a magic answer – your own spiritual practice, accompanied by meditation, affirmations, and visualizing your intentions and goals – is the core of change, growth, and healing.

Heron Totem Talisman for Determination, Self-reliance

Awaken the Sacral Chakra – Source of Life Essence, Personal Power, Sexuality, Fire Energy

Late winter “blues” are probably dragging most down by now. As the dormancy of Winter moves slowly but unstoppably towards Spring, this is an excellent time to focus on awakening the Sacral Chakra and prepare for new beginnings and abundance.

Custom talisman for Fertility, Communication with Aqua AuraCrystal, Lepidocrocite, Spiny Oyster, Thulite, Antique
Gooseberry Trade bead, Artisan Lampwork, and Wolf totem

The opportunity to focus on this chakra came recently when a special relative asked me to create a talisman to help her with concerns around fertility. The talisman I created contains vital energy of crystals, symbols, color and an important animal guide to assist her in maintaining focus, intention, affirmations and visualizations. In my work as a spiritual healer, I seek to combine the essential energies of a rich diversity of ancient and modern sources to bring support and strength on the journey.

The talisman began with research into the chakras for information on fertility. The word Chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit. There are seven (7) primary chakras that are visualized along the central spinal axis of the human body in most healing traditions – Base (Root), Sacral, Solar Plexus, Throat, Heart, Third Eye, and Crown. Several other chakras exist outside of the body – most notably the Earthstar Chakra (below the feet) and Soul Star chakra (above the head).

Rooted in ancient Vedic practices, chakras are spiritual energy vortexes that links the physical body to the “subtle bodies” – the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual bodies surrounding the physical body and often perceived clairvoyantly as parts of the aura (or “rainbow body”). Since ancient times, disease or illness in one or more aspects of one’s being have been believed to be associated with disturbances originating in the chakra system.

Chakras are affected by our own energy – primarily our thoughts, also dreams, spoken words, and actions. What we say, think and do are forms of electromagnetic energy, generating a current that flows through our body. The body’s endocrine and central nervous systems are directly linked to the chakras.

Crystal healing and color therapy are two practices that aim directly at working with this energy in the human (and animal) body.

Located below the navel and above the pubic bone, the Sacral Chakra is widely believed to be the center of power for the body, the life-giving center where the Vital Energy (power, chi, prana, life force) resides.

Also referred to as the Fire Center, this is the chakra for relationships... it relates to emotions and to sensuality, intimacy and sexuality. The Sacral Chakra governs the health of the female reproductive organs- the womb, genitals, kidneys, bladder and lower back.

The Sacral Chakra is associated with the vibrant color of Orange (or Red in some traditions). Orange is one of nature’s most beautiful, powerful colors – combining red’s passion with the happiness of gold. It is the color of joy.

(Note: There are many opinions on colors and chakras. The perspective(s) of the teachings I personally follow, also held by many gemstone and other healing experts, say that red and orange are the colors of this chakra. Other healing traditions may have different colors associated with this chakra, or you may personally feel that another color feels more right for you.)

image from F Becker, The Science of Being

Various healing traditions show the Sacral Chakra pictured with a Crescent Moon pointing upwards, surrounded by a Six-petaled Lotus. The “bowl” of the crescent catches divine influence from Venus. The Crescent is part of the New Moon – a time for meaning rest and light, a symbol of increasing and growing. The Lotus is a sacred cosmic symbol in many disciplines. Both the 6-petaled Lotus and the Crescent are said to symbolize Love. Triangles are also frequently seen in illustrations of this chakra.

Many cultures see the human body as the "sacred vessel”, and incorporate various body parts engaging in religious or symbolic rituals. The sacrum is the triangular bone just below the lumbar vertebrae; it is formed from several fused vertebrae, and sits between the hip bones. The name "sacrum" comes directly from Latin os sacrum, meaning 'sacred bone'. In ancient Hebrew and Arab traditions, believed to be derived from Egyptian beliefs, the sacrum was the bone necessary for resurrection. The Sacral Chakra and Sacrum Bone are important in shamanic journeying as well. Some indigenous cultures believe the sacrum bone is a “second skull" located in the pelvis.

