NOTES

Spending time at the cabin at work, taking walks every night out in the country by a beautiful lake. Sitting for hours alone drifting with the ebb and flow of the slight tide. Watching the birds, breathing in the trees, the sunshine. Jotting down poetry in my notebook, listening to the quiet voice inside and connecting with everything around me. Its so beautiful here.
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Herons are normally solitary birds. I've seen two at a time occasionally, never more. There's something about these birds that fascinate me. Is it that they look so prehistoric. Is it the clumsiness of their take off. Is it that they can stand in one spot in the water for hours, barely moving. I've seen herons all my life, usually when I've spent a lot of time alone.
Today, I witnessed the most amazing sight of 8 herons flying over the lake.

life.. it moves me..
And I stand in humbled gratitude for the blessings.
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Moved by the most gentle of breezes whispering 'shekinah's wind'.

Breathe deep, be still, keep centred, grounded.

Be guided by the light and feel the spirit of the wind blow through your soul.

Notes

Lovely walk over Frensham little pond tonight, sat and watched two herons for ages.

Strange activity on the nursery tonight. Pitch black out here.. in the night sky, a really bright light that kept appearing and disappearing in different parts of the sky. Saw it three times, twice with Harry my boss. Reminded me of the three lights i saw in the tree when I started writing my poetry and the three lights dad saw just before he passed into spirit.

Card for Today - healing with the Fairies deck - Doreen Virtue

PEACE OF MIND

Peace of mind isn't something you have earn or acquire, since your true self is already peaceful. Instead it requires being like a sculptor with a block of marble, who works with this material until the inner masterpiece is revealed. If you make peace of mind your main focus, you'll inevitably feel a great sense of relief.

Steps that create peace of mind include being honest with yourself, living according to your inner guidance, being helpful and kind to others, practising meditation or yoga, eating healthy foods, avoiding toxins, maintaining healthy sleep habits, avoiding negative people and media, surrendering your problems to God, communing with nature, simplifying your life and saying no when you need to.

Card for Today - Wisdom - colette baron reid

35. LADY OF LIGHTNING
Surprises, sometimes shock, total paradigm shift

AS an ally the Lady of Lightning brings powerful forces of change into your life. She tells you to expect a sudden shift in your circumstances. Perhaps a situation you werent anticipating arises and offers you the opportunity of a lifetime or a series of aha moments results in a pivotal flash of insight causing everything to change, just like that. Maybe someone enters your life and pushes you to new heights or you may have a new idea that hits you like lightning.

Be prepared, change is imminent and a total paradigm shift may be upon you. Don't resist the changes as this kind of lightning isnt something you want to fight. Great things are happening when the Lady of Lightning appears

Card for Today - messages from the angels deck - Doreen Virtue -

ARIELLE

Its not your imagination. You really are psychic and you have connected with the spiritual world. These mystical experiences are occurring due to your increased spiritual openess and because you have asked about your angels and life purpose. I am part of a large group of angels assigned to help those of you who have spiritual gifts.

Please don't be afraid of your gifts. Although you may have been teased or punished for being psychic in your childhood or past life, we can help you heal any fears you may have about being psychic or spiritually gifted. Just ask for our help and it is given.

The earth needs your help right now. We ask that you regularly send the Divine love and light within you to those who need it most. Simply hold the intention of sending beams of loving energy towards any place, plant, animal, person or situation and it is done. We thank you for your Earth angel assistance.

Card for Today - messages from the angels deck - Doreen Virtue -

Yesterdays Card, I forgot to post!

OCEANA (excerpt)

There is no need for more research. You can trust your feelings on this one. I will guide you through the actions that are necessary, considering the circumstances. Your main concern is to avoid procrastination at all costs. Break the situation down into small steps so you don't become overwhelmed. Then take those steps at regular intervals.

You already know what to do about this situation and you have decided to take action. I am here to validate that your decision is on the path of light. Although there might be some temporary hard work or emotional turmoil this will soon be replaced by a lightness of spirit akin to gently floating on the summer breeze.

MY FAVOURITE SPOT

Card for Today - Wisdom deck

High Lady of Love and Compassion
(excerpt)

When the high lady of love and compassion decides to be your ally she brings you a deep and meaningful message. She reminds you that only love is real. It is the sole unconditional and true power behind all means of manifesting out of the unseen into the material.

Love's greatest creative power is ignited by the conscious action of compassion. Generosity of the heart, respect and empathy for all living things brings a profound power to live a life of happiness and contentment. Love, compassion and kindness to all must be the impulse behind all your thoughts, actions and feelings.

The high lady reminds you that when she chooses to be your Ally she brings you evidence that you're loved. All manner of synchronicities align in your favour.

If your question refers to a relationship you are required to think of the other person and what is in their highest good. Give selflessly without asking for or expecting anything in return and let go. What is yours will come to you. Kindness always returns somehow. You will surely receive that which you give.

ANIMAL TOTEM (of the day) - Red kite

Graceful and buoyant, responding with grace and gentleness, mediumship and a connection to the underworld, learning how to breathe to open psychic awareness}

Card for Today - Wisdom deck

The Chess Queen - Strategizing, Trust

The chess queen has all the tools you need to aid you in your quest for a life of purpose and peace. When she arrives as an Ally you're given the task of asking spirit for a vision of your life. Ask also to know the right actions to ensure your part in the unfolding. Then with a sense of trust, allow the strategy to be given to you by the divine.

When you are in alignment with the Divine plan for your life all manner of messages are delivered to aid you in taking the next right action for your life. The Chess Queen says you will win this game as long as you let spirit choose your moves.

Follow your bliss and the inspired messages delivered by your soul. You cannot lose when you enter the realms of the Chess queen and she appears as your ally.

Card for today - Ascended masters deck - Doreen Virtue

MOTHER MARY - NURTURE YOURSELF
(excerpt)

You've given a lot to others and now its time to give something to yourself. You've drawn this card because you need to nurture yourself. This means taking good care of your body through sleep, detoxification and exercise. It also means taking care of your needs as you would for others. To have more energy, abundance, peace and purpose, nurture yourself.

Additional meaning
Balance giving to others with receiving.
Honour your inner voice.
Get some rest.
Take care of your body
Nurture your inner child
Mother mary is with you, guiding you and helping you.

ANIMAL TOTEM (of the day) -Blackbird

Well so many magical moments on the field in the last few days that I do need to sit and do a few write ups. A very striking moment yesterday was having 3 swifts fly into the office and circle above my head before landing on a lamp above where I was sitting.

Today though, although there were numerous moments I could and will write about, the one that struck me most was the blackbird who landed in a puddle next to where I was working and proceeded to have a hearty bath, showering water everywhere.. probably trying to tell me something as we have no shower out here and its been rather warm the last few days!

BLACKBIRD.
Understanding the energies of Mother Nature (Ted Andrews)

The blackbird has long been associated with omens and mysticsm. Its colour, alone has evoked both fear and promise. Although called a blackbird, only the males are black, females usually have a streaky brown plumage.

