The Journey Begins...
- By Marianna Sheldrake
- •
- 14 Apr, 2017
A magical journey begins - understanding energy
Even in simple prayer this is exactly what we are trying to achieve. When we try to focus our energy on healing ourselves or another we are attempting to cause change. So ‘Magic’ is still all around us in everyday life. It is not the strange and fearsome topic that caused the terrible scourges of the middle ages – nor is it only practised by misshapen old crones with warty noses and broomsticks. Miracles are magic, just as magic is a miracle of the wondrous energies that surround us. When we plead our cause to the powers of the universe – however we may visualise them – we are asking them to ‘help us’. We cannot ask them to take over the responsibility; that would be about as rational as poisoning someone and then expecting the potion to be put on trial – or the plant that it was made from. In our very busy and chaotic world we live in at the moment, I am sure you can all think of loads more similar relevant analogies.
Taking responsibility for our actions and our intentions is the very essence of enlightenment and the root of all Magic, for those not prepared to accept that responsibility perhaps the time is not right of you to venture further. The Gods, the Divine, the matrix or higher self we summon – the elements and energies you invoke – must be accounted to. We do not disturb them naively without respect.
A Magical Journey Begins – Understanding Energy
One of the first things necessary to any magical journey is the certain knowledge of who we are. This identification may sound obvious but it is extremely important to be clear, “This is who I am!” in any spiritual communication. How can you yourself command respect and be taken seriously if you are unsure of exactly who you are. Here is an example of a useless communication and one I am sure we are all guilty of:
After retiring for the night we clasp our hands together and recite a little prayer finishing with “Dear Universe, please watch over my mother and father and all members of my family. Give me the strength to…” By now we are already thinking of tomorrow’s workload, the dinner, the children etc. etc. At best a half-hearted attempt at prayer, at worst an insult to your intelligence. Why? Well there are a number of issues. Firstly, because you have failed to identify yourself in a way that the Universe can understand, and secondly because there is little concentration of will. The other thing, of course, is the implicit insult in such a lack of respect. No offering – but worse then that not even your undivided attention.
Your spirit emits a unique energy. The stronger the collective vibration sent out, the easier it is to identify. If you are unsure of who you are, your uncertainty dissipates that energy. If you are ill it can have the same effect due to your energy being used to heal the physical body. Other people first recognise you as an individual by your energy. How many times do you hear someone say, “She/he’s always laughing-singing – talking – crying – fighting – angry. “? What they are identifying about that person is the emotion and the emotion is the energy. It can be strong, weak, hesitant, arrogant and so on. They are attracted as like attracts like to that energy. If the energy is weak or low and matches yours you have something in common, an attraction. This happens on a subconscious level and very often you are unaware that it is happening. It is merely a comfortable situation. Recognition of the battle of energy in this way also happens by ‘spiritual vampirism’. A weak energy attracted to a strong or positive energy. The weak energy goes out to embrace the strong energy. It draws a positive charge from it just as if it had punctured a blood vessel and was indeed a vampire bat. It feeds. This can happen subconsciously within relationships and is not particularly healthy. A strong male energy may feed off a weak female energy; a mature, strong, motherly female may feed off an insecure, weak male energy. One feeds the other. A balanced relationship is one where the two energies can feed from each other offering mutual support. It does not mean the ride will be smooth but it does make the relationship interesting and alive, because one pushes the other and so they both grow.
Now let’s take this hypothesis to another level – communicating with the ‘source energy’. We exist because this source gave us energy in the first instance. It is this ‘original’ energy that is our identification and if the output is timid and weak then it is easy for it to go unnoticed. If, on the other hand, it is strong direct and assertive then it is much easier for it to demand attention and for the source to respond and relate to.
