Today's Saturday Circle

We had a really great group at today's Saturday Circle.
We talked about the roles and cycles that we let ourselves fall into and remain in as we go through life even though they are no longer serving us.
We attempted to change the circle/cycle of Victim, Perpetrator & Rescuer into a positive aspect of each that more fully met our needs and our spiritual life paths by going within and seeking guidance from a Higher Power , then putting that into actual "physical play" within our lives by creating a ritual to move the energy into the direction we were seeking.
Everyone shared a ritual that seemed to work well for them to help release some of of the things that were holding them back. I believe that rituals such as these are key in placing our "intent" into motion, because even though we possess the mental/spiritual power to change our direction and energy with pure thought and intention; we are indeed physical beings that require physical action and re-enforcement.
Some of the physical manifestation and rituals we have for release here on the property include the use of Mother Earth & Nature, the Sweat lodge, The "infamous" and well used Door, and the stone Medicine Wheel.
Today we used a ritual in the Medicine Wheel in which we chose to birth a new cycle/story in the East;Deathed the old one that no longer served us in the West; Dreamed the new one and gave it power in the Southwest; Decided what was really important to us in the South; Lived it in the North; Showed it to our Ancestors in the Northeast and began the process again in the East.....
Creating infinity within the wheel of life.......
All of us encircled each person with love ,support ,healing, & joy as they birthed, deathed and lived their ritual of change in their life.
I can still feel the blessing of energy shared, joy felt, and the feeling you get when the people your sharing space with open their hearts........I am very grateful.

Oh ya, we sang too. The song that seemed most appropriate at the time was "Joy to the world- all the boys & girls , now- Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea- Joy to you and me!"
**Did I mention that along with purpose and intent - spontaneity and humor are two important components of ritual???
In Love, Light & LAUGHTER~ Shawna

EXCUSE ME...I'm confused.........

Excuse me, however I am a bit confused with what I have been "hearing".

We are to "Judge not, lest we be judged..."

We are to "Realize that God/Spirit is pure LOVE, therefore we strive to emanate that Love energy...."

We are to "Do unto others, as we would like others to do unto us...."

We are to "love our fellow man, Mother Earth and all "living things" for we truly "are all related".

We are to "Be charitable to the poor, bring healing to the sick, give strength and "lift up" the weak"

We are to say to ourselves "What would Jesus Do?" or for some "What would Buddha/Great Spirit/Creator/ the All do?"

We are to "practice forgiveness"

We are to strive to"See the Christ Light/Divine in all people"

I could continue, however, I'm sure you are getting the point.........

Yet I hear "whispers" that come my way..... The "whispers" say:

"SHE attracts "different" people to Cassy's ....(DUH...THAT"S THE POINT)

"SHE talks and visits with people of "different" beliefs....(DUH ...THAT"S THE POINT)

"SHE offers healing ceremonies to people that have "issues"...(DUH...THAT'S THE POINT)

"SHE invites "whomever" to "come as they are" to drummings & circles...(DUH...THAT"S THE POINT)

"SHE" is "ME" and I will continue to have an "open door " policy @ Cassy's. And to all those "friend" & foe , you might stop "whispering" and look at your own lives before you "pass judgement" on people you won't even look into their eyes/souls & give the time of day.....
WE ARE ALL DIVINE... we all travel this life with triumphs and tragedies. We are all individuals that deserve to be "seen"- REALLY SEEN for the beauty we possess that is Divine.
I thank Spirit everyday for this gift of sight I have been given that gives me the privilege to look into another's eyes, to feel their soul and to be grateful for what we were able to offer each other in those moments. It's what makes my life worth living.

" The moment you start judging and deciding who can attend and not attend is the moment you can no longer consider yourself a ministry in service to Spirit"

That moment will never come to Golden Eagle Ministries OR Cassy's...............

So whisper/piss away your energy if you choose- or look inside and find out what's REALLY causing those "whispers"..........