One variety has a yellow head and throat which stands out strongly agains the black plumage. Yellow and black has long been associates with the Archangel Auriel. Auriel is considered the tallest of the angels with eyes that can see across eternity. This being oversees all of nature and all of the nature spirits. Auriel has traditonally been associated with the summer.

They nest in swamps, marshes and low brush - usually just a few feet from water. Again this reflects a tie to water, an ancient symbol for the feminine force and for Nature. They often use cattails as perces. A study of the herbal qualities and characteristics of cattail with provide further insight.

Blackbirds are known for fiercely staking out their own territory and they will often drive off any other of their kind in their vicinity. Because of this, the sight of two blackbirds sitting together is often considered a good omen. In europe, blackbirds came to be associated with St.Kevin, and one story tells of how they nested in his hand. Again because of this association to have blackbirds nesting in your environment is usually a beneficial sign. St.Kevin was knows as a person of tremendous gentleness and love.

If the blackbird has come into your life as a totem, you will open to new surprises and to a new understanding of the forces of Nature as they begin to migrate into your life.

CARD FOR TODAY - Ascended Masters Deck - doreen virtue

THOTH - Write

You drew this card as a concrete reminder to write. You've been receiving lots of
signs and feelings lately to write, so let this message lead you to take action.
Get out a pad or your laptop and begin writing. Don't worry about punctuation or grammar just express your thoughts and feelings as they flow into your mind and body.

CARD FOR TODAY - Ascended Masters Deck - doreen virtue 24/6/

MOTHER MARY - NURTURE YOURSELF
(excerpt)

You've given a lot to others and now its time to give something to yourself. You've drawn this card because you need to nurture yourself. This means taking good care of your body through sleep, detoxification and exercise. It also means taking care of your needs as you would for others. To have more energy, abundance, peace and purpose, nurture yourself.

Additional meaning
Balance giving to others with receiving.
Honour your inner voice.
Get some rest.
Take care of your body
Nurture your inner child
Mother mary is with you, guiding you and helping you.

Notes 20/6/10

Feeling the charge of the solstice energy, focusing, balancing, harmonising, anchoring the energy and sending it out in a fountain of light around the planet. Very powerful energies tonight.

Spent A very magical fathers day at my dads graveside. Planted lavender which he loved and some bright yellow chrysanths, did a lot of praying, burning sage and sandalwood. Found a tiny crow feather, lovely as my fathers totem used to be crow. Had a good chat with him and sent out gratitude to the Great Spirit for the connection.

Laid on the grass next to my dads grave, relaxing in the peace and sunshine and watching as cloud shapes drifted over my head in ankhs, figure 8's and hearts feeling blessed for life, at peace, my spirit purring in the afternoon sunshine.

TOTEM OF THE DAY - 20/6/10 - CROW

Fantastic experience at work yesterday. Was diddling along in my cabin downloading some sounds on my laptop when a crow landed on the window ledge and started tapping and cawing at me really loudly. They've been acting strange all week, much more vocal than normal.

Anyhow, as it wanted to grab my attention I thought I'd share what i found out about crows with you.

THE CROW
If Crow has called on you, you may soon find the following show up in your life: A call to magick, a better understanding of the creative forces within and without, a greater nudging to speak your truth, and the courage and cunning to fly into the Void in order to retrieve the necessary knowledge and wisdom to manifest all of the above and more.

When Crow comes into your life, you can also expect to gain a better self-understanding, greater intuitive reflexes, guidance while shapeshifting through the shadows, and the opportunity to learn about the advantages of determination and watchfulness. Extremely intelligent (along with ravens, crows are noted as being the most intelligent of all birds), the crow will work diligently at manipulating an object or their surroundings until they have accomplished what they've set out to do. Like the raven, they are known to use physical tools along with ingenious methods of action that are noted as being well thought out and even planned. For those with Crow Totem, all these mental capacities and skilful manoeuvres reflect a need to use one's inner senses and outer resources to their fullest.

A crow will build its nest up higher than most other birds do, and they do this for several reasons. The most important are for safety and to secure a wider visual range. A ship's highest lookout point (a small circular balcony surrounding a tall mast) is called a "Crow's Nest" for obvious good reason. Those working with Crow medicine will find it advantageous to work on broadening their horizons, along with anticipating and being on the lookout for new opportunities that are sure to come when under Crow's tutelage. The crow has often been nicknamed "The Sentinel," as one will often sit and watch and remain aware of all that is going on around them in order to protect other crows in the flock (technically called a "murder") and to make sure no harm comes to their family. One can learn a lot in this respect, and Crow will teach you how better to do the same. From this higher perspective and this watchful awareness, your perception increases and you are able to foresee what is in the offing, thus giving you greater opportunity to be prepared for and/or embrace what is coming your way.

Crow, unlike the raven, does not mind living in populated areas. They are apt to cohabitate with humans and often live near or around them, as opposed to the raven's deep forest preference. In fact, it is very easy to befriend a crow. Some people have even been known to keep them as pets. A crow very easily bonds and is imprinted with the image and mannerisms of its keeper and will remain faithful and trusting throughout their relationship if well cared for. This shows the bird's willingness to work with humans, and also gives insight into their teachings of being strongly connected to kin...of recognizing family, even if through past lives shared... and of honouring the spirit of their kin and never forgetting them. Past life regression becomes easier when working with Crow Spirit. And through their prompting, acknowledgment and veneration of one's ancestors is brought to the forefront of your memory.

Crow's character is one of protector, scholar, messenger, and a bit of trickster. They can be very playful, quite amorous, and very wilful...almost downright cocky, actually. And akin to ravens, crows like to talk. Most people find their vocals brassy and annoying, but one with Crow Totem will find them quite soothing, peaceful to the soul, and even joyful and interesting to listen to. Learning to listen to the various tones, inflections and repetitive but varied patterns of the crow's voice can teach you such things as how to work cooperatively, how to discern the truth behind another's words, how to read between the lines, and even how to predict the weather, be alerted to the sudden appearance of a predator, or how to navigate life successfully. But even through all of Crow's love of talk, they will also teach you the very opposite...how to stay advantageously silent when necessary. The Four Cornerstones of Magick (the Witch's Pyramid) is in no way foreign to Crow.

Omnivorous and apt to eat most anything available, Crow shows you how to maintain a keen sense of personal survival and how to have an "appetite" for a wide and diverse store of knowledge that you will "eat"...take inside, digest, and either be nourished by or spit out. How to use that nourishing knowledge can often be learned by watching the movements and antics of the crow - how they interact, why they interact, and when and with whom they interact. When you learn how to use wisely the vast array of knowledge they offer you, it then becomes wisdom. Raven medicine is more apt to delve more deeply into this conversion of knowledge to wisdom, but Crow will always, at the very least, open the door and offer you the way.