In the physical world we have the opportunity to experience whatever we can imagine. We can use our mind and body to achieve our wants and needs as long as we know clearly what they are – and we clearly communicate them. When we pray or communicate with the source we will be given what we need as long as we are clear about what we wish to achieve. If we transmit a low spiritual output, a mumbled message or request we will receive likewise. If, on the other hand, we transmit a clear command, summoning hell-fire itself, then that is what will be returned. But never forget that nothing is free. A weak message may not produce spectacular results but at least there will be little to deal with in return. Conversely, a clear and powerful command would cause a disturbance, would attract attention and would require strength – alertness and knowledge to know how to handle the backlash of energy and channel it correctly to where it needs to go. Imagine plugging an electrical appliance directly into the grid. You need to be very sure of how to use it once it is switched on, taking great care not to hurt yourself. Here are a couple of everyday situations that must happen to all of us: You’re worried because you are late for an appointment. Try and stay calm and put out the thought that you are going to be held up and, therefore, late. Or; you need to park your car near a certain place within a few minutes. Send out a clear request that you need a parking space and where you need it. You may be surprised but, more often then not, you will find that your appointment was ‘running behind’ and you were not actually noticeably late or that there is a parking space just becoming available as you approach your destination. In psychic development it is known as letting your spirit helpers aid you by telling them what it is you need. ‘Ask and you shall be given’.
Healing is energy manipulation and, not so long ago, would have been considered witchcraft. Today many people are studying healing in all its many guises and, through their studies, are becoming more aware or ‘awake’. It is making people think differently and grasping one new concept can often change the whole way you look at everything. Suddenly people are taking control of their lives in a way unimaginable a few generations ago.
For instance: When you are run down, your energy is low, your output weak and you’re feeling generally disgruntled though not physically ill. Many more people today will go to a healer. A healer will give them time to gradually work through how they feel and, together, look for the source of the problem. They will give the healer something of value in exchange and then allow the healer to use their connection to source to plug them into the grid for a recharge! The role of the healer, in this instance, is an interesting one. A caring, compassionate person who can help restore balance.
The desire to heal is an extremely worthy and compassionate quality however it can also be a reflection of our very own being. Before we can heal another we must first heal ourselves and this does not necessarily mean physically mending broken limbs. What we see in others can sometimes be a reflection of ourselves – it is what we recognise and can therefore relate too. This, I believe, is a contributory reason to why there is such an interest in the natural healing fields at the moment. There are many studying the practises of spiritual healing driven by the desire to heal themselves. We would learn much by paying respect to this feeling for often it is this discovery that enables us to do something positive. To create change and do something for ourselves, which of course is manipulation of energy and therefore the use of magic.
The next issue is the empathic desire to help another to relieve their suffering. Wonderful miraculous healings do happen but healing is not necessarily a cure. We do not know someone’s path or past, and, we do not want to contaminate our own energy by interfering with another’s karma. The very best we can do is connect to the universe, ask if it is karmically allowed that the person receives healing in true and righteous ways and then channel the energy threw ourselves and out into the earth mother. Ultimately we need to encourage them to help themselves make the brave changes required for healing and ultimately a cure to take place. Doing it for them is doing them no good at all; you will only untangle one mess whilst they strive to recreate something similar because it is in their nature. It is what they know and become accustomed to – therefore the lesson, in a way, is repeated. Only when they realise the pattern and decide to change it will they have learnt the lesson, enabling them to heal and move on.
The last issue is the contentious question of remuneration. Firstly an exchange of energy needs to take place in order for healing to work. Actually, it is enough for the patient to thank you sincerely and mean it or to do something in return. I have had many such experiences where the patient has baked me a cake or helped with the children in return for healing. If someone comes for healing on a professional basis an exchange of energy in the way of payment is acceptable. This is a healthy transaction and one in which respect is being paid to both healer and patient. However, a situation whereby the healer just receives self-satisfaction by doing something that he or she perceives as being good is unbalanced and less likely to achieve the desired outcome on behalf of the healer or the patient.
An interesting point about illness and imbalance that is often overlooked. Once one has established the cause of the illness, the honourable thing to do would be to mentally thank the illness for the message. By the physical body creating an illness it has made you aware that something was wrong.
I was first introduced to the medicine wheel as a tool of spiritual development by Grandfather Hollis Littlecreek. He said that many tribes talk about a time when the Native American Indian Nations were constantly at war. They fought over land, water and the buffalo. Many nations of the plains Indians travelled around following the buffalo and would encounter other nations who did not want them on their territory. This was a time of war and each nation wanted control.
Then along came a very great chief ( I believe now that he was referring to Hiawatha from the Iroquois nation ). He had great insight and he called gatherings together of many nations to talk peace. He convinced the chiefs that there was enough for all the animals and the two legged to share on the earth mother.