The sacrum is the fulcrum of the human torso. We sit on the sacrum, and we can rest in a sitting position for extended periods of time without moving. The sacrum is found next to the reproductive organs, of great significance in most if not all societies.

Ecstasy Art by stephanietberry on Etsy

Opening the Sacral Chakra with Color, Meditation

When you become aware of the need for a particular color’s energy in your personal universe, there are many simple, direct and immediately powerful actions using simple color therapy techniques that bring the color into your physical body and emotional awareness.

These suggestions focus on the color Orange, but you can substitute any color that you need.

• Place objects in your room(s) such as flowers, art, and cloth swatches that radiate the color you are craving. If you are an artist, use the desired color in some vibrant new creations!
• Wear clothing made of the color – I recommended that my client find some orange lingerie to wear!
• Consume foods that contain the color. Orange foods for the Sacral Chakra include oranges, carrots, pumpkin, apricots, shellfish such as crab. (Note: Always follow professional medical advice on food consumption and avoid foods to which you are allergic)
• Use crystals and gemstones of the desired color during meditation, and on jewelry that you wear. Crystals and gemstones for Orange include Amber, Carnelian, Spiny Oyster, Sunstone, Orange Spinel, Orange Calcite and many others

This meditation/visualization with the color Orange can be helpful (of course, you can substitute any color you want to bring into your immediate surroundings).

Become quiet and centered. Practice cleansing breaths – slow, deep breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth) for several breaths – as much as 3 to 5 minutes. Imagine the air around you is a rich deep Orange color. Visualizing an object of the color you want to work with may be helpful – such as a big Orange flower. Notice the energy around you associated with this color, and how it moves all around you – maybe in swirls, or waves. Breathe this rich energetic color deeply in through your nose, and see the color energy radiating to every part of your body. If an area feels particularly heavy or dense, try focusing on this area by seeing strong rays of Orange surrounding, entering, and filling this area.  



Tumbled Carnelian by Sagehealer



So one recommendation for opening your Sacral Chakra is to bring more orange into your environment !!! Remember we absorb healing energy from color - vision is based on light waves - energy - so visually working with a color matters! Wear orange lingerie, bring orange into your personal space, meditate with orange crystals. Feel your Life Force blossom and strengthen!

    copyright sagehealercreations2011   All rights reserved

                      

Handmade by Roufe on Etsy

        

Lilac Amethyst Spirit Quartz - The Higher Self - Understanding Crystal and Spiritual Terminology

Working with crystals for healing and meditation is a daily delight. One of the most interesting and challenging aspects is the constant research I engage in to find new crystals and to understand how they work. I love learning about how the chemical structure of the mineral combines with the physical and mental aspects of what one is seeking, and how all this comes together to inspire and support healing and meditation. Over the several years of working with these fascinating minerals in my art, I have studied quantum physics, color theory, and geology.

I recently participated in a well-respected art show in San Francisco. My booth-mate commented that she was amazed at the incredibly personal information shared by my customers during our brief encounters. That's been my experience at every show I've done, and is part of the fascination and reward of this aspect of my work.

I have many customers finding me at a show who are in great physical or perhaps emotional pain, or who are seeking spiritual healing and help in coping with their personal challenge(s). When I'm at an art show, I sense these invisible but powerful tendrils of healing white light emanating outward from my booth, wrapping around those with a particular need and drawing them to me. When they find their way to my little space, I see the light of understanding come to their eyes as they realize what I'm offering. Sometimes all we do is talk - perhaps about a difficult dream that they don't understand, or about a physical or emotional situation causing them distress. There is often no sale, no discussion of what I'm selling - yet their concern is heard, and they received something they needed to obtain some relief and understanding. This is part of my work as a healer, shaman, medium, the calling that is expressed in all of my art. It is why I do what I do.