Native American Prison Circle

The other day I was at the prison. It was a "usual" day for Ceremony- meaning nothing is ever like it is planned- LOL- The "lay-ins did not get issued to our participants-which means they didn't have a pass to attend. It was rumored on the unit that I had been turned away @ the gate after getting up @ 4am , dragging my daughter to her father's house @ 5:15am so he could take her to school and driving another 2 hours to reach the prison. Of course , I wasn't "turned away" and myself and our guest Pipe Carrier for the day were admitted in after the routine search and checking that all items we brought in were on the "pre-approved" list I have to submit a week in advance. About 1/2 of the men in our program were "called out " to attend- and the others- well, as usual, they were just "out of luck".
To most Virgos this lack of routine and following the set "game plan" would drive them nuts~ however, I look at myself not only as a "Recovering Virgo", but as spiritual warrior. There are situations that no matter how much fuss I raised or energy I expended- no one would benefit. Not our program, the men in it, myself or even the prison. So I choose to "pick my battles" and expend energy constructively towards what would benefit the men most. This doesn't mean I did not "call them " on it, or make sure the lay-ins for tomorrow's Education Circle were in place....Of course I did it- in my own firm, respectful , "bridge building" way.
So this was a typical start to a Ceremonial & Healing Circle that is never "typical". There is always some amazing and often times many magical experiences that touch me and those participating.....I would like to share one of those experiences from this day with you:
Before & after the Pipe Ceremony we always ask the men if there is something they would like to share with the Circle; prayers offered or answered, news from home, family, or former members of the program now released, etc.. One man stood up and chose to share the following poem from his heart. I later asked him if he might put it in writing and give me permission to share it with you....
Bound by emotions... lost in this world of hate and poverty... confused in denial... head barely above water... And trying to find the real me......
Shackled by the many addictions that lurk about the earth's surface... seeking a lost soul to torment and destroy...passions and desires crushed by the power of sin since I was a teenage boy......
Growing up into manhood incarcerated ... trapped in the facade of rehabilitation... yet searching for serenity and peace......
Learning to deal with the cards that I was dealt... joined the "Native American" Circle- opened up and my pain is being felt......
Giving me an avenue to face all of my fears and overcome the trials and tribulations of my life... crying out to my "Creator" to remove this anger and strife......
I woke up this morning clothed in my right mind and able to thank the "Creator"- for I truly am...Thanking Him for the Love that He has embedded into my heart... And Thanking Him for the "Native American Program"......
Written by~ Chris Carter
I found myself sway against the Talking Stick as he finished and I opened my eyes.... Speechless I scanned the rest of the men in the Circle, it was obvious that they too- had been moved by this man's expression of emotion.....
So I will be up @ 4am tomorrow- for my "usual" trip to the prison; knowing there will be nothing "usual" about it.

Mercury Retrograde

So Mercury is Retrograde until Sept. 29th. I'm not highly educated in astrology and all the different factors that have an effect on things. However, whenever Mercury goes Retrograde I can't help but take notice.....
One of the side effects is that mechanical things don't work well or break: like the chainsaw we needed to cut & clear the MONSTER pecan limb that "self-pruned" smack dab in the entrance to the parking area at the shop, my business Internet modem, my husband's rig, and my daughters car (that was just today).
Another side-effect is communication failure. That can mean communication devices such as my Internet- telephone problems- and worst of all poor communication or mis-communication between people (the ones I've witnessed or heard tell of today are too numerous to mention)
I have to say that just being aware that things like these tend to happen during this time period, relieves some of the stress it causes. I attempt to couple this awareness with a sense -of-humor, and visualizing the 29th as a "light at the end of the tunnel". It's not a cure-all, however it helps me retain my sanity!

I create my life by constant awareness & choice-Remember??

I remember Labor Day weekend 30 years ago. It put into motion the "creation" of many people and things that shape my life today.
I did not have the awareness at that time of how that weekend would be a turning point of my life. I was indeed, caught in the moment- the sights, sounds, excitement and wonder of it all. Even the elements of the "unknown" and "change", fearlessly fueled my limitless attitude. Everything that was "put into motion" that weekend has created some of the most precious and long-lasting blessings in my life. This reflection has been a reminder to me that however we choose to create our experiences -either with positive or negative , high or low, energy- sets the tone for the rewards we will reap. Much like a "domino" effect.
What are we consciously or blindly attracting or creating everyday in our life by our thoughts , words, actions & attitudes....?
What energy do we emanate? Is it positive or negative? Are we aware that a look, expression, or word can change the lives of others??
Are we rushing so quickly toward the future that we have forgotten the importance of the moments that create that future?
Those "memories" that bring us fond feelings of joy, love & security are right in the here and now. We create them in each "moment" of our life.We should enjoy them in that "moment" before they become filed away as a "memory".
Is your brain racing ahead of you? Call it back. Enlist All your senses: Look at what is around you- choose to create it as beauty or not- really hear the sounds -make them music or mayhem- feel the energy you are projecting- is it centered or chaotic?
Taste this moment and make it sweet. Blessings~

Blessings come in many forms.....

Today was not what most people would call a particular "Prosperous" day at Cassy's.
However, it was filled with many blessings throughout the day. For me it was the perfect awareness of when you send out Light & Blessings- it circles back around. And today it seemed that the energy came full circle for many people who "stopped by" in many wonderful exchanges; gifts of plants, rocks, old friends & new ones, hugs, knowledge, gratitude, healing, friendship, hope, joy, laughter, & new opportunities to give and share even more "blessings". (and I can't forget the box of doughnuts either!!)
Whenever one of the men at the prison has a wonderful "blessing" come to them in some form or fashion(usually in the form of a renewed connection to loved ones) I remind them that the Light and Blessings that they have been putting forth has in turn "blessed" them.
So for every blessing that was given and received today, I give gratitude.
Blessings to you today and everyday~

Snail Mail Blessing.....

