Retreat to Peru

Awaken to the Mystery!

“Without exaggerating, I have to say that this has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life so far. Every day I felt challenged and supported. I found strengths in myself that I had no idea we’re still there. I return home with a new much more positive and playful map of the next stage of my life. “–Susan BarnesI

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TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY TO THE

SACRED VALLEY, Peru

MAIN JOURNEY, OCTOBER 17th-25th, 2020

“I was able to feel and release some old wounds, reconnect with Mother Earth, my ancestors, and my own Truth and Essence. I feel oneness with everything- something that I knew in my mind before but had no actual cellular experience of. This journey is a beautiful gift that I will never forget.” – Kasia Tennstedt

Join us on our 14th Retreat!

THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL RETREAT !
WE DELVE DEEPLY INTO THE MYSTERIES, PLACES & PORTALS FEW PEOPLE SEE AND EXPERIENCE!

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READY FOR TRANSFORMATION?

Mystical Temple Sites, Pristine Mountains, Healing Waterfalls, Stargate Portals, Andean Healing Ceremonies, Q’ero Wisdom Keepers, Movement, Shamanic Healing, Huachuma Plant Ceremony, Meditation, Sacred Sound Healing and More…

 

with Ashera Serfaty, Carolyn Story, Q’ero Wisdom Keepers, Curanderas & Julian Sarrasi, Andean Q’ero Native Spiritual Guide.

Early Registration Discount:
July 15th, 2020
Main Journey: $2775
Machu Picchu Add On: $850

Regular Price After July 15th, 2020
Main Journey $3375
Machu Picchu Add on $850

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE AS WELL AS DISCOUNT PACKAGES!

LIMITED SPACE!

This journey is an authentic experience into the spirit of the Andes. It is not a typical tourist trip!

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 Retreat Highlights:

• Quillaromiyok- Moon of the Rock Temple, Portal To the Moon & Divine Feminine

• Machu Picchu~ The Crystal City, One of the Worlds Sacred Wonders

• Pachard/Naupa iglesia~Egyptian Portal in the Andes, Doorway to the Stars

• Apu Sawasiray/Apu Pitusiray~ Akakashic Records Gateway

• Huachuma Plant Ceremony/ Healing the Heart and Uniting with The Earth

SAVE YOUR SPOT ! DEPOSIT ~ $1111

 

MAIN JOURNEY BALANCE ~ $1664

 

“I am so extremely fortunate to have been a participant on the Peru Retreat. My Body, Mind & Spirit were stretched into grace-filled joyful expressions I had never before experienced. I laughed and cried, feeling old layers peel away. I tapped into aspects of myself I denied and discovered gifts I hadn’t known were possible. This was due to the amazing guidance and support by Ashera who had absolute integrity, compassion, humor and open heartedness. Her skills in creating and holding a safe space were impressive. I was held in a container of deep love and respect.” Jo McKernan

FOR INFORMATION PACKET & FINE DETAILS EMAIL ASHERA
luminosityhealing@yahoo.com

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Join us in the Sacred Valley of Peru & Machu Picchu in the majestic Andes mountains and step into a new level of your connection with nature and your deepest self. This transformational journey is a rites of passage that takes you to the most mystical places on earth where there is a high frequency of beauty and healing energy. Come and weave through the Sacred Valley and its mystical sites and portals. We anchor into these powerful ley lines of the earth to activate a new template for ourselves and the earth.

Through Andean healing & mystical practices, gentle yoga, energy practices, sound healing & meditation we embark on a transformative process where we have an opportunity to come into balance, awaken our full potential. We open to a deeper sense of peace and love within ourselves and take it back with us into our daily life.

Initiations into the alchemical elements allow us to transform Hucha (heavy energy) to Sami (light energy). Through fire, water, earth and air ceremonies we learn how to transform our energy. Simple and ancient practices for transformation are experienced.

The Andes Incredible mystical sacred sites and portals activate our deep inner knowing and remembering. As we merge with waterfalls, rivers, majestic mountains, earth and stars, we are reminded of our own power and grace.

This journey is an authentic experience into the spirit of the Andes. You will get to spend time getting to know Don Basillio, a Q’ero wisdom keeper, and Vilma, a renowned curandera. You will be initiated into the Andean traditions and visit some off the beaten path sites and mountains.

