Quote of Note: The Dalai Lama

My message is always the same: to cultivate and practice love, kindness, compassion, and tolerance.

–His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

How do we bridge the gap between appreciating a quote like this and actually applying its wisdom in our day-to-day lives? We constantly encounter opportunities to avoid ”cultivating and practicing love, kindness, compassion, and tolerance.” Like with that guy at work who always has the answer, and never stops talking. Or the distracted driver who almost caused an accident when she cut you off. Or the staunch conservative/liberal acquaintance who readily shares their political or religious views with you, but gets angry when you try to do the same. And on and on.

As many more eloquent than I have said, our most powerful defense against being emotionally tossed around by people and circumstances is our power of choice. Today, before going out into the world, I’ve resolved to stay peaceful and tolerant no matter what the day brings. Join me in this – not because of the Dalai Lama’s quote, or because I peppered it with paltry pop psychology. Do it because it feels good.

Less ‘never forget’ and more forgiveness

I cringe every time I see a “Never Forget 9/11″ sign. Is it because I’m insensitive to the unimaginable loss of victims’ families? No. Is it because I’m unpatriotic? No.

It’s because I’m tired of the victim mentality that’s gripped our country since that fateful day, and am even more weary of the negative effects it’s had on our economy, our civil liberties, and our government.

The quotes that follow put better words to my feelings than I can myself. The first refers to Auschwitz, but is also very relevant to the 9/11 tragedy. The second is from an article in Wired. Both are well worth reading.

Maybe the answer isn’t just to ”never forget” But to SEE the wounds of our past actions, to ACKNOWLEDGE the suffering and brutality that happened to all the people, to FORGIVE and LEARN.
We can’t change history. But we can learn from it, and be thankful for its lessons. They were given for a reason, and it was to teach us something. Perhaps the only way through it, is with forgiveness.

–Chloe, in response to “Can We Heal If We Never Forget? An Album From Auschwitz”

We can honor the 9/11 victims without being permanently haunted by them.

–Spencer Ackerman in “How to Beat Terrorism: Refuse to Be Terrorized”

 

Book list added

I’ve added a page titled Book List to serve as a repository for books about alternative spiritualities, indigenous traditions, and phytology/herbalism that I’ve read and reviewed. (Click here to view or use the navigation tabs at the top.) I’ll add more as I read new titles and continue to review books I’ve read in the past.

Have you come across any books on these subjects that you’ve really enjoyed? If so please share them by leaving a comment below!

Message from a Raven

Photograph by Michael S. Quinton

Earlier this week I came home to find a large raven perched on a low branch in my back yard, very close to the house. Happy for such a rare opportunity, I stood and watched it for several minutes. I marveled at its size and the sense of peace it seemed to exude. I decided I wanted a photo, so I pulled out my phone and gently opened the sliding glass door. I snapped a couple unimpressive shots before its large wings caught the air with a “swoosh, swoosh!” Having had a special connection to ravens for many years, I felt happy and humbled.

The next afternoon I came home to find a large raven laying motionless on my backyard deck. I stood wide-eyed for several minutes, trying to process what I was seeing. I still tear up a little when I think about it. I walked out to have a closer look, and was relieved to see no signs of a struggle – no scattered feathers, no blood. I sighed and went to the garage to get a shovel. As I walked from the deck to the forest behind the house, I wondered whether I should bury the bird or not. Realizing that the spirit of the creature was already flying high above, I said a short prayer and left it on the forest floor for nature to reclaim.

Whether this was the same raven I saw the previous day or another, I’m not completely sure…but intuition told me it was the same bird. Later I asked my guidance how old this particular raven was, and heard “12 years.” I followed this up with some research on the lifespan of the Northern Raven, and found it averages 13 years.

My first spiritual mentor taught me the importance of recognizing messages from brothers and sisters in the animal kingdom. My initial impulse was to call her and ask if this was a message, and if so what it meant. But I quickly recognized that if there was a message, I needed to figure it out on my own. Had I actually called her I’m guessing she would’ve laughed, said “Yep, it’s a message,” and hung up the phone! The best teachers always know when to speak and when to let their students fly.