A large medicine wheel was constructed and each nation had their place within it. Agreements were formed and eventually the people found harmony
Then other people came from different lands. They were not at peace with themselves and fought with weapons unlike the ones we knew. They took our lands and slaughtered our buffalo. They did not work with the earth mother. This was a difficult time again in our history.
Now, he said, there is promise of change. It was foretold that the red, white, black and yellow peoples of the earth would come together after a time of fighting and find harmony and learn to share just like we did many moons ago. I feel the time is near. I will not be here when this happens but I will be here in spirit and it is for this reason I teach. One of the concepts he then shared with me was the medicine wheel. Medicine, he said, is what is good for the body, mind and soul.
We construct medicine wheels to connect us to spirit. We build these wheels with respect and energy, to give them the power and ability to amplify our intention when working with spirit. We build medicine wheels for many things as they give us the opportunity to focus. Medicine wheels can help us to connect to the different kingdoms. They could be to aid healing, dream work or self-development. There are as many uses for the medicine wheel as there are needs of the body, mind and soul.
It is of the utmost importance to consider the reason for, and, the design of the medicine wheel because it is in the construction of it that lies the success of the outcome. People need a recipe. They need a ritual to help them remember, and they need focus.
Grandfather Hollis Littlecreek said that the medicine wheel concept is all over the world. That people need to get back to their roots using ancient wisdom to re-connect and find their way home. When we look within we can find the answers that are right for us and the medicine wheel empowers us to follow our truth.
The traditional medicine wheel represents the four directions, the four elements and depending on the purpose, the four colors of the people who live on the earth mother. It is a sacred hoop that in the dimensions of spirit forms rainbows around the world. Those who talk, share and teach this knowledge are the rainbow warriors, and it is those who will bring peace by building rainbow bridges.
The words of Grandfather Hollis Littlecreek were not entirely new to me as I had studied the Golden Dawn and Wicca for many years. There appears to be much similarity between spiritual concepts and practices. However stepping away from comfort zone and embracing the beautiful teachings of such a wise elder helped me accept myself and my ancestral heritage. For that he has my deep respect and appreciation.
A Medicine Wheel may take many forms. It could be constructed like a piece of artwork that you sit or meditate on. I have seen beautiful quilts done like this. It could be a physical construction in the landscape. There are many stones circles across the globe. Smaller more personal sets of crystals can be carried in a pouch. Medicine wheel circles could be made of any material. I have seen some made of colored sand, herbs and flowers that when the ceremony is finished are scooped up and buried with offerings.
To actually construct your medicine wheel and partake in ceremony you would select a clear space. Turn all distractions off. Make sure you have all the ingredients for your workings. Then once the crystals or stones have been blessed and put into their correct positions you are ready to begin. It is usual to burn some kind of incense as an offering to spirit to encourage their attention. It is also usual to smudge the area within the medicine wheel and your body to clean and clear negative energies before you begin.
Invite the elements and directions to come into your circle. It is usual to travel the medicine wheel in a clock-wise direction although this may change depending on which hemisphere one lives in. Light coloured candles to represent these energies. If you know your guides you would ask them to attend. You may know or feel your angels and these too make powerful allies. Things could be brought into the circle to make an offering. If you are talking to nature you may make a corn dolly or carve a piece of wood. If your aim is to release something you may write it down on a special piece of paper, parchment or handmade maybe. Choose a coloured ink, juice or charcoal from the fire to write with and make your request clear to the universe. The same would go for inviting something into your life, you write it down on a piece of paper. The paper would then be burnt during the ceremony or buried after the ceremony.
When you have finished your ceremony remember to give thanks to those who watched over you and attended. Release the elements and open your circle. Cleanse your crystal pouch and clean up.
These are my simple guidelines on the medicine wheel, remember that it is an ancient concept that we are using in a modern world so we need to make changes to these as our understanding grows.