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ACCOMMODATIONS:

Lodging is at Munay Sonco Retreat Center located at the base of a stunning waterfall and the powerful mountains of Pitisuri and Sawasiray. It is situated in the middle of the Sacred Valley, near the small village of Arin, just one hour and fifteen minutes from Cusco.

This incredible center is an oasis, set in a natural landscape of mountains, trees, beautiful rivers and waterfalls. The valley embraces you to receive its liquid, light energy.

The Sacred Valley of Peru is a majestic spot in the Andes mountains. It is home to the twelve mountains known as “Apus”, or “luminous beings”, who are said to intercede on behalf of people.

Those who come to the center have the opportunity to commune directly with these mountains, as well as with the local curanderos and pacos (healers), who engage in ritual and ceremony.

You will have time to explore the beautiful nature around the center, the gardens and rivers. You may wish to add private healing sessions and massage to your retreat experience. There will be time to lay in a hammock, take a nap and receive the incredible beauty of nature, among the butterflies and birds.

The center offers many creature comforts, including hot showers, warm duvets, and clean, exquisite sacred spaces woven into the heart of nature. Each guestroom is a reflection of the Peruvian culture of the Sacred Valley. Thanks to our staff, the entire center embodies the kindness, love and wholeness that permeates this magical place..

NOURISHING ORGANIC MEALS

Three fresh, farm-to-table vegetarian meals, with fish and chicken options, are served daily. The bounty is sourced from local on site, organic, permaculture gardens. Fresh herbal teas, juices and delicious soups, stews, and salads are prepared by the local chef.

We will have a few dinners out at incredible restaurants, and you will be able to choose from a variety of options. Past participants regularly comment on the amazing and nourishing food on this retreat. Special meal requests can be accommodated.

PLANT CEREMONY

We have reserved time for sacred and powerful plant ceremony. We will be working with the sacred plant spirit of Huachuma, also known as San Pedro. San Pedro is an amazing plant teacher and will allow you to deepen into your own process, connect with your deepest soul path, and allow deep heart healing and connection with all that is. We will be outside in the beauty and healing energy of nature. The ceremony will be held in the utmost integrity and love for your safety and evolution. Huachuma is a beautiful powerful healing experience and heart opener.

Our journey will take us to Machu Picchu, the legendary Crystal City, one of the seven wonders of the world. We enter this magnificent temple ceremonially to open the portals of awareness and receive its immense beauty. There will also be time on your own to explore the site and find your own deep connection to the magic of Machu Picchu.

We will also spend a day in the quaint town of Ollantaytambo and visit it’s incredible temple. We will stay at beautiful, comfortable hotels in both Machu Picchu and Ollantaytambo.

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RETREAT INCLUDES:

• 11 Days in the Magical Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

• Beautiful Accommodation at Munay Sonco Retreat Center & Other Hotels.

• Immersion in the Energy of Sacred Temple Sites & Portals

• Entrance to all Sacred Temple Sites

• Domestic transportation: vans, buses (you have to cover the taxi to airport, inexpensive)

• Train ride to/from Aguas Calientes

• Machu Picchu bus, entrance fee and guided spiritual tour

• Initiations, & Ceremonies with Q’ero Wisdom Keeper

• Healing & Ceremonies Indigenous Curandaras (Healers)

• Plant Medicine Healing Ceremony

• Sound Healing

• Hiking in Pristine Mountains and Sacred Sites

• All Nourishing Organic Meals (except for 3)

• Fire, Earth, Water & Air Ceremonies

• All Yoga, Meditation, and Shamanic Energy Practices, Classes and Teachings

• Laughter & Play

  Note: Cost does not include, airfare and airport transfers

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The Andean Indigenous Medicine Traditions
& Q’ero Wisdom Keepers & CuranderaS

You will be embraced by the Q’ero shamans, the earth and wisdom keepers from the high Andes, who are powerful and filled with laughter and love. They will guide us back into balance with all of creation. In the Andean indigenous wisdom tradition, it is said we are in the age of the “Tariapaycha”, a time of emerging consciousness that allows us to fully heal ourselves and share that gift with others.