In my late teens I first read The Medicine Wheel Earth Astrology, which told me I was born under the sign of the Raven. Since then I’ve felt a bond with these beautiful, intelligent, and often misunderstood birds. I’ve never feared them, though many seem to. Intuitively I’ve always known that those who are unsettled by ravens are likely afraid of their own darker side. According to Sams and Carson in the Medicine Cards,

Those who fear Raven may do so because they have been dabbling in areas in which they had no knowledge. Realize that you will fear raven only if you need to learn about your inner fears or self-created demons. (101)

So having ruled out a warning as raven’s possible message, I looked closer at what’s going on in my life. Though the last few years have been particularly challenging on all fronts – relationship, health, career, etc. – the storm has cleared over the last several weeks, and I’m emerging with a renewed sense of peace and clarity about where I’ve been and where I’m going. My relationship is getting better everyday as we learn more about communicating honestly and honoring our feelings in the moment. My health is improving as I continue to release beliefs and relationships that sap my energy. I’m almost finished with an 18 month career retraining program, and will soon be earning a great living while making a positive difference in people’s lives as a massage therapist. I’ve even decided to return to return to school and finish my degree…but instead of continuing as a business major I’ll be transferring to Bastyr, a local university with an international reputation for its natural health curriculum. There I’ll pursue a degree in herbal sciences. Herbal sciences! I’m giddy just thinking about it.

The common thread running through all these positive changes is my willingness to do something I’ve rarely done before. Something that, as an avid daydreamer and explorer, I’ve always struggled with – making a commitment and following through. Some wise person once said, “The struggle is not in the doing, but in the deciding.”

In distilling these thoughts, I’m honored that the raven passed peacefully into the next world on the threshold of my home. Symbolically I also see its death a sign that I’m entering a new phase of life, one in which all that I’ve previously allowed to hinder me is being released. I felt strong emotion and had full-body goose bumps as I read the following, also from the Medicine Cards:

If Raven appears…you are about to experience a change in consciousness.

…A signal brought by the Raven that says, “You have earned the right to see and experience a little more of life’s magic.” (101)

Here’s to life’s magic!

"Thought and Memory" by Marina Terauds, © 2010. Used with permission.

Special thanks to Marina and Uldis Terauds for allowing use of this beautiful artwork. Please visit Marina’s website to view more of her stunning work.

Pagan prayers for the deceased

Today I learned that an acquaintance of several years recently took her own life. Intuitively I always knew she wasn’t happy, and watched as she looked externally and unsuccessfully for fulfillment and purpose. My heart aches for both the sadness that led to her choice as well as for the grieving family she leaves behind. Sensing that she has not yet moved beyond the veil, I lit a candle and placed it in the window when I got home this evening.

Dear sister,

May the eternal and unwavering light of your soul ascend to the highest levels of peace and love.

Go now, and leave this sadness and turmoil behind. You are free.

In accordance with your free will, So Mote It Be.

Beloved one, you are dead, but you are not alone.

We are here with you, the beloved dead await you.

You go from love into love. Carry with you only love.

May our love carry you and open the way.

(Compiled by Ulla Mentzel)

Today’s Rune: Wunjo

Today’s rune is Wunjo. It’s commonly known as “joy,” but its meaning runs deeper than simple happiness on a personality level.

In his book Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic, Edred Thorsson offers the simplest, most concise, and yet most profound explanation of this rune’s meaning I’ve ever seen:

When all members of the clan are harmoniously working together, while integrated into their environment in a syncretic manner, a true state of holiness exists. (34)

In this context syncretic means growing together by setting aside differences and working toward a common goal. It seems the Germanic tribes, with whom the Runes originated, knew the value of syncretism and what would happen without it. In the words of American writer, historian, and philosopher Will Durant,

A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.

What was true for the tribes of the Migration Period is still true today, though in a broader context. If petty differences are set aside and all find and use their gifts for the greater good, the global tribe will continue to evolve. One way to experience the essence of Wunjo, the “true state of holiness” Thorsson spoke of, is to do anything that shifts our focus from our own wants and needs to those of others.

I look at this rune today and ask myself, “What is my role in the tribe?” As I commit to finding and living that role, I experience the joy of Wunjo.

Edit on 3/15/11: I came across this quote and thought it was appropriate:

When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.

–Eleanor Roosevelt

Psychic rune reading: Gebo

A sister in spirit got in touch with me yesterday and asked about the significance of the rune Gebo. She is searching for her next home, and saw this rune in two trees nearby while praying about the issue.

The traditional meaning of Gebo is “gift,” but runes are like layer cakes and their commonly understood meanings are just the icing. There’s a lot more going on under the surface.

Gebo teaches us about the balance that’s needed between giving and receiving to support well-being on all levels, mental, physical, and spiritual. We should expect to give if we want to receive, and should neither consistently give without receiving nor receive without giving. This applies to all things – material goods, mental/emotional/spiritual energy, etc.