Aside from merely observing crows in the wild, you can work with the quintessence of Crow in the Spirit world. Here, Crow's own wisdom, offered to you very often in a knowledgeable message form but also in connective experience, is invaluable. They possess the ability to peer into all realms, to coexist in the world of timelessness, and they are very likely to delve into the depths of hidden and obscure knowledge and emerge with a message. It's a bit of a wild ride when working with Crow medicine, as they can take you high aloft to towering realms where the essence of magick may manifest but has yet to fully form, and in the next minute take you perilously deep down into the depths of your psyche, where they almost impatiently will expect you to simultaneously pull forth and examine the message they've delivered from both. In working with Crow, I've found it best to mimic them by staying open and courageous and willing to receive. I've also found they will scoff at you if you do not heed their messages.

Yes, Crow is the epitome of all messengers. Some older superstitions carry the belief that the visit and call of the crow is an omen of impending death, but this was probably adopted in thought as a result of a series of ancient myths - one being where Crow delivered unwelcome news to Apollo, who in turn smote the then pure white messenger by turning him and all his brethren to the colour black. In going from white to black, Crow was actually given the gift of now knowing both of these realms very well - wherein the past, present and future are frequently visited by this most magickal and mystical bird. Being well-known for their methodical and meticulous explorations and their curious and brazen dispositions, Crow Spirit delves deeply into the Void in order to bring word of what may be in need of a better balance in your life. Like their kindred, the Raven, Crow's colour even reminds us that things are never just black and white. Within their present black colour lie all the other colours of the spectrum pulled within - as within one's self lie all the secrets of magick. Black is the colour associated with creation. It is the Void in which all new things are birthed. It is pure potential awaiting the spark of thought. Those with Crow Totem will find themselves pushed to seek out and bring back harmony, balance and justice to their world, and will be urged to unleash their unlimited creativity. In the act of creation, though, some outdated habits and things that are no longer useful are apt to demand change and transformation. Crow medicine very often heralds change through the aspects of death and rebirth. Crow is the Totem of Destiny.

THE MYTHICAL WONDER OF TREES

Haven't you ever wondered what stories lie within the trees?
I've started doing a little research on tree mythology which I thought might be nice to pass on to you.

The Redwood/Sequoia (Thor)

The giant redwood is the most magnificent of all conifers and its Elvish name, Thor, draws an association with the Norse god of that name, spirit of thunder, storm, and lightning. As an evergreen, Redwood is the embodiment of life and the assertive phallic striving upward to the sky. Its rune in the Alferic Ogham looks like a doubling of Tinne (see Holly above), a twin spearhead, barbed perhaps, and also resembling the stately conifer form itself. It is associated with the constellation Sagittarius, the Archer, and the Centaurs. It is also associated with the Stag-god Orion, who in Greek tradition is the archetypal Hunter. Ambash, the God of Beasts is the Hunter in the Alferic tradition, but his counterpart, from whom he is inseparable, is Orion, the hunted Stag of Summer. The Stag or White hart is the magical animal of the deep forest whose appearance invariably leads the heroic hunter into some adventure in the Otherworld. Orion is in fact regarded as a spirit most closely linked to the planet Uranus and the Greek Titan Prometheus, bringer of fire and teacher of all arts to humankind, a spirit, as the poet Shelley argued, of rebellion and revolution. In Celtic tradition, the redwood itself does not appear, but Pine does and is attributed to Dionysus, another iteration of the Wildman. Magically, Redwood is excellent for drawing down power from Heaven to Earth, spells of religious seeking and discipline, spells of mystical union with nature and wild animals, hunting magick, the martial arts as spiritual discipline, and spells for innovation and sudden revelation. We usually use milled redwood for wands, which has a very broad and beautiful grain, is quite lightweight and soft, and which has a dark red color without the need of any stain. The wood tears easily as so is not well-suited to detailed carving.

Alferian Gwydion MacLir

Ted Andrews says

The redwood tree is one of the oldest and largest of the tree spirits on the planet. They are direct descendents from the time known as lemuria. They are homes to faires and elves. The redwood spirit can open great spiritual vision and contact with them will bring extended growth periods that will touch the soul on many levels, They can help one clarify their own personal vision of life.

NOTES 18/6/10

It was six months ago yesterday that my beautiful sweet father passed into spirit. It felt more appropriate to just post my thank you poem rather than do a card.
Thank you Dad for my life.

In gratitude

Thanks for the love that flows from my being
Thanks for showing a new way of seeing
Thanks for each new beautiful day
Thanks for the garden in which we play
Thanks for the souls that guide with their light
Thanks for the darkness from which we gain sight
Thanks for connections surrounding us all
Thanks for the times when I slip and fall
Thanks for the strength to get up again
Thanks for the joy of the dance in the rain
Thanks for the magic, the stars in the sky
Thank you for showing that we do not die
Thanks for my family thanks for my friends
And thanks for the journey, its twists and its bends
Thanks most of all for this gift of living
And for all the love, the receiving and giving.

TOTEM OF THE DAY - RED KITE

Graceful and buoyant, responding with grace and gentleness, mediumship and a connection to the underworld, learning how to breathe to open psychic awareness}

CARD FOR TODAY - Ascended Masters Deck - doreen virtue

Pan - Fertility

This card signifies it is a very fertile time for you. This is an ideal time for conception of new projects. All of the doors are open for you right now. Your mind is full of wonderful new ideas and abundance easily flows to you. Since everything is in its infancy stage have patience with the growth process. Just nurture yourself and your projects so that you stay strong and fertile.

ANIMAL TOTEM (of the day) - Unicorn

Symbol of Purity and Innocence, and the ability to make dreams come true. Has the ability to restore broken spirits through gentle strength and trust

Card for Today - sacred path cards

4. PEYOTE CEREMONY

The water bird has flown your way and brought you the Peyote Ceremony card you are being asked to recognise your immortal spirit. Look to the crack in the universe for new ways to develop the abilities that can enhance your growth. Remove any denial that keeps you from developing new skills and use the talents that you have to the fullest.

The Peyote Ceremony card puts you on notice that opportunities to discover the Self and for expansive growth are filled with potential. Conquering limitation created in the mind will allow you to discover these abilities and know that all goals are possible.

Card for Today - messages from the angels deck - Doreen Virtue - 14/6/10

ISAIAH

You are ripe with new possibilities and you feel the urgency to push into new territory. Beloved one your life changes are inevitable. There is no turning back. Instead of playing it safe, you've decided to move forward. That is why I am with you right now giving you the extra courage and comfort that you need.

However there is no need to rush. This is a time of incubation where nature can allow everything to grow in its innate rhythm. Be assured that the life change will hatch at just the right moment. In the meantime know that God and the angels are watching over you. You are safe and very loved.

TOTEM OF THE DAY - 14/6/10 -CROW

In honour of my two crow friends at work that are a constant source of amusement and education to me.

Link to http://www.controverscial.com/Crow.htm - the following compiled by George Knowles


The Crow is any of several large black birds belonging to the family of Passerine birds that comprise the genus Corvus, which include: Jays, Magpies, Nutcrackers, Jackdaws and Ravens. They can be found on every continent except South America and Antarctica, but some, especially those found on islands, are endangered and their habits little known. Northern-hemisphere crows are sometimes migratory, but most often they stay resident the year round.