On the journeys, you will receive energetic rites ~ the Karpays, initiations in the form of transmissions to transform your human energy field into that of homo luminous – luminous beings. The prophecies of the ancient Americas speak about a new human appearing on the planet, one who lives free of fear and resides in his or her transcendent nature.

We also work with an experienced curandera (healer). She will offer us ceremonial work with the elements, empower us to learn how to heal ourselves, and step into our own power.

Join us on this transformational journey of awakening in Peru, the mystical land of Pachamama, mother earth, and experience the deep inner mysteries of healing your most authentic self.

Those who have joined the last retreats to Peru have said it was the experience of their lifetime and has transformed their lives!

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YOUR GUIDES:

The Q’ero Wisdom Keepers:

The Q’ero are the direct descendants of the Inca, who, 500 years ago, fled to the safety of the sacred mountains to escape the Spanish Conquistadors. They fled and made their villages in the clouds at 15,000 ft. Fortunately, the Spanish failed to find them there.

The Inca master shamans were considered the “wisdom keepers.” Their oral tradition preserved the ancient healing methods, rituals, and prophecies for the future of human beings and the planet. This knowledge has remained uncontaminated for thousands of years.These healers embody the true essence of love, as they share and transmit their healing and message.

The Q’ero understood that there would be a time when the world needed to remember the ancient wisdom. At this time, they would come down from their lofty hiding place to spread their knowledge. The time is now.  With their infinite graciousness, they are offering this knowledge to all of us with their most open hearts.

We mostly work with Don Basillio, Dona Sabina & Dona Santusa, though we may work with others as well.

Curandera- Vilma Pinedo

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Vilma Pinedo comes from a long line of healers from the Andes mountains of Peru. Vilma’s grandparents are renowned shamans, and she was called to this path before she was born, when lightning struck her mother while pregnant with Vilma. She grew up surrounded by master healers and began her path as a curandera at the age of 12, reading coca leaves and using her intuition to tell people how to heal themselves, often with amazing results. Vilma learned English (a rarity in the Andes) and was one of the people asked to accompany the Dalai Lama to Machu Picchu. She uses her gift as a tool for peace, healing and unity.

Ashera Serfaty

Ashera offers a holistic and integrative approach to healing and coaching. She weaves ancient wisdom with practical tools to awaken others’ authentic power, purpose and joy. She assists clients in finding and transforming their deepest blocks so they can live in their most luminous selves.

Ashera has over 15 years of experience as a healing practitioner. She has trained in a variety of modalities including energy medicine and shamanic healing through The Healing Light Body School and Alberto Villoldo, Toltec Shamanic Healing, Advanced Theta Healing, Yoga and Ayurveda.

Her journeys have taken her to Peru where she lived for 7 years (half the year). She trained with indigenous healers and was initiated into the lineage of wisdom keepers. She is a full Mesa carrier in the Q’ero traditions of the Andes, and is trained in plant spirit medicine.

Ashera has led over a dozen retreats to Peru. She loves to share the incredible gifts of Peru sacred sites, mountains, portals and the wisdom medicine of the indigenous traditions and healers with others. Ashera is passionate about assisting others on their path to restoring their original freedom, balance and joy.

Carolyn Story

Carolyn is a subtle body energy worker specializing in trauma/shock release, transforming limiting belief systems, disruptive emotional energy patterns, and mind-body-soul integration practices.

She is passionate about empowering others, so people can become their best self.  When we are empowered, we are able to be more compassionate, aware and kind to ourselves, others and to our planet.

Her background includes training in Spiritual Response Therapy (SRT), The Jin Shin TARA approach, Healing the Multi-Dimensional Self, Yi Ren Qigong, Light Body Activation and sound therapy.  She has also worked internationally as an educator in Kuwait, Russia, England, and South Africa.

For the last seven years Carolyn has developed her energy healing practice at The Vital Energy Center in Seattle, WA.  She is currently enrolled in the Energy Codes teacher training program with Dr. Sue Morter, as well as continuing her training in shamanic and plant spirit medicine.  She has traveled on two spiritual pilgrimages to Peru in 2018-19 which transformed her life. Carolyn plans to continue to journey and deepen this work as it is a powerful conduit of change into love and light.