My cat and dog listen to me comment about pieces I come across in my travels containing information on the healing qualities of a piece posted by (one assumes) well-meaning sellers and artisans. This information is all too often provided by vendors who appear to be basically sticking descriptive words about the gemstone on their wares to attract buyers, yet who do not work with or practice healing and meditation as part of using this information responsibly. Buyers need to be aware of the reasoning and understanding behind this kind of content before making decisions about what will best meet their need(s).  I am thrilled to know that my profile page is the second-most viewed page of any on my Etsy shop site. My talismans and crystals are conciously "charged" with the healing energy that comes through me from Spirit - like electricity flowing from the source. I am deeply gratified by the response and trust of my customers who understand that I "walk the walk", and that I have a strong background for the information and healing work that I promote.

Lilac Amethyst Spirit Quartz Cluster

Having recently acquired some beautiful Lilac Amethyst Spirit Quartz, I spent several hours combing my crystal resources and the Internet for information. I came across a number of references to this crystal's  help in connecting the user to the "Higher Self", and realized I needed to know more. I want to make sure that the information I provide to buyers is accurate and helpful - not just some fancy sounding words that cause more confusion than it helps.

The Higher Self is an ethereal energy field beyond our usual conscious awareness (called the “Superconscious”) that brings knowledge and information from a higher source, either spontaneously or intentionally. Described by some sources as an "indestructible unit", a concentrated mass of energy, the Higher Self is the Divine Spark of Infinite Intelligence or God in every living organism. This energy is condensed memory, like a hologram, holding the wisdom and memory of every vibrational frequency in which it has existed.

This energy comes from the essence and minerals found in the human body as well as all other organisms that have ever lived on the Earth, and includes past lives of your own soul (for those who accept reincarnation), the knowledge comes from the stars, the Earth, Air and Water, the movement of continents, the forming of essential minerals...from all that is and all that has been....

Spirit Quartz helps you become aware of these learnings and use the information to progress on your overall journey in this life. It is a powerful crystal for aiding healing and spiritual growth. This crystal has the important ability of helping remove fear - of one’s current situating, concerns for personal safety, even the state of the world –bringing joy and spontaneity.

Another favorite crystal that I love working with that assists in connecting the "day to day" self with the Higher Self is Lithium Quartz.  Additional crystal suggestions for tuning into the Higher self include Hemimorphite and Elestial Quartz crystals.

 

Lithium Quartz Crystal Point





Tibetan Black Quartz Elestial



Other "Higher Self" crystals include Moss Agate, Sapphire and Selenite. There are may crystals that can happily assist you in working with your Higher Self - check your favorite crystal books and resources.  

Upcoming blog posts will cover other interesting terminology about crystals, healing and meditation -  look for info to come soon on the physical, emotional, spiritual and etheric bodies, and how these connect to the chakras and the aura!

I'm happy to hear about your questions regarding the sometimes confusing terminology associated with crystals, healing and meditation. Post it as a question/comment here or email me, and I'll do my best to get some information that helps!

Practicing Compassion Every Day for Transformation and Health

Autumn is the season for letting go. This is a time for reflection on where we are at this moment, what we have experienced that brought us to this place in our journey, and to ponder what inner work we can do that will lead us to where we really want to be. Just as the leaf is released from the tree, or the raindrop drops from the cloud, Fall is a time for learning detachment, letting go, and to not be attached to the outcome.

A recent conversation with a dear friend provided an unexpected opportunity to consider the importance of compassion in our daily lives. I have found that practicing compassion has brought ease to my heart around difficult personal relationships. And I find that I frequently have to work at compassion every day.

We each carry pain and hurt deep in our hearts. Perhaps from difficult childhood experiences that color our adulthood …rejections (real or perceived by us) from someone that we love and from whom we

wanted love from in return  … loss of someone or something that was held in close and of great importance – a job, a home, a precious animal companion.

Kuan Yin Talisman For Compassion, New Perspective, Healing

[Kuan Yin is the dearly loved Goddess of Compassion and Mercy, cherished in many cultures worldwide. Embodying compassionate loving kindness, her presence calms those who suffer and brings peace to the heart. ]

This pain and hurt lodges deeply within, and continually calls out for our attention in many different ways. Many can manifest physical conditions that have some relationship to these hurts. Others find themselves expressing anger and bitterness in relationships – at work and at home. Holding on to emotions that are better let go brins a feeling of what I describe as a “tension in the soul” that brings an edge, like a paper cut, to our daily existence – a hurt that is not incapacitating, but one of which we are always aware.