Crows in many respects are very similar to the Raven in appearance, but are smaller and less heavily billed. Like the Ravens, Crows are among the most intelligent and adaptable of birds and several species have been able to thrive near humans. Crows grow to about 50cm (20 inches) long and are commonly coloured a glossy black, they can live up to 13 years in the wild and more than 20 years in captivity. The typical call of Crow is a loud and harsh “caw-caw-caw” or “crah-crah-crah” sound, which is characteristic for each species. Some pet Crows even “speak”, and in laboratory conditions some have learned to count to three or four and find food in boxes marked with symbols.

Crows are gregarious birds and at times roost together in great numbers, when wintering, a single flock can number many thousands. In literary terms, the collective noun for a group of crows is a “murder”, however most people today and especially scientists, use the more generic term of “flock” or “horde” Each mating pair will have its own nest, which is usually built high up in tall trees and made of sticks and twigs. Here the female will lay and incubate three to eight greenish-to-olive eggs, which when hatched, both parents then care for the young.

Crows are omnivorous and will eat grain, berries, insects, vegetable matter, carrion, garbage, small animals, and the eggs and nestlings of other birds. Crows also eat insects, but their habit of eating cultivated grain makes them very unpopular with farmers, and in some agricultural areas Crow is considered a great pest. They have also been known to kill weak lambs (which again doesn’t endear them to farmers), as well as feeding on corpses most probably killed by other means. Crows feed mainly on the ground, where they can be seen regally waddling about in a sedate manner.

Crows are territorial in the breeding season, and will gather together to mob owls and other predators, but due to their habit of raiding other bird’s nests, they in turn are often attacked. Their natural enemies are birds of prey, Hawks and Falcons, which soar high in the sky above the trees. They hunt mainly on bright sunny days when contrast between light and shadow is greatest. Crows take advantage of this by maneuvering themselves through the dappled shades of the trees, where their black color renders them invisible to their enemies above, and use this to set up complex ambush attacks. This is were Crow differs most from Raven, who tends to soar high in the air much as birds of prey do, and like them, are usually the target of ambushes by Crows. Crows do not appear to perceive Ravens as their own kind, but instead treat them as birds of prey.

While Hawks and Falcons tend to be the primary daytime predators of Crows, their most deadly predators are the Owls that hunt by night, preying upon Crows while they sleep in their roosts. Crows often mob Owls much more fiercely when they find them in daylight, more so than other predators. Frequently Crows will appear to “play” with Hawks and Falcons, while escorting them out of their territory. Their attacks on Owls however, possess a definite serious quality.

In the United States of America it is legal to hunt Crows in most states, where the “Crow hunting season” is usually from around August to the end of March. Crows can also be hunted outside the open season, if in compliance with federal regulations, they are deemed to be causing a nuisance or creating a health hazard. In the United Kingdom it is illegal to kill or take Crows from the wild, and in Australia it is illegal to kill any native birds.

Mythology
In many mythologies because of their similarities, Crow and Raven are often mixed up, and in the telling of their myths and legends; one frequently takes the place of the other. Like the Raven, Crow was considered a messenger of the gods, and is associated with the Sun, weather, longevity, beginnings, bad luck and death. Crow is also associated with the visible and invisible worlds, and was considered a bird of omen and prophecy. Because of his intelligence and cunning, Crow was also seen as a trickster, and many believed that fairies turned into Crows in order to cause mischief.

In heraldry, a crow was used to indicate a dark person such as a Moor or Saracen. In Egypt, two crows, like two doves, is an emblem of monogamy. Among the ancients Celts, a white Crow was associated with the heroine Branwen, while her brother Bran was associated with Raven. Crow also features in Native American mythology; among the Chipewayan people of eastern Canada he is considered a trickster, while the Navaho refer to missionaries as Crows, because of their black robes.

In Greek and Roman mythologies, Crow is associated with the gods Saturn, Cronus and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, victory and the arts. When a Crow gave Athena some bad news, she flew into a rage and cursed his feathers to be black forever. Similar to that is a story of how Apollo turned white Raven into black Raven for being the bearer of bad news, while another story tells how Apollo did the same to Crow after the birth of Hermes:

Hermes was a child of Zeus, father of the Olympian gods, and Maia a daughter of Atlas who holds up the earth. As well as being the messenger of the god’s, Hermes was also a dangerous foe, trickster and a thief, who from the day he was born was the source of much mischief. On the day of his birth, Hermes stole a herd of prized cows from his brother, the sun god Apollo, and obscured their trail by making the herd walk backward.

The next day when Apollo found his herd of cows gone, he asked his white Crows who had stolen them. The Crows replied: “It was the twelfth god of Olympus, only a day old, who spirited your herd away”. This made Apollo very angry “You lying birds” he cried, “there are only eleven gods of Olympus, and I will punish you for your lies”. So he turned the Crows black. When Apollo went in search of the cows, he came upon a cave where Maia sat with the baby Hermes on her lap. He was playing a lyre he had just invented and made from the shell of a turtle. Apollo asked Maia “Who is this child, so clever as to make such a marvellous thing at such a young age”?

“This is Hermes, your new brother and the twelfth Olympian”, she replied. It was then Apollo realised that the Crows had told the truth. He pointed an accusing finger at the baby Hermes and said, “So you stole my prized herd of cows, you must give them back immediately”. Hermes answered in a soothing voice “but I cannot dear brother, I have already made a feast of them, but come and eat with me and we’ll discuss things”. So Apollo ate with Hermes who in order to make amends gave Apollo the lyre and taught him to play it expertly. As for the Crows, they remained black forever.

In Irish Celtic mythology, Crow is associated with Morrigán, one of a group of three war goddesses who had the ability to shape change. Together with her two sisters Badb and Macha, Morrigán would turn herself into a Crow and perch on the top of houses to “caw” out her prophecies of war. She would often appear to warriors who were about to be killed, and later feed on the bodies of the slain after battles.

In Greek mythology, Apollo sent a crow to fetch a cup of water. Crow however, got distracted eating figs and after much delay, finally remembered his mission. Rightly figuring that Apollo would be angry, Crow plucked a snake from the water and concocted a story about how it had attacked and delayed him. Apollo was not fooled and angrily flung all three into the sky, placing the Crow and cup on the snake’s back. Then the god ordered Hydra to never let the crow drink from the cup. As a further punishment, he ordered that the Crow should never sing again, only croak and caw.

Crows are believed to have long lives, in his Metamorphoses Ovid speaks of the witch Medea injecting the veins of the elderly Jason with the blood of a Crow that had outlived nine generations of men. In Wales it was a common custom to doff one’s hat at the sight of a Crow, and in Scotland, witches were said to transform themselves into Crows. Crows are believed to possess the power of divination; their “caws” were oracles, thought to be warnings or directives.

In Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara is the earthly manifestation of the self-born eternal Buddha Amitābha, who guarded the world in the interval between the departure of the historical Gautama Buddha and the appearance of the future Maitreya Buddha. Amitābha is often closely associated with the crow because it is said that when the first Dalai Lama was born, robbers attacked their family home. His parents fled the house in fear, and in their haste left the Dalai Lama “home alone”. When they returned the next morning expecting the worst, they found their home untouched and a pair of Crows caring for the new born Dalai Lama. It is believed that Crows heralded the birth of the First, Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Dalai Lamas, the latter currently being Tenzin Gyatso.


Crow Totem Spirit and Medicine:
Contributed by - Patricia Jean Martin
The crow is a major member of the Corvids family (genus, Corvus) along with raven, magpie, blue jay and others, so some of the major teachings of Crow have already been posted within the texts on Raven. As this is the case, I will need to mention some of the similarities between the two, but will concentrate mainly on the differences. For more in-depth knowledge, a study of Raven would be beneficial to anyone with Crow as their Totem or Spirit Guide, and vice-versa.

If Crow has called on you, you may soon find the following show up in your life: A call to magick, a better understanding of the creative forces within and without, a greater nudging to speak your truth, and the courage and cunning to fly into the Void in order to retrieve the necessary knowledge and wisdom to manifest all of the above and more.

When Crow comes into your life, you can also expect to gain a better self-understanding, greater intuitive reflexes, guidance while shapeshifting through the shadows, and the opportunity to learn about the advantages of determination and watchfulness. Extremely intelligent (along with ravens, crows are noted as being the most intelligent of all birds), the crow will work diligently at manipulating an object or their surroundings until they have accomplished what they've set out to do. Like the raven, they are known to use physical tools along with ingenious methods of action that are noted as being well thought out and even planned. For those with Crow Totem, all these mental capacities and skilful manoeuvres reflect a need to use one's inner senses and outer resources to their fullest.

A crow will build its nest up higher than most other birds do, and they do this for several reasons. The most important are for safety and to secure a wider visual range. A ship's highest lookout point (a small circular balcony surrounding a tall mast) is called a "Crow's Nest" for obvious good reason. Those working with Crow medicine will find it advantageous to work on broadening their horizons, along with anticipating and being on the lookout for new opportunities that are sure to come when under Crow's tutelage. The crow has often been nicknamed "The Sentinel," as one will often sit and watch and remain aware of all that is going on around them in order to protect other crows in the flock (technically called a "murder") and to make sure no harm comes to their family. One can learn a lot in this respect, and Crow will teach you how better to do the same. From this higher perspective and this watchful awareness, your perception increases and you are able to foresee what is in the offing, thus giving you greater opportunity to be prepared for and/or embrace what is coming your way.

Crow, unlike the raven, does not mind living in populated areas. They are apt to cohabitate with humans and often live near or around them, as opposed to the raven's deep forest preference. In fact, it is very easy to befriend a crow. Some people have even been known to keep them as pets. A crow very easily bonds and is imprinted with the image and mannerisms of its keeper and will remain faithful and trusting throughout their relationship if well cared for. This shows the bird's willingness to work with humans, and also gives insight into their teachings of being strongly connected to kin...of recognizing family, even if through past lives shared... and of honouring the spirit of their kin and never forgetting them. Past life regression becomes easier when working with Crow Spirit. And through their prompting, acknowledgment and veneration of one's ancestors is brought to the forefront of your memory.

Crow's character is one of protector, scholar, messenger, and a bit of trickster. They can be very playful, quite amorous, and very wilful...almost downright cocky, actually. And akin to ravens, crows like to talk. Most people find their vocals brassy and annoying, but one with Crow Totem will find them quite soothing, peaceful to the soul, and even joyful and interesting to listen to. Learning to listen to the various tones, inflections and repetitive but varied patterns of the crow's voice can teach you such things as how to work cooperatively, how to discern the truth behind another's words, how to read between the lines, and even how to predict the weather, be alerted to the sudden appearance of a predator, or how to navigate life successfully. But even through all of Crow's love of talk, they will also teach you the very opposite...how to stay advantageously silent when necessary. The Four Cornerstones of Magick (the Witch's Pyramid) is in no way foreign to Crow.

Omnivorous and apt to eat most anything available, Crow shows you how to maintain a keen sense of personal survival and how to have an "appetite" for a wide and diverse store of knowledge that you will "eat"...take inside, digest, and either be nourished by or spit out. How to use that nourishing knowledge can often be learned by watching the movements and antics of the crow - how they interact, why they interact, and when and with whom they interact. When you learn how to use wisely the vast array of knowledge they offer you, it then becomes wisdom. Raven medicine is more apt to delve more deeply into this conversion of knowledge to wisdom, but Crow will always, at the very least, open the door and offer you the way.

Aside from merely observing crows in the wild, you can work with the quintessence of Crow in the Spirit world. Here, Crow's own wisdom, offered to you very often in a knowledgeable message form but also in connective experience, is invaluable. They possess the ability to peer into all realms, to coexist in the world of timelessness, and they are very likely to delve into the depths of hidden and obscure knowledge and emerge with a message. It's a bit of a wild ride when working with Crow medicine, as they can take you high aloft to towering realms where the essence of magick may manifest but has yet to fully form, and in the next minute take you perilously deep down into the depths of your psyche, where they almost impatiently will expect you to simultaneously pull forth and examine the message they've delivered from both. In working with Crow, I've found it best to mimic them by staying open and courageous and willing to receive. I've also found they will scoff at you if you do not heed their messages.

Yes, Crow is the epitome of all messengers. Some older superstitions carry the belief that the visit and call of the crow is an omen of impending death, but this was probably adopted in thought as a result of a series of ancient myths - one being where Crow delivered unwelcome news to Apollo, who in turn smote the then pure white messenger by turning him and all his brethren to the colour black. In going from white to black, Crow was actually given the gift of now knowing both of these realms very well - wherein the past, present and future are frequently visited by this most magickal and mystical bird. Being well-known for their methodical and meticulous explorations and their curious and brazen dispositions, Crow Spirit delves deeply into the Void in order to bring word of what may be in need of a better balance in your life. Like their kindred, the Raven, Crow's colour even reminds us that things are never just black and white. Within their present black colour lie all the other colours of the spectrum pulled within - as within one's self lie all the secrets of magick. Black is the colour associated with creation. It is the Void in which all new things are birthed. It is pure potential awaiting the spark of thought. Those with Crow Totem will find themselves pushed to seek out and bring back harmony, balance and justice to their world, and will be urged to unleash their unlimited creativity. In the act of creation, though, some outdated habits and things that are no longer useful are apt to demand change and transformation. Crow medicine very often heralds change through the aspects of death and rebirth. Crow is the Totem of Destiny.

As leaders and messengers in the world of Totems, you can expect Crow to lead you to magick at every step. With Crow being my own Life Totem, I've had them literally physically lead me to things of importance in terms of my enlightenment, and other times merely to a place or thing just for the sheer pleasure of viewing it. In fact, I use them as guides quite frequently. When travelling, I am very apt to see Crows along the way. In fact, I worry if I don't. Whenever I do see a Crow while walking or driving, I can usually expect something exciting to appear just around the bend. Just as they are known for being attracted to bright and shiny objects (which they will often steal and stash away for their own enjoyment), they tend to lead you to them too, both literally and metaphorically. It's not unlikely that you'll find something awe-inspiring - something that brings bright spiritual light and shining resonance to your life - immediately after spotting a Crow. They also very noticeably show up at particular times where I've been able to relate it to my own action and whereabouts, in the sense that they let me know I am in the right place at the right time. Crow's attraction to the bright and shiny can help you learn to value the light in yourself and in others.