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Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1

• 12:00pm Arrival at retreat center

• 1:00pm Lunch

• 3:00pm Opening Circle

• 6:00pm Dinner

• 7:30 Fire Ceremony

Day 2

• 7:30am Yoga and energetic practices

• 9:00am Breakfast

• 11:00am Medicine Wheel practices, walk and cleansing in waterfall under Apu Sawasiray

• 1:00pm Lunch

• 2:00pm Despacho with Curandera

• 4:00pm Private healing sessions/massages/free time

• 6:00pm Dinner

• 7:00pm Sound healing

Day 3

• 7:30am Yoga and energetic practices

• 9:00am Breakfast

• 10:00am Tipon – Temple of the Waters with Q’ero, Despacho ceremony, shamanic journey

• 4:30pm Return to center – relaxation/free time

• 6:00pm Dinner

• 7:00pm Evening sound circle

Day 4

• 7:30am Yoga and energetic practices

• 9:00am Breakfast

• 10:00am Temples Prachar & Moray (Earth Temple) with Q’ero, Despacho ceremony, sacred initiations with the Q’ero

• 6:00pm Dinner Out

Day 5

• 7:30am Yoga and energetic practices

• 9:00am Breakfast

• 10:00am Quillaroymok ~ Moon of the Rock Temple, Ceremony with Q’ero

• 4:30pm Return to center

• 6:00pm Dinner

Day 6

• 7am All Day Plant Healing Huachuma Ceremony Up the Mountain

• 7pm- 12:00am Evening Fire Ceremony

Day 7

• Rest Day

• Private healing sessions and massage

• Relax on a hammock

Day 8

• 7:30am Yoga and energetic practices

• 9:00am Breakfast

• 10:00am Pisac ~ Temple of the Falcon with Q’ero, Despacho ceremony, sacred initiations with the Q’ero, explore market in town, dinner out

• 7:00pm Return to center

Day 9

• Main Journey Completes ~ Machu Picchu Add-on Begins

• 7:30am Yoga and energetic practices

• 9:00am Breakfast

• 10:00am Check out and visit Ollantaytambo Temple, explore town

• 3:30pm Train to Aguas Calientes (Gateway to Machu Picchu)

• 5:00pm Arrive and check in to hotel

• 6:00pm Dinner

Day 10

• 6:00 Sunrise at Machu Picchu, Pilgrimage to the Crystal City

• 5:00 Train Back to Ollantaytambo

• 6:30 Check into Hotel

• 7:00 Dinner

Day 11

• 7:30 Yoga and Energetic Practices

• Closing Circle

• 9:00 Breakfast

• Check out and your journey onward

Recommendation: spend an extra day or two to integrate after the journey before returning home.

Flight & Transportation:

You will fly into the sacred city of Cusco, an hour airplane ride from Lima. From the Cusco airport it is a 1 hour and 20 minute taxi ride to our accommodations in the Sacred Valley. It is a breathtaking one hour ride from the airport.

Bring A Friend and Receive a Discount!
Exclusions:

• International & domestic airfare

• Single occupancy option, unless specifically requested

• Tips for guides, porters and cooks

• Extra personal drinks, snacks, food, and gifts

• Additional lodging not outlined

• Transfers from airport

• Personal massages and healing sessions.

• Two meals out

• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control.

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION & REGISTRATION PACKET:

Contact Ashera at:
luminosityhealing@yahoo.com

COME WEAVE YOUR HEART INTO THE HEART OF PERU!

Shaman Retreat Part 3

We opened sacred space and did fire breathing to open our energy bodies. Then, we practiced a guided meditation for grounding and protection.  The visualization was to form a golden light around us, spinning in a clockwise direction. Afterwards, we stood by the fire as we were drummed to rhythm of our unique heartbeat. The teacher found our pace and then proceeded to move the drum around our body as you would if you were smudging. As the drum reached my head, I could feel my cells aligning and becoming synchronized in the perfect internal rhythm. I could also feel my connection with Mother Earth deepening.

We gathered around the fire and wrote down our ideal Divine Mother/Father traits. Then, we wrote down resentments and gratitude we had about our birth Mother/Father.  As the resentments came up, old wounds were opened and soothed with the gentle salve of gratitude. My list of resentments was longer for my dad, but I also got to see what he had done. We placed the lists of resentments into the burning fire and asked it to fill us as we let go of the old. When the old released, it formed a void so we needed to ask to be replenished. It was satisfying on such a fundamental soul level to allow the fire to fill my heart and all it took was trust.