Back in the summer of 1996 I was fortunate enough to meet an American Indian Elder by the name of Hollis Littlecreek. Grandfather Hollis was the Chief of the Martin Clan of the Red Lakes Anishinabeg. I went to a gathering in Sedona Arizona and sat at the back listening to him talk. During a break I left and stood outside lost in thought. I wondered what I was doing there and why I had gone. There was a voice behind me and on turning around Grandfather Hollis was stood behind me. ‘You are wondering why you came and are about to leave’ he said in a soft gravelly tone that came from another place and time. I just looked at him. He was not a big man, he looked to be in his eighties maybe and had a kindly face. I believe I raised my arms in an empty gesture not knowing how to respond. I didn’t want to offend him as he looked sincere. ‘At dawn you come to speak with me and we will share medicine’ he said, and then was gone. He returned back to his talk and I left.
At dawn the following morning I found myself outside the house he was living in with a tobacco pouch offering.
Grandfather Hollis welcomed me in and sat me down at a large table. It was still dark inside the building with only natural light shining through the windows. Around the table on the floor were coloured rugs. As we spoke and the house began to wake up women began to enter the room and sit around the table on the floor. I counted seven or eight women sat around listening. I was surprised that they all looked to be white American women.
We talked about our cultural differences. He was interested in Druids and Wicca and I was interested in American Indian ceremonies and rituals. He was interested in all things English, and I was interested in all this American Indian. We clicked.
Grandfather Hollis and I talked for hours. We drank coffee and then water and stayed at the same table talking all day. Eventually we got onto my passion, healing with crystals and Hollis smiled and really came alive. We shared information, ideas and concepts. He had a wealth of knowledge. It flowed from him, every subject he had an opinion about.
This is what Grandfather Hollis and I shared;
Crystal Medicine is powerful medicine. Crystal medicine is part of the great cycle of life. Our bodies are fed by the mother. She provides all. Some things she provides we can eat and process naturally, these things nourish and heal the body, some things we cannot. Some crystals and minerals that our bodies need are too powerful for our system to process or digest and so they go through another evolution. The energy of the crystal and mineral kingdom enters any living organism and so can easily nourish and be absorbed into plants, herbs and shrubs. These in turn are eaten by the animal kingdom and humankind eats these animals. The animals have processed the crystal and mineral kingdoms energy and it becomes safe for humankind to consume. This is one way the crystal and mineral kingdom helps humankind.
Another way they can help is by subtle energy. We have 364 energy centers spinning away spread all over our bodies. We can not see these centers but we can feel them. These energy centers are small vortices of energy that keep us in balance. Each energy centre gives off a vibration that is unique. No two energy centers give off the same vibration and no two people’s energies are the same. When one energy center is out of harmony with the body that energy center spins differently. It can speed up, slow down or in some cases spin anti-clockwise. Crystals and minerals omit a pulse, an energy that we can not see and yet is such powerful medicine that it can have an affect on the energy centers on your body. Like attracts like and if you are attracted to a crystal or mineral it will be for a reason. The energy of crystals and minerals are constant and when held in proximity of the energy center that is out of balance it has the power to align itself to that center and pull it back into balance. Some times more then one crystal or mineral is required and sometimes there is more work needed to reinstate balance.
Crystals and minerals also have a memory and this memory can be tapped. Some crystals and minerals remember the creation of the universe and some have hidden knowledge hidden in them by the ancestors waiting for the right time and place to impart their wisdom. Grandfather Hollis and I spoke for hours on the subject of crystals.
He also shared with me the ancient wisdom of how we spiritual beings came to inhabit the physical world. When the world was created the rock and mineral kingdom was formed. In time spirit entered this kingdom and spirit learnt about patience and memory. This was a very long epoch of time. There were many periods of climate change and in time many rocks and minerals were crushed down and washed into the rivers and streams. The rivers and streams flowed into the oceans and spirit spent its next evolution swimming in the waters of emotion.
Spirit experienced incredible highs as the waves were pulled by the magnetism of the moon then crashed to the very depths of the earth. This is how spirit learnt to feel. It watched the cycle of grandmother moon when she became full and rejoiced and felt sadness when she then left and was hidden. This was in preparation for spirit to learn about the feelings of separation that it will go through on its great journey.
From here spirit swam back up the rivers and streams and came onto the land. Spirit joined the kingdoms of plants and trees. In these two kingdoms many lessons were learnt about the cycles of the year. Reaching up to the sun for heat and light then pushing down into the earth for nourishment and stability. Plants and trees produce oxygen, provide food, shelter and healing. The mighty oak stands tall and strong, providing for many. The sage bush smells sweet and clears the air. The willow tree with its healing properties bends and weeps. The juniper is ever green and saps a useful resin. Of all the things spirit learnt from this kingdom the most important of all was sense of purpose. Time needs to be spent in these two valuable kingdoms as there are many lessons.