In all these things and much more, Crow is an extraordinarily gifted teacher and guide.


End.
Sources
Animal-Speak (The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small) - By Ted Andrews

European Myth & Legend - By Mike Dixon-Kennedy

Oxford Dictionary of World Mythology - By Arthur Cotterall

Animal totem of the day 14/6/10 - crystalinks

Had 2 hummingbird signs today, the message from the hummingbird..

Hummingbird: messenger, timelessness

Hummingbird - the tiniest of all birds - brings special messages for us. It is the only creature that can stop dead while traveling at full speed. It can hover, or can go forward, backward, up or down. It lives on nectar and searches for the sweetness of life. Its long tongue lets it bypass the often tough and bitter outer layer to find the hidden treasures underneath. Hummingbird is loved by the flowers and plants, for as it sucks the nectar from the flower, the plant reproduces and more of its kind are created. In many traditions, Hummingbird feathers have been prized for their almost magical qualities. It is said that Hummingbird brings love as no other medicine can, and its presence brings joy to the observer.

If you have Hummingbird medicine, you adapt easily to whatever situation you may find yourself in, and make the most of your circumstances. You don't waste time looking back and wishing for "what was" for you are concerned with making the most of "what is". Also, you could never become addicted to any artificial stimulants, for you find joy in your own heart. You take great pleasure in spreading joy and love and beauty to all around you, and have the gift of taking that inner joy into new and different surroundings. You have a talent for finding the good in people, and are not put off by a gruff or abrupt exterior, for you know that, if you can only get beyond that tough outside layer, you'll find goodness and beauty inside. You may have a gift for working with flowers, maybe growing them to share with others, or using flower essences for healing. Aroma therapy may be your calling. You have high energy and a spirit that must be free. To restrict that wonderful, free, loving energy is to suffer great depressions and feelings of uselessness. Hummingbird must fly free in search of beauty, spreading joy and love to all it touches.

Rune for today 14/6/10

Ansuz: (A: The As, ancestral god, i.e. Odin.) A revealing message or insight, communication. Signals, inspiration, enthusiasm, speech, true vision, power of words and naming. Blessings, the taking of advice. Good health, harmony, truth, wisdom.

Card for Today - sacred path cards

Saw a tree in channelling tonight so thought this was an apt card to pull.

Roots/giving
The standing people card speaks to us of roots and giving. We nurture ourselves through connecting with the earth in order to give freely without exhaustion. The root of the self is where strength is gathered. This root should be firmly earthed in the soil of the earth mother. Without this connection, dreams cannot manifest and our giving cannot be compensated by the earth mother. If you are spaced out, stop and reconnect!!

Lie still and become the trees in order to observe what is growing in your forest. The root of every answer for physical life is found in the Earth. Look to your family tree for the strength offered by your ancestors. Lift your branches high seeking the light of the Grandfather sun and you will see how your roots make you of the earth and yet a bridge to the sky world.

The standing people are asking you to give of yourself. Ask yourself if you are willing to give and receive. Count the root of every blessing with gratitude. Find any blocks that limit your root system or ability to go deeper. Then remove that feeling and go deeper once again for the answers you seek.

Remember we are also a root for the future and through our lives future generations are nurtured.

THE NURSERY - My Workplace

Thought it might be nice to do a little picture show of the nursery I helped to set up a few years back. I've been working there now for the past 4 years and have currently started to spend a few nights a week in the small on site cabin. Its been both a wonder and a joy. My special thanks to my work colleagues, Harry, Debbie and Tracy who've been the best bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

Visualisation - the heart of mother earth

Imagine you are walking down a familiar country lane, sun on your face, slight breeze blowing through your hair. You come upon a gate and enter into a meadow, filled with red poppies and blue cornflowers and you catch the occasional scent of lavender and wild roses. Stop and enjoy the moment, your senses filled to the brim.

You head towards a small woodland, crossing over a small stream as you pass. Stop for a moment and gaze into the clear water. As you let your mind drift you catch a glimpse of a kingfisher as it darts past you and you notice that flying all around you are dragonflies flitting around your head like fairy folk. This is a very magical place.

Thank the dragonfly fairies and head now towards the woodland on the other side of the stream. As you enter, smell the woody aroma of the old trees and take in beautiful breaths of clear oxygenated air. The woodland is filled with bluebells, and tiny beads of dew hang in little globes reflecting their light. Look around you at the spirit faces on each of the trees, each one a character, each one has a story, take time to wander and have a little chat with them, they may even share a little of their wisdom if you ask.

In the middle of the woodland you notice what looks like a knoll, its overgrown but you step closer to take a look, as you do you see what appears to be an archway and as if by magic a doorway opens and a kindly looking old man in robes holding a lantern in his hand beckons you forward.

He'd like to take you on a journey inside the earth, its safe so go forward and join him. He leads the way, the lamp lighting up the tunnels into the centre of the earth, filled with old symbols, you see some you may recognise and it may all start to feel a bit familiar down here. He leads you onward until you come to a huge cavern, inside all you can hear is the pounding and you look round to see a huge
heart beating at the earth's core. Its a dazzling and beautiful sight, and fills you with awe. Close your eyes, feel the rhythm of the earth's heartbeat, open your own heart and join hearts allow your heart beat to sink into the same pounding rhythm of the earth's heartbeat. Feel the balance and harmonisation as you just simply open your heart, and breathe, soft, deep.

Once you reach a point of feeling this total connection, raise yourself up and sense the universal heartbeat, allow once again for the natural rhythm of the universe to join with your own heart. Breathe, fall into the rhythm, with the earth & with the heavens. Once you start to feel the balance and connection inside yourself, beating with the same rhythm, balanced and harmonised, visualise a bright white light streaming down from the heavens, fill your body with light, send the light into the heart of the earth and allow it to fountain out of you, expanding your own energy field so that you almost become the light itself. Breathe, balance, harmonise.

Visualise if you can, this light stretching right around the globe, connecting to everything, everyone and breathe.

Now feeling in tune with everything, perfectly balanced and harmonised the old man leads you on further. You come to another cavern, this one is filled with crystals, sparkling in the light of the lamp. He explains that each of these crystals has been encoded with knowledge from the ancients, that they have been waiting for us to return so they can pass this knowledge on to us. He beckons you forward and as you enter there will be one crystal in particular that will sing to you. When you hear it, it may be a tinkle in your ears, or a sparkle that catches your eye, go to it and ask if it would like to work with you. You'll get a sense of approval if it agrees. Pick the crystal up and put it in your hand, feel the powerful energy vibrate through every cell of your being, feel the total sense of peace that it brings with it. Allow yourself to relax and listen or sense the message that the crystal would like to pass on to you. Once you receive the message, thank the crystal and thank the cave for allowing you to spend time there.