It was time to build a shelter to represent the womb of the Mother. We had bamboo, ropes, blankets, stones, logs, and rugs. Within an hour, we had a cozy shelter in the woods. It was completely closed, dark, and invoked a sense of safety. It was perfect to represent the womb of creation. We began drumming, chanting, and moving around the fire in preparation for acceptance of Divine Mother as our ultimate Maternal Guide. The energy was building with great intensity. One by one, we were chosen to embody either the mother or child. Spirit moved through each of us.

When it was my turn to be the child, the mother wrapped her arms around me and spoke in my ear. I could feel the essence of my birth mother speaking to me with love, channeled through another. Then, she let me go to be embraced by the Divine. I walked to the shelter and sat inside.  As I asked Mother to accept me and declared my willingness to be open to receive, I could feel fire engulfing my body. It got extremely hot and I could see the flames licking all sides of my body. When it was finished, I felt purified, fresh and new. I walked out of the womb, fully supported.

I was chosen to be the Mother for one of the others in the group. As I spoke words and held the person, my voice sounded foreign. It sounded like I was in another room, listening to someone speak. I released the person and felt immense love as they walked away.  I tried not to analyze too much, as I walked back to the fire to chant.  When everyone had been reborn, we sat in silence.

 

Shaman Retreat part 2

Shamanic Retreat Part 2

We started opening sacred space, which is still my favorite, then settled around the fire for a breathing exercise. Fire breathing is a great way to strengthen the Bands of Power. From a seated position, we placed our hands above our heads a foot or so, palms facing out. We reached inside our eighth chakra, opening it and brought our arms down in a semicircle around our bodies.

First we did this to the sides several times and then front and back. We wrapped an imaginary energy bubble around our bodies like an egg of light. After that, we put our palms together behind our backs pointing our index fingers straight out like a gun. We gently inhaled through our noses while pushing our abdomen out and exhaled through our mouths.  We were speeding up as fast as we could, which ended up being more like animal panting, then we slowly inhaled three times.

Then, we held our breath as long as possible, while flexing our perennial muscles three times drawing Earth energy into the base of the spine. Finally, we exhaled…feeling the amazing energy flow, as we brought our arms over head and placed palms out into the eighth chakra. We repeated this five times and it was extremely cleansing, grounding, and invigorating. My mind was so incredibly clear after this exercise, and there was a deeper connection with Mother Earth. It was tangible as were the Bands surrounding my body.

We then were guided in a journey to ask for a spirit guide. We drummed and traveled deep into the earth, asking for permission and traveling to the underworld. I was careful not to engage with any dark energy. I asked for a spirit guide and waited. Then, a viper started approaching, which turned into a pterodactyl. It was a funny, awkward, prehistoric bird/dragon. It was clumsy and comical. I felt no threat at all and invited it over to me. It bumped into shrubs and knocked things around. It was like being in a cartoon, but it felt like real life. It was unconcerned about how it appeared, which made it even funnier. It had an unspoken confidence and air of arrogance. Yet, it was completely innocent and adorable.  I could relate to the imperfection and felt like I’d known this creature my whole life.

At the moment it was within a few feet of me, it grew into a huge dragon and flicked its tail, which resulted in a thunderous boom. I froze. I was suddenly aware of the power and how it demanded respect. It had come to help me. It was showing me not to underestimate power just because of playful appearances. It is still teaching me. What a great and powerful animal it was and what a sense of humor.

After a lunch break, we performed a Despacho with intentions of the Divine Mother/Father ceremony. We offered beautiful flowers, sugar, seeds, rice, glitter, sequins. We gave thanks  to all spirit allies and placed our dreams in silent prayers. We wrapped the cloth around our offerings and prayers then placed them into the fire, feeding it and ourselves. It was gently moving and created a peaceful release. I asked to honor my mother and father. I asked to release all that was outside of love and to open to the Divine in both. I also asked to open to the Divine in all things…including myself. I asked to be ultimate forgiveness.