To me, Compassion is a deep feeling of spiritual love, loving kindness, and acceptance of a person or situation for exactly what she/he or it is (or was). Compassion is much more than pity. Genuine compassion for another actually begins within - with love, forgiveness and acceptance of ourselves.

Meditating on compassion helps us observe our emotional, spiritual, mental and physical processes that are connected to holding on to behaviors and beliefs that no longer serve us well. Walking (or “moving”) meditation, when we are moving and open – especially along water – helps us move into an altered state of awareness that enables us to perceive messages from what is around us. Paying attention to our thought processes and the joy of movement often leads to experiencing creative problem-solving. A sitting meditation is a receptive, universal posture that aids us in accessing universal wisdom and learning. This posture teaches us how to wait, listen, and observe what is being revealed (A. Arrien)  Messages may come through our dreams, as our unconscious delivers information to our awareness.

Aquamarine Crystals for Tranquility, Compassion

Blue and pink are the color rays carrying compassion and love. Working with potent crystals such as Aquamarine, Rose Quartz, Rhodonite and Clear Crystal will help you focus the energies of compassion, healing, and transformation in meditation and dreams.

Rose Quarz and Rhodonite Mala by Compassionmala

Practicing compassion means stepping back from a powerful hurt and examining the thought processes we engage in around this particular experience and/or belief that we are holding onto “for dear life” - regardless of what carrying this pain has created in our life. A clear-eyed, open-hearted review of the experience or belief will usually show us outdated beliefs and attitudes that we can address, work to release, and change into a powerful transformation of how we view the world.

Challenging? Absolutely. This is a vitally important practice that changes us, and radiates outward to change the world.


Suggested Resources:
Arrien, Angeles, The Four Fold Way, HarperSanFrancisco, 1993 http://www.angelesarrien.org/

The Dalai Lama on Compassion http://www.dalailama.com/messages/compassion

Schlitz, M, Vieten, C, and Amorok, T, Living Deeply The Art & Science of Transformation in Everyday Life, New Harbinger Publications 2007

Strengthen Affirmations, Intention, Manifestation with Meditation

We truly are composed of the same elemental material as the sun, the stars, moon and planets, and everything in the universe. Quantum physics has shown that natural laws apply equally to the biggest and the smallest particles. Atoms vibrate at different frequencies, creating color, shapes, forms, sounds, and all of matter. Each atom and molecule is surrounded and wrapped by electromagnetic force. The physical forces of light, electricity, magnetism, and heat are linked together by Electromagnetism – that essence, chi, prana, the vital life force. Sound is a vibration - an electromagnetic force.

Art by Creativethursday

Our bodies are made of electromagnetic currents, sound and light waves. Our thoughts and emotions also are electromagnetic forces. Emotions travel on the mind’s electromagnetic current to every atom in our bodies. Everything operates on and creates magnetic force – causing other atoms, all beings, to move towards each other.

So, you might be asking now, what is the point?

Everything that happens begins within our bodies.

Thoughts begin in our mind, in our deepest  inner self. Our thoughts and our words have their own force and physical power. We make decisions based on our thoughts that radiate throughout the Earth – the ether – the universe, putting our own unique imprint on the history of life.  Wars, rainforest devastation, the Gulf Oil spill ... world peace, healing, democracy ... all began (begin) with thoughts leading to actions.

You've heard of “the power of positive thinking.” Most of us have heard about affirmations. Affirmations are words repeated daily – either silently or verbally – that start as seeds of thought in the conscious mind. Affirmations generate emotions, a flow - magnetic and emotional – within the body. This flow stimulates action, and manifestation follows upon action.

I practice affirmations every day – I have for years. While perusing Twitter late last week (of all things, really!), I came across an astonishing reminder that how one phrases an affirmation is so powerful. Andrea Conway, a Law of Attraction coach from Denver, writes an interesting blog about Attraction marketing for small business success. My attention was captured by her writing about the power of two little words that are “total manifestation powerhouses” – the words are “I AM.” These words are central to the teachings of the mystical lecturer Neville (1905-1972).