In her book Northern Mysteries and Magick, Freya Aswynn says that “giving gifts was a serious matter” in the Northern tradition (33), and that it was dishonorable to give or receive without an exchange. This concept was (and still is) present in several cultures around the world. For example in many Native American tribes, it is still considered disrespectful to ask for a blessing from a spiritual leader or the Creator without first making a meaningful offering. In this way Gebo shows us that sacrifice is necessary to manifest the gifts we seek. (Let me point out however that the original meaning of sacrifice was to make sacred. Its associations with concepts like ritual killing and pious suffering are primarily due to the influence of Christian doctrine.)

So then, what must you make sacred to attract what you wish?

To my sister, I heard and saw these things as well when meditating on this rune’s meaning for you:

• A cave, and a waterfall. Find a way to spend some time inside/near either or both, whether this means visiting an actual physical location or journeying there in ceremony or meditation.
• I heard the word “neighbor.” Does a neighbor have a gift you’ve refused, or have you given them a gift without an exchange of energy? Could be past, present or future.
• Gather scattered energies and focus them on your desired outcome. Be cautious of the balance between give and take – are you giving too much and expecting to little? Or, are you expecting too much and giving too little? This could pertain to legal matters or a contract, and/or the spiritual energy you’ve invested in reaching your goal.
• I see bats. You taught me about bat medicine – do they have a message for you? Cougar is also present.

Love and kindness,

J.

Which Heaven Is For Real?

This morning The New York Times reported that Heaven Is For Real, a book based on the near-death experience of a 4 year-old boy in which he met various biblical figures including Jesus, has become a “publishing phenomenon, dominating best-seller lists and selling hundreds of thousands of copies.”

Reading the article left me feeling conflicted. On one hand, it’s clear by its sales that this book has brought hope and inspiration to many. With these in such short supply, I’m truly happy for anything that adds more of both to the collective conscious.

On the other hand, it was the boy’s father who decided to flesh out the story and publish the 163-page book. As I thought more about this I began to feel a little insulted…though that’s really too strong a word. Perhaps “excluded” is a better fit.

The book’s title feels like yet another declaration that the Christian path is the only path. It’s distressing that the book may serve as proof to some that what lies beyond the veil is indeed the Christian heaven, and only the Christian heaven. The renewed fervor it may lend to those who’ve memorized and constantly regurgitate the tired and worn “Jesus is the only way” argument also concerns me.

To be clear I actually admire Jesus immensely, and am open to different ideas about where our souls go when we leave the physical world. (I have my ideas, and so do you. Without verifiable facts, who’s to say which is right or wrong?) What I don’t like is the monopoly on tickets to the afterlife and “salvation” Christianity claims to have, which I’ve always viewed as an instrument of control more than anything.

Psychic rune reading: Ehwaz, Fehu, Kenaz

A client contacted me with a request to give a reading on his relationship. No background information was given or solicited, except for the names of the two people involved. Here are the results:

Overview: Ehwaz, converse

The relationship isn’t going well. There is disharmony and confusion about how to move forward – you’re unsure what to do at this point. Trust and loyalty are issues – big ones.

 

 

 

 

Challenge: Fehu, reverse

Differences when it comes to money – making it, saving it, and/or spending it – are present. Can these views & behaviors be reconciled? I’m not sure. These differences are part of the trust and loyalty issues mentioned above.

 

 

 

Action: Kenaz

Radical renewal is called for. This renewal can take one of two forms – either a break up or an agreement to self-examine, sacrifice, and forgive past transgressions for the good of the relationship. Please understand that you can’t make her agree to self-examine, sacrifice, and forgive.

If your partner is unwilling to reconcile, there will be signs. Silence is one. If signs are apparent, you must accept responsibility for moving on in a timely manner, for your own good and for hers.

If reconciliation turns out to be an option, know that you each must identify and let go of ideas and behaviors that hurt the relationship in the past. Being honest with yourselves and each other is a crucial part of this process, as is forgiveness. It also involves remaining watchful for the occasional return of old, familiar, and unproductive patterns.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. I sincerely hope this helps you move toward more peace and joy…if not in the present, at least in the near future.

Blessings,

J.

The Dalai Lama: the courage to embrace change

This morning the Washington Post reported that the Dalai Lama has announced a timeline for transitioning his political power to an elected

official within Tibet’s exile government. His resolution was undoubtedly met with resistance and sunken hearts by the Tibetan people, who have long regarded the Dalai Lama as both their spiritual and political leader.

Like a parent who realizes the time has come to let his children stand on their own, I feel the Dalai Lama realizes that allowing his people to do so is crucial for Tibet’s continued political and spiritual evolution.

I am grateful to His Holiness for the light he shines, and wish he and his people joy and peace in the wake of this transition.