We walked away from the fire filled with awe and hope for unlimited possibilities.

 

Shamanic Retreat

The first day of our Shamanic weekend retreat started with opening sacred space. Then, we started a fire and put our intentions into the fire. We did this by blowing the intention into the stick. After putting our sticks in, we allowed the fire to feed us with its power. My intention was to purify my spirit and let go of any old resentments around mother and father. The retreat was about embracing the divine father and mother. I was jumping in to the deep end but I was ready!

As we took our seats around the fire, our teacher lead us in a chakra clearing meditation. It started at our root and ended with the crown. It was a simple and essential practice. I could feel heavy energy leaving each chakra, resulting in greater balance and joy. We visualized a tail moving out of the base of our spine, leading to an aquifer deep inside the Earths womb. It was a place to release any heavy or unspent energy in our centers. It could easily move down and be recycled by Pachamama/ Mother Earth. I literally felt years of stress pouring out of my body.

Finally, we received a Bands of Power Rite. The Bands of Power are an energetic protection woven into your Energy Field , the energetic body that surrounds your physical body.  These bands help transform negative energy into one of the 5 elements so that you are protected and centered in yourself. I had received the bands previously but the ceremony strengthened their power.

When she got to the band around my head, she grabbed a stone that had been activated at a sacred temple in Peru (I did not know this at the time), and placed it on my third eye. I had to catch my balance as I felt like she had pushed me back. It was so strong; I had to shift my body like I was suddenly on an incline. Then, very suddenly, I felt myself falling backward into an endless void. It was swallowing me but it was not threatening. It felt like something was setting me free. It was hard to determine how much time had passed. It could have been several lifetimes or seconds. I heard the teacher’s voice in the distance beckoning me to return. I did but I was not the same…

 

Day 41 with a Shaman

I had a vision of a serpent.  It was as long as a car and its head was as big as mine. It had fierce eyes and slow methodical movement. I was on a pier and it began slithering toward me with an unwavering focus. I could not stop my heart from racing and was certain it could sense my strong pulse. I tried not to be afraid, hoping it would move past me. Terror filled my body as it raised its body to look directly in my face. It eyes were frighteningly vicious. I flinched, as it sank its fangs in my right shoulder. My awareness moved into the body of the serpent, before I felt the pain.

Suddenly, it was biting and wrapping my body around a human, but there was no violence. It was just movement of energy. I was being moved by the one collective spirit connecting everything. There was no self at all. There was nothing lacking and nothing gained from this action. It didn’t even occur to me, as the snake, that this was food. There was absolutely no thought.

A few seconds earlier, I was certain that this animal hated me or was angry. It was perceived as violent. Now, I was merged fully and there was only acceptance, harmony, and a perfect flow. My awareness switched back to myself and I just felt love as I breathed my last breath.

To Work with a Shaman Click Here

Day 40 with a Shaman

In a journey to the upper world, I asked for an ally or gift. The ace of spades came back to me. My Shaman Teacher led the journey, while I just traveled. When she told me about the ace, I understood right away.

When I was younger, my family would camp out on the lake every summer.  We would gather around the card table at night and play games. My favorite game was spades. We would play partners and I loved using different strategies to win. No matter what strategy I used, if I had the ace of spades, I knew I would win.  It was the highest card in the game but that didn’t always guarantee a win. However, in my mind it did and it worked.  I would win every time.

The ace of spades was my ally now, which meant no matter what, I would win. It meant that even if the dark side got a few points, I couldn’t lose. It was exactly what I needed to know, on the deepest level, that doubt has no power anymore. It was also a great reminder to not take myself so seriously. I was given the message to follow the signs and this is a big one! As my friend would say, “this is a wink from God.”

Saying Yes

Then, there was another opportunity to follow signs. I was asked to do readings for other people. I have resisted because I am studying with a Shaman and felt like it would be a distraction. I’d stopped actively reading to just focus on Shaman practices. Then, I got the message that there was no distinction, if the intention was to serve and get out of the way. There was also a small part that believed I wasn’t ready. Although I wanted to decline, I was being nudged by spirit.  Since doubt has no power, I decided it was time for a different answer.  After a bit of resistance, I chose to do them. It would be a chance to invite spirit in a different way. Sacred space allowed for clearing and protection, it would just be cards instead of leaves.