As a fully ordained Golden Eagle Minister, I have been serving the past 3 years as a volunteer chaplain in a Native American designated Texas men's prison. Twice a month, I drive 2 hours one way to meet friend of mine and we co-facilitate Native American Spiritual Circles and Educational classes. It's a full day that begins before daybreak and comes to conclusion long after the sun has set.....It has brought many challenges, opportunities for growth, rewards and blessings to both us and the almost 100 inmates that are now a part of our program.

Today when I opened my mail- it was a blessing. One of our members that had been transferred out several months ago to start his "out-processing" had written to let me know that after 17 years of being incarcerated, he is out and starting his" New Beginning". A place to live, a part time job, and enrollment in a technical college has already been put into motion.

As spiritual "clan mother" which is sometimes likened to "den mother" to these men, the feeling I have upon their release is much like the same one I am experiencing as my young adult children venture off to "make their way" in the world..... Joy and excitement for the new opportunities that life has to offer them, mixed with apprehension and nagging questions; "Have I given them the tools to succeed on their journey...." "Will they continue hold their spiritual walk as a priority in their earth walk..." "Do they have what it takes to rise above adversity & remain in the Light..."

Of course I know the answers to these questions are the same for both parties; I have fulfilled my direct role to the best of my ability , now I need to move into the role of "support" and let them maneuver their own course. They, like the rest of us, are the creators of their personal "walk" in life, and any choices they make are they're own. I pray that they all be led to what is in their Highest and Best interest. May we all " Walk in Beauty" Blessings~

How the #$(( did I get HERE???

It occurred to me today that those following this blog may find a brief explanation helpful, in understanding what in the world I am doing transplanted in what some refer to as the "buckle" of the bible belt....
Being raised from age 7-17 years by an "unconventional" single -parent father. I was introduced to many places, people, and experiences across the U.S. that many people do not even experience in an entire lifetime. My father was drawn to what many "mainstream" people would refer to as the "fringe" in society. From the leftover beatnik from the 60's that lived on the beach in Santa Barbara, CA, to the young couple from Australia bicycling across the U.S.. All were offered a meal, conversation, and sometimes a place to lay their bedroll for the night. My father had the gift not only to recognize the uniqueness of those following a path of their own creation, but also the appreciation such a venture deserves. He himself had never been a "follower" or a "leader", he was just a "doer". A creator of his own life path and experiences.
We travelled extensively throughout those years- many places, many schools, many different living amenities- Be it tent, trailer, or beautiful home- we "experienced" it all . We "rooted" in New Mexico- I started and finished high school there, so that is where "home" resides in my heart.
At 17 I decided to follow my own path to Texas and nurture a relationship with the wisest, most spiritual woman I have ever known, my Mother. College. Marriage. Children. Divorce. Various Careers, and eventually partnering with my Mother in a spiritually - minded venture geared at supporting people on whatever spiritual path they have chosen to their Higher Power- all followed for these past 26 years.
My Mother told me once that she asked in meditation- "why Texas?" and the answer she received was "Because this is where you are needed..."
My Mother transitioned several years ago, along with most all of my family here. There are days I ponder how much "easier" it would be to express myself in a different geographical area where people are less judgemental and more accepting of each other's choices of personal relationship with the Creator. However,for now, I feel like Mother did. This is where I am needed. I shall continue to nurture and grow my personal relationship with the Creator, and support others in theirs. I honor both my parents in expressing the strength and courage they instilled in me to create my own path, and I honor and appreciate all of you that are creating yours...... Blessings.

To blog or not to blog.....

To Blog or not to blog......

This has been the burning question over the past several months for me.

During my meditation this morning I was reminded of my quote that I have been "tossing out" to the people around me the last few months: "It is our Divine right to be whole;It is our Divine obligation to share that wholeness with the world". I believe that our lives are a journey to wholeness , which is achieved through our experiences. Every experience we have is a gift, whether or not we realize it at the time. It is through sharing those experiences with others that we in turn help them to grow, heal and move forward on their paths to wholeness.

We are all teachers & healers on some level, in some form. Sometimes it's just letting someone know that they are not alone in what they are experiencing, or perhaps offerring an insight that might enable them to maneuver more easily, and other times it may just be giving them confirmation on what they are already feeling and know in their heart......

Whatever the case may be, my mother use to say that we are the "Spiritual Johnny Appleseed's" of life....So I share the seeds that come my way with all of you- and it is up to you which ones you choose to discard and which ones you wish to nurture, grow, & pass on to others.

A young girl shared this song and I would like to pass it on..

"She changes everything she touches,& everything she touches changes...

strand by strand, hand over hand, thread by thread- we weave our web.....

Weave & spin ,weave & spin this is how our work begins.....

Mend & heal ,mend & heal- Take the DREAM and make it REAL......."