As Conway wrote, according to Neville,

"whatever you declare yourself to be with “I am” becomes the condition you express, and the entire universe agrees with it.”

Think about these words. When you think about – and verbally describe – your current situation, what do you say? “I am struggling to make ends meet” ... "I'm not selling anything lately", or are you saying “I am a successful, thriving artist”.

"I AM"

Conway points out that Neville states that we have free will. We can choose any condition that we wish. And because thoughts have energy, we become what we choose, and this is how the universe sees us.

Meditation is the most effective way to change our thinking, the energy that radiates outward to the universe, and that comes to manifest what we are.

To begin working with your “I AM” power, begin with concentration and meditation. During concentration, focus in your mind on “I AM” and let go all other thoughts and concerns. Follow the concentration period with meditation – listening to the silence, the vibrations from The Mystery. Be aware of the feelings flowing around and through you. Experience deep calmness, perhaps a sensation of lightness, or floating on currents of air or water. Begin to add descriptive words to your “I AM” awareness – perhaps the words are “eating healthy food”, “in good shape”, “filled with joy”, “in love”.

Repeat your statement quietly, calmly – speaking it out loud is best. Notice shifts in mind-set, your outlook, how you feel physically, and how it manifests all around you. You can even write your “I AM” statement down on a little piece of paper, and carry it in your pocket with one of your favorite crystals to generate energy and remind you throughout your day.

Affirmation-Intention Talisman by Sagehealer

My new Affirmation and Intention Mini-Talisman is crafted to assist you in working with your own power of thought, helping you focus, strengthen your affirmation, and bring in crystal energies of abundance, inspiration, and Spirit Energy. With Rhodonite, Herkimer Diamond, Heliodore, and Imperial Golden Topaz.

Remember...

All thoughts, all change begins within us. Thoughts are energy. Change how you think, how you speak, how you act, how you live!

Check out Andrea Conway's "I Am" blog

Spring Equinox Approaches - Plan for Change

Equinox means the date when passage occurs.

Since ancient times, the Spring (or Vernal) Equinox marked the start of the new year. The changing Light from the darkness of Winter to the longer days and new life of Spring played an important role in folklore, mythology, lifestyle, and art.

Technically, an equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth's axis is vertical to the Sun, neither tilted towards the Sun (as in summer in the northern hemisphere) or away from it (in winter). Day and night are of approximately equal length. After the Spring Equinox, the days will get longer - until the Summer Solstice. The Spring Equinox always occurs around March 20-21.

This date has been celebrated in indigenous cultures since ancient times. Calendars of cultures around the world commemorate this date. The Persian festival of Nowruz celebrates creation and the cosmology of Iranian & Persian people. Ancient Egyptians celebrated Sham El Nessim going back to 2700 BC. Christians have the Easter holiday around this time - the first Sunday after the first full moon after the March equinox.

Establishing the ability to fix key seasonal celestial transitions was essential to successul planting, harvesting, and hunting migrating animals. Native American tribes often appointed "sun watchers" to establish this significant ritual date. Northern California's Miwok tribe was believed to honor fertility during this time - perhaps at the rock carvings on Ring Mountain shown in the picture at left (not far from where I live).

South is the direction commonly associated with the Spring Equinox, and the Earth Element represents this season.

After the contemplation and planning of Winter, the time for change arrives. Often this is when we begin to put change into action - how we are going to live differently in our hearts, to begin preparing for the planting leading to harvest. Often this is a time of focusing on relationships and matters of the heart. [My Lab loves to eat spring grass]

And definitely this is a time to smudge your home, your office - to clear out the Winter's energies and bring in the joy and abundance of Spring! The Spring Equinox Talisman uses the energies of vibrant Moss Agate, Heliodor, Baltic Amber, and Selenite to recharge your own environment and help banish Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Want to learn more about conducting a sacred smoke blessing? Are you seeking a super-fragrant, colorful smudge for your Equinox celebration? Try my handcrafted smudge sticks, made with a blend of fragrant herbs and flowers ... fresh lavender, rosemary, mint. Each smudge stick purchase includes colorful instructions on smudging for people, home and office.