I have been pleased with the readings and I’ve gotten surprising feedback. The best part is that I don’t feel like I am doing anything. It is effortless and flows through. It allows a greater sense of trust, which is perfectly timed. Letting go takes many forms but this week it looks like saying yes to serving others.  I’ve also realized that the Shaman practices have resulted in more grounding, which makes for better readings. Thank you to the spirit allies!

Day 39 with a Shaman

My Shaman Teacher asked me today if I had purchased my ticket for Peru. There is an advanced initiation training there in November and I feel like I am meant to be there. At this point, I don’t see how. It is expensive and I don’t make a lot. I have put it in a Sand Painting and am asking spirits for assistance. I am also fundraising so that other people can donate as well.  I am holding a strong intention and expecting mountains to move to get me there.

I told her I was trying to get the money together. She talked to me about taking steps toward it and asked what other reasons might be holding me back. She spoke as if money were not a real obstacle. Her silence after the questions required me to be ruthless in my internal inquiry. I did a quick scan and could see a fear of the unknown.

I could feel myself sitting in limbo. I had to get real. Wasn’t the real fear that I’d transform and get what I say I want? Wasn’t I really terrified of stepping into power and not being able to pretend smallness anymore? Wouldn’t I be letting go of being a student and taking full accountability for what I’ve learned? Not to say that I’d be a Teacher but I wouldn’t be able to claim that “I didn’t know.”

Peru is not the first place I’d pick to travel. I’ve had friends that have gone there and I never felt the desire. However, since starting Shaman training with my Mentor and teacher, I have felt a faint tugging. It is evident when I am talking to her about the land, mountains and people there. There is a collective consciousness that is already a higher vibration. It lends an ease to this practice and while I wouldn’t go there otherwise, I feel I must.

During my journey to the underworld, I asked if there were any contracts that were no longer valid. The contract to keep me limited came to me and I put it in the fire. I watched it burn and knew that money was only an energetic part of this contract. It would free all energy related to this limitation and I felt ready. A new contract came to me.  It was the contract to embody a new level of Love, one that I’ve never known before. I welcomed this new energy, and invited it into every cell of my body.

A black horse and magic vase came back with me as allies. The black horse reminded me of the warrior inside; fierce, bold, courageous, graceful and receptive. The vase held unlimited potential in its purest form.  Nothing can be tainted in the presence of this potential and it is bigger than fear.

Day 38 with a Shaman- Sinking in the Crystal Blue

 

Photo by: Olympic getaways

I decide to go out to Crescent Lake to bathe and bask. I will invite the healing of the water, and strengthen the cords with the Olympics. I had previously performed a Despacho in the Olympics so it would be good to reconnect and see what comes.

I take one step and feel the cold rock digging into center of my foot, reminding me now would be a great time to stay aware. I continue walking over jagged rocks, as the water glides over the tops of my toes. It is cold and sends my body into a heightened state at once. I look toward the West and see mountains clothed in vivid green, contrasting the blue and silver sky.

The sun promises to reveal its golden warmth but disappears into the blanket of grey, sitting lightly on the mountain top. The smell of salt and wood chips fills me with fondness.  I shiver as I walk forward, turquoise water rising and wrapping around me like a kimono. It’s cold but not too cold to continue walking. As I start to float off of the rocks under my feet, I feel as though I’m surrounded by loved ones. I can feel the presence of spirits. I honor them and start to converse as I would with my sister or friend. I ask for the healing of the lake water to wash over me, releasing guilt and making more room for light. I hear the loving response in the wind, as the sun beams down on my face. Ducks fly over my head and I can feel a letting go.

Can I forgive myself? I wait. Do I trust God/Creator right now? Can I feel worthy to receive? I wait. Calm settles over me and I hear the hushed whisper of the mountains and the acceptance of the lake. Is it possible to be connected to all of this beauty and still doubt?

Day 37 with a Shaman

Photo by: Marcela Bolivar

What’s wrong with me? This is the question I’ve asked myself the most this past week. It seems I have ideals of how everything should go. It’s no surprise, I am surrounded with people that like to be in control, pushing my buttons constantly. In the session with my Shaman Teacher, I become aware of deep seated shame. Then, I realize it is the Anniversary of my grandfather’s death and while I remember, she hones in on the guilt. Admittedly, I tell her I still feel guilty of not being there months before he died.