Now start the journey back through the tunnels, back to the surface of the earth again, the old man will lead you. Once you arrive bow to him in respect and thank him for allowing you to spend time with him.

Take the route back out through the woods, over the stream, across the meadow and back once again to the gate. Thank the beauty of the moment and this magical place before you leave.

Start to come back now, wiggle your toes and stretch yourself out and if you have a notebook handy it may be worth jotting down any little messages you may have received on your journey..

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Card for Today - sacred path cards 10/6/10

42 Hour of Power

The hour of power speaks of rituals of joy. No matter what your present situation, you are being asked to do what gives your heart the greatest joy. Drop any activity that is taxing and focus on connecting to the earth and being fed with the energy you need to maintain balance.

This card signals the zero rest balance point that will keep you from becoming out of harmony if you realign your mind body and spirit with something that gives you joy.

Life force is available to you at this time. Be reminded not to leak precious manna on regret or indecision. The keynote here is celebrating life. Find the blessings that give you joy, discover your hour of power and feed the talents that allow you to develop your greatest potential.

ANIMAL TOTEM of the day, 10/6/10

TOTEM OF THE DAY - HERON
(excerpt from Ted Andrews, Animal Speak)

The physical characteristics are important to those who have heron as a totem.
The legs are symbols of balance and represent an ability to progress and evolve. Also the longer the legs, the deeper the water the heron will feed in, the deeper life can be explored. The thin legs of the heron represent that you don't need to have pillars to be stable, you can stand on your own. The great blue heron is a lone hunter.

When it feeds it stands in the water reflecting a connection to the earth while implying the exploration of other dimensions on earth (water element). Its important for anyone with a heron totem to explore various activities and dimensions of earth life. This reflects that although it may seem as dabbling, those with this totem are successful as being the 'jack of all trades'.

This ability enables them to follow their own path. Most people will never be able to live the way heron people do. Its not a structured way and does not seem to have a stability or security to it. It is though, just a matter of perspective. To those with heron medicine gives the ability to do a variety of tasks. If one way doesn't work, another will. Heron people seem to inherently know.

Herons do not need a lot of people in their life, nor do they feel pressure to 'keep up with the Jones's or be traditional in their role. The only time they gather in colonies is during breeding season.

The blue heron is king of the marsh, when it flies, its head is folded back in an s shaped loop, reflecting being able to maneuver through life and control its life circumstances. It reflects a need for those with this totem to follow their own innate wisdom and self determination. You know what is best for you and what to follow rather than by the promptings of others

Card for today - Healing with the fairies - Doreen Virtue

Positive Expectations

You've planted the seeds of manifestation with your positive thoughts and emotions. Yet you may be discouraged occasionally because you aren't seeing immediate
results. You start to have pessimistic thoughts and wonder if your faith is
unjustified. Hold on to your faith though! Although your manifestation
is taking longer than you'd hoped it is coming to you. You certainly
don't want to cancel or cloud your manifestation with miscreations that
come from negative thought.At your earliest convenience, go outside
in nature, even a park or a back yard will do. Mentally converse with your friends
the fairies. They are absolute experts at manifestation. Tell them about
your doubts as well as your hopes and dreams ask them to release
any negativity you may have and feel them surround you with their
love and their light.

Don't quit five minutes before a miracle occurs.

Everything is alright NOW in this ONE moment.

Concentrate on balance and harmony.

Still balancing heart energy with the earth.
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Short Visualisation 6/6/10 - The Emerald Forest

Imagine you're deep inside a beautiful emerald green forest. Its so green that it shimmers with irridescent light. You don't have a care in the world, you're just breathing in the trees, saying thanks to the tree spirits and wrapping yourself in the beauty of the moment.

You notice in the distance what appears to be some big boulders, as you approach, you see this is actually a lagoon, with a beautiful waterfall of brilliant white light streaming down moss covered rocks. The rocks seem to have little personalities of their own, faces that smile as you approach, welcoming you.

Take a moment to stand under this beautiful waterfall of light. feel it going through you, around you, beneath you and above you, cleansing and refreshing your body, mind and spirit. See the sun shining through a gap in the trees and feel the warmth on your body as the sunbeams glisten, golden sparkling light tripping off the water on the lagoon. The only sound you hear are the birds that fly high above you in an azure blue sky.

In reverence of this sacred moment, thank the forest for always holding you safely in her arms.

Enjoying the peace of being in this beautiful place connected at the deepest level filled with light, open your heart, allow the love to spill over like a fountain, expanding your energy field. Feel the earth's heart beating beneath your feet, and send her love, resonate, breathe, connect, feel the beating of the universal heart and send love, breathe the love, up and down, breathe it in, out, balancing, expanding. Expand the light until it fills the globe.

Start to come back now, feel the earth solid beneath your feet again, take a moment to find your bearings.

The resting tree.. Card 22

The resting tree is a sign for you to stop focusing and planning and
be at peace in the moment. This is a card of non action and relaxation.
Patience is the key to being with this Ally. The resting tree asks you to slow
down, sit and watch the roses bloom and the birds feed in the meadow.Stop forging ahead without taking enough breaks. You're invited to be still and contemplate your good fortune even if it means blessing the chaos in your life. This is a sign to allow everything to fall away except the stillness of the moment. Like living the space between breaths. When the resting tree appears it signals that you've done all
you can for now and its time to unwind and allow your story to unfold of its own accord. You've earned the right to rest and relax. Amazing ideas will come if you do. Remember the ancient saying 'we do without doing and everything gets done.

Notes 5/6/10

Lovely day - restful, peaceful, lots of guitar playing, beautiful walk in the woods, connecting and sending love to the earth and the universe, watched by Mr.Crow.

Breathe, balance, harmonise.

... and as the rain falls gently, listening to pattering on the roof, letting out a sigh, enjoying the cool breeze gently blow through the window, at peace, sending out love to everyone, everything.

Thanking the Great Spirit for another day.

Card for Today - Wisdom deck

THE EAGLE KING

The Eagle King is a sign that your highest destiny is within reach. You're on the right path now even if you can't see where you are going. The Eagle king soars above the mountains and valleys of life and is able to see the big picture when you seem to be lost in a bit of a fog. he makes a formidable ally as he takes your prayers up towards the sun and releases them to the Divine.

Its a fortunate omen when the Eagle King decides to be your ally.

Card for Today - Wisdom deck

The Queen of the Light (excerpt)

The queen of the light is a beautiful ally and comes to herald success in all your ventures. She illuminates important steps on the path and reminds you of your own brilliance. Remember that you're an instrument of the Divine shining through you in this world. You're on the correct path for your highest good. The queen brings insight on how to manifest this reality in the most miraculous of ways. She promises that you'll be shown the next right action and celebrates you as you stand, brilliant, joyous and enlightened in the present time.

You've worked hard to come this far.

Gratitude and acceptance are key today.