BLOG SPECIAL! Purchase a pair of smudge sticks or talisman with a smudge stick from my Etsy or 1000markets shop. Mention "BLOG READER" in the PayPal/Amazon message to seller and get free shipping!

Thoughts on Midwinter

Midwinter - a time of reflection, regeneration, assessment and planning for the upcoming year's harvest. Short days, long nights. Hibernation. Weather changes and storms blowing down from the North. Remembering the change of seasons and connecting to all that is. Colors of white, grey, brown ... and green in California!

Each season has a purpose in our existence.

For most indigenous cultures, the Winter is the season of the Air Element and the North direction. Winter is the season for Manifestation.

The Air Element is the element of the Mind - of freedom of movement, higher vision, and inner spiritual renewal. AIR is the second primary element of creation. Air has no boundaries. Life on Earth begins and ends with Air. This element is also called the Wind Element. Wind moves vast amounts of Air around, bringing change and clarity - the phrase "clearing the Air" describes the action of Wind. The Air Element governs the Third Eye and Crown Chakras. Air energy is transparent. Gemstones for Air/Wind help us to enhance vision, understanding and mental clarity. Often colors of Blue and Violet, Air/Wind gemstones include Blue Aragonite, Blue Calcite, Blue Aventurine, Tanzanite, Iolite, and Fluorite, among others.


Cultural Anthropologist, author and educator Angeles Arrien (one of my teachers) developed the Four Fold Way that draws on cross cultural traditions, ancient wisdom and shamanic traditions for applications in contemporary journeys. She teaches that Winter is the season of the Warrior. Warriors are leaders. They must develop and practice responsibility and discipline, and understand the impact of all actions - those taken and also those not taken. Warriors are willing to take a stand. The Rattle is the tool of Winter and the Warrior.

We can all use the time and lessons of Winter to reflect on our actions and the results of the past year, and identify where we need to change and grow for the year now unfolding.


The Earthpath Artisans Team of Etsy is conducting a Midwinter Challenge. Go to the Earthpath Blog (see below). Check out the creative submissions on the topic of Midwinter and vote for your favorite (mine is the Intention Basket Talisman - hint!)


http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com/

Spiritual Healers and Shamans - Responding to the Call for Help

Spiritual Healers and shamans have been part of humanity's spiritual practices in all cultures on Earth from the most ancient human tribes to today's world of science and advanced medicine.

Today I came across a thoughtful posting on shamanism and the role of healers that stimulated my thinking:

The great challenge of the 21st century is to wage peace on a globe full of humans while repairing the unintended damage we've inflicted on ourselves, other beings, and the earth. We need modern shamans to channel ancient "technologies of magic" like empathy, creativity, art, and spiritual interconnection, through "magical technologies" like medicine, computers, and satellites. That marriage of ancient and cutting-edge genius can heal hearts, minds, beasts, plants, ecosystems - almost anything. (Martha Beck, Ph.D, writing on World Healers, in What Matters Now.)

As an experienced Spiritual Healer and student of shamanism, I continually explore new techniques, practices, research, and information so that I can be the best possible channel for healing energy. In my current work with gemstone healing, I have encountered many powerful, gratifying stories of individuals who have experienced success in working with gemstone talismans for healing and meditation.

The call to serving as a healer and shaman comes from within, and is based on the individual's inherent capabilities and spirit guides. Even so, all of us have some healing ability to contribute to each other, and to our planet. Intention is the strongest force in the universe. Each one of us can state our intentions for ourselves, our work. Talismans help focus the energy and bring together the natural powers of the minerals with the essence of the body (human, animal, and plant) to begin healing and manifestation. And research has shown that prayers [or thoughts] for the healing of oneself or another really work!

Have an interesting healing experience to share? I'd love to hear from you! Post your comment below (subject to moderator approval).

For further information, here are some suggestions to start with:

Foundation for Shamanic Studies: http://www.shamanism.org/

National Spiritualist Association: http//www.nsac.org/healing.htm

Books by Larry Dossey, MD on prayer and healing