He was like a father to me, when my dad would disappear or forget me at school again. He taught me how to ride a bike, waterski, shoot a 22, float on my back in the pool, and many other useful things. He would drive me two hours to gymnastics, providing delicious snacks and wait patiently for me to finish. He was kind and thoughtful but always forthcoming in his wisdom.

As my teacher asks me to track the guilt, I can see that even in my grief, I feel unworthy. I feel like I don’t have a right to feel sad because I wasn’t there for him for months when he needed me.  Then I realize that I feel unworthy of calling on God/Creator and spirits. I haven’t been perfect.

Do I actually believe this? My teacher assures me that this is a very core belief and that while a big part of me doesn’t buy it, it is still limiting me. It has been passed down from Ancestors and has been held in place for a long time.

It is time to put it in my Sand Painting, to release all the ways guilt has kept me cycling in doubt. I ask the guides for help.  She also told me to write down all the beliefs I have about God/Creator, Guilt, and Love etc. then write yes or no next to each, indicating if I believe this. God is Love, Love is Kind, God will take care of it, I am worthy of God’s love, I am worthy of good, I am enough.  Yeah right. Is that why when I took vows to God, I lost everything? That is a whole other story…

I am surprised to find this lack of trust for the Divine, especially when I have been seeking union with Creator the majority of my life.

Day 36 with a Shaman

 Photo from: Trevorsbirding.com

Raven

Raven is the bringer of Change. It cannot stand to see the world stagnate. When a change must occur, Raven flies swiftly in to evoke it! Although many consider raven a trickster, he is nowhere near the league of Coyote. Raven is the bringer of new things, new places, and new ideas. Raven teaches what is needed at the perfect time. When the world has become complacent, and is ready to move on, it is Raven who swoops in from his journeys to show the world something new, something exciting, something different. He explores, he challenges, and he is the bringer of transformation!

Freya is a shaman Goddess who is able to travel in the different realms by using her magical cloak to shape shift into a bird. She also has the power to transform other people into animals. Freya often had a cloak of feathers that enabled her to fly in the form of a raven. As a fertility Goddess she is linked to the full moon.

When I began working with a Shaman as a healer, I had a dream one night that didn’t feel like a dream at all. I was dreaming that I was sleeping and woke within the dream to a scratching noise. I looked to the left of my bed where the window was. In waking state, it was covered but in this dream it was clear. I saw a huge black face with dark piercing eyes. It was a Raven and it was trying to get in. It wanted to be closer to me. Its stare burned into the deepest parts of me. It knew everything about me and I squirmed at the thought. I wanted to look away but couldn’t.

Then, its eyes changed into human eyes. It was part Raven, part man and it was coming for me. It began opening the window with huge talons, calmly, patiently, and fiercely. Even if it took a life time, he would tenaciously keep coming.  I knew he/it wasn’t going to stop. What I didn’t know was if it was dangerous or just intense. Remembering Edgar Allen Poe, I wanted to run. Did it want to kill me, harm me, or join me? Perhaps it wanted to give me a message? Regardless of the Raven’s intent, I was petrified by its sheer power.

I couldn’t take it. I tried to run, but my limbs were frozen. I tried to cry, but my voice was muffled. I willed myself to awaken from the dream inside my dream. I woke up screaming, fighting, whimpering, and trembling. I was terrified. My partner wrapped his arms around me, rocked me and assured me I was safe. Although I felt protected, I could still feel the presence of the Raven that crossed over into my world forever.

This morning as I was leaving my house, I heard a sound, like someone saying, “Hey over here, pay attention!” It was not quite a human voice but conveyed intelligence beyond any animal. I’ve heard that the voice of a being carries its essence. This essence was familiar and haunting…a ghost from a dream.  I looked up to see two Ravens in the tree above me. They were looking at me, but nonchalantly talking amongst themselves. I watched in awe, feeling honored and blessed. It seemed like they bestowed me with great fortune by just existing within close proximity. I sensed the intimate connection with them, the filament of light reaching from my heart to them and remembered why I am here. Thank you ,Raven.