ANIMAL TOTEM of the day 3/6/10

Lots of connecting with the wildlife in the last day or so, will write the totems,

Kite

Graceful and buoyant, responding with grace and gentleness, mediumship and a connection to the underworld, learning how to breathe to open psychic awareness}

GEESE by Ted Andrews
KEYNOTE: The Call of the Quest and Travels to Legendary Places

The goose is a bird with an ancient mythology and a mixture of symbolism. It was a sacred bird in Rome's temple of Juno. The snow goose is also associated with Boreas, the North Wind in Greek mythology. The snow goose is also the totem for the winter solstice in the Native American medicine wheel.

Myths, fairy tales, and other stories capture the imagination of children and adults alike. The goose is thus a totem reflecting a stimulation of the childhood thrill and belief in stories and legendary places. The story(s) we most loved in
childhood often reflect the life quest we have come to take upon us in this lifetime. That is why it resonated with us so strongly. Going back and rereading the one or two stories you most loved will often help you to see the patterns in
your life.

These stories either reflected an imprint for this life or they may have even imprinted you with certain seed ideas. This is reflected in the early life of a gosling. A baby goose is imprinted usually by the first moving thing it sees.
The goose can also be a totem to aid you in communication especially through the use of stories. Its feather, for a long time, was the standard writing instrument. Individuals wishing to write - be it stories or anything - can facilitate
the process by working with the goose as a totem. It will stimulate the imagination and help move you through creative blocks. Writing with a goose quill pen will help this even more. Many arts and crafts shops can help you in finding or making your own quill pens...

There are eight species of geese in North America. This is very symbolic in that the number eight is so similar to the symbol for infinity. It reflects an ability to move forward or backward. It reflects movement, and in the case of the
goose, a call to the spiritual quest. This is further exemplified by its migration patterns and behaviors. Their leaving in the autumn stirs our imagination
and makes us want to search out new worlds and dimensions. Their incessant honking seems to be calling us to follow them on the great spiritual quest. Their return is a harbinger of spring second only to the robin. It speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring.

The goose epitomizes the mystery of migration. They constantly shift formation, creating wind drafts and easier flights for those behind them in the formation. This reminds us that as any one individual makes his or her quest, it becomes
easier for the others to do so as well. They never fly directly behind one another. Each goose's view is unobstructed, reminding us that we should not undertake any quest in life without having a full view of what it entails. In this way,
the journey is facilitated for others.

The V-formation is very symbolic in itself. It reflects by its shape an opening to new possibilities. It is like an arrowhead, pointing to new directions and new possibilities, and with one end open, it also reflects an openness to
new ideas. The "v" as a letter, comes from the Hebrew "vau" meaning "nail." This formation usually indicated we are about to affix ourselves to a new path. It is a letter and symbol that reflects great fertility that should be acted upon if
growth is desired. The Canada Goose is the most abundant in North America. It has a powerful voice and great strength in migration.

The snow goose is predominantly white with black wing tips. Both species have a very keen vision.

For anyone with a goose as a totem, greater vision, physical and spiritual, will occur.

...Goslings are very quiet, especially in the first part of life, and then they learn to break free. A goose as a totem can
reflect that you are about to break free of old childhood restraints and begin to come into your own. Anytime the goose comes in as a totem, you can expect to have the imagination stirred toward new travels to distant places -
whether in the body or in the mind.

Notes 3/6/10

Energies are swirly today.. bright but very swirly. A whirlwind of light spun around the nursery and spun right through my workmate before spinning off this morning. To me that seems a good enough indication on how swirly the energies are right now.

Lots of rainbows on the nursery today too. Its hard not to float away out there some days, it seems to have a most peculiar energy of its own.

Stay centred, keep grounded. - Something I need to remind myself of frequently is grounding.

Remembering the visualisation of putting my hands on a rock and resonating with its energy.. solid as a rock.

Keep your heart open, balance, breathe, focus on wholeness.

Treat yourself and others with kindness and love regardless of the situation.

We are all going through major changes right now. Always, always keep your heart light and joyous. Seeing the humour will help keep your energies lifted. Lighten up and don't take it all so seriously. These shifts are spinning us all very fast at times, keep focusing on your breathing, focus on your core.

Keep anchoring all the love and light you can.

connect with the earth, connect with the heavens, expand, balance, harmonise.

Notes - first night in the cabin....

50 geese just flew over my head, honking really loudly.. will write up a totem on them tomorrow.

Loads of magic today, 4 red kites calling and circling overhead, dragonflies everwhere, this place is like no other. Its the year round connection, constantly on my knees come rain or shine.. I guess I am now familiar enough out here to pose no threat to the earth mother and love flows continuously. Blessed for this.

The channelling started up again today after a few quiet days, with the message 'open channel returning'. Managed to scribble a few notes in my notebook.

This evening is still and really dark, waning moon hanging low in the sky a deep deep orange. Stars are brighter than I've seen in a while.. its peaceful.. all I can hear is the owl hooting in the distance, no planes, no cars, just the owl.

Its late now so I'm signing out.
PEACE

Card for today - 2/6/10 - Wisdom deck

7.THE WELL WATCHER

The well watcher signals the need to to within to contemplate the true source of power in the world which he reminds you is that of the Divine.
This is a message to let you know you are being called to the Well and this unseen power will be there and will be yours to align with.

This affirmation and prayer will align with the Divine to bring miracles and resolution to your life "thy will be done through me for the highest good of all and for the true manifestation of my purpose"

You will know the way forward by the still, small voice within. The Divine may also answer your call by sending others to help guide you.

Notes 1/6/10

Some funny messages this morning.. did the 8 principles and immediately overhead 4 birds of prey circling over calling really loudly.

Had the message Zachariah or zechariah - "read the meaning behind the words".
Also had this... "echoes of a bygone age reverberate thru the dna" -

"Disperse the energy of the Mahatmas" - I have no idea what a mahatma is but I had the feeling whatever the energy was here, needed to be spread around the globe.

Vishnu - just that, just the name, kept popping in and out of my head all morning.

A small bird circled around tracy my workmate and told her that there were fluctuations coming.

Being called by a man, looks like a yogi who is residing somewhere deep in the himalayan mountains. I was working when I heard the call and didn't have a chance to stop and chat although i can still picture his face in my head.. will try and tune in later.

some message came through that just said 'omega point' 'nucleus of the omega'

I just did some research about the Omega Point and found this, thought it was rather fascinating so posted the link.

Omega Point – The Full Descent of Spirit Into Matter

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Made a decision to spend a few nights a week in my cabin at work. Solitude to write, a quiet peaceful spot to meditate, a place to be with nature for a bit.
The more innate joy at life we feel, the more there is to give.

I express gratitude and love for life.

Card for Today - 1/6/10- Wisdom deck

The Eyes of Beauty (card 25)

When the eyes of beauty turn up as your ally they require you to examine your perceptions.Do you see the world as perfect and beautiful? Can you retrace your steps from your past until now and see the perfection in the way reality has been created?
The eyes of Beauty remind you that if you move forward with conviction all is well now and always will be. Expect to see beauty and you will attract your highest good.