Progression into the animal kingdom is the next evolution and here the lesson of instinct is born. First the insects and then many beautiful beasts of the earth for spirit to inhabit. Each has much to teach. In some spirit can learn speed and in others cunning. Survival is a strong instinct and one spirit will need to learn quickly.
The kingdom of the birds is the final stage of the evolution of spirit before becoming human. To soar above the earth from a high vantage point gives perspective. Community, vision, adaptability and clear sight are all qualities experienced within this kingdom. Large birds also clean up after the animal kingdom as they scavenge so they do another service.
When all these kingdoms and experiences have been processed and learnt spirit has the opportunity to be born into the physical world of humanity. He is a spiritual being and a physical being at the same time and through his evolutions knows how to cope. It will depend on his capacity of inner knowing that will determine how many incarnations it will take for him to awake.
For many years since my meeting with Grandfather Hollis I have thought back to this time and wondered where his teachings would fit into my life and work. I have shared these words with people who have crossed my path and in the introduction of my book ‘The Crystal Healer’. However recently more and more I find his words in my head when working in the shop or doing my readings. Grandfather Hollis said a time would come after his passing when his teachings would reach those who would bring about change in the world. He said when the time is right he would be with us in spirit.
Have you ever come across spirit shields? Perhaps you know a bit about them or have heard the term but no very little. Either way, spirit shields have been a big part of my journey so I would love to share with you what I have learned.
Traditionally, spirit shields derive from Native American
traditions and are made by women to represent the true essence of who they are and
the path that has taken them to where they are today. Whilst men can have
spirit shields also, I have learned on the reservations that it is the women
who make the shields for the men in the tribes. The process of making one is a
deeply personal experience and as our own journeys, no two will ever be alike.
Once completed, your spirit shield is hung behind you in all forms of solitary
spiritual work. Think of the spirit shield as your own personal direct link to
the source energy, your calling card if you like to the universe. A spirit
shield once completed portrays the owners’ sacred power, intention or ‘medicine’.
Medicine from plants and minerals we have come to understand, however medicine from someone’s spirit or energy is a little more difficult to comprehend. Medicine means anything sacred and powerful, something used to treat or prevent illness, imbalance or dis-ease. Medicine is something that helps to reinstate well being, abundance and the ability to create. Personal medicine that comes from within is the creative force of life giving power and energy. Women naturally are born with it as they carry the void, ‘the womb’ and with it seemingly magical possibilities to reproduce humankind. Indeed many ancient civilisations considered fertility a blessing bestowed by the gods.
Having travelled around some of the Nations of the Native American Indians in North America and spoken to their elders on the subject this is how I have come to understand the making of a spirit shield. Some tribes are more secretive about the knowledge then others and the information varies from nation to nation. To my surprise being white and English seemed to go a little in my favour and generally most tribal elders were generous with their time and information. I found the elders were genuinely surprised of my interest in the concept of Spirit Shields, and within the constraints of what the tribes’ respected shaman would allow, what they did share was fascinating.
There are four stages to making a spirit shield. These four stages are steps around a medicine wheel. The number four also represents honouring the directions and the elements.
1) Traditional spirit shields were constructed in the shape of a circle, the round shape representing the circle of life, the sun, the moon and the body of the earth mother. This I believe to be honouring the position on the medicine wheel of the south.
2) Traditional spirit shields were constructed using treated animal hides to cover the wooden circle. This I believe to be honouring the position on the medicine wheel of the west.
3) Traditional spirit shields were decorated with designs and images drawn and painted onto hide. The designs used would portray the creator’s journey, their dreams and aspirations as well as the path they have trodden. It could identify their position in their tribe, their family or their connection to the divine. This I believe to be honouring the position on the medicine wheel of the north.
4) Finally items would be collected and hung on the shield identifying the nature, character and essence of the maker. This I believe to be honouring the position on the medicine wheel of the east.
These four steps are seen as the crucial stages in completing your spirit shield. They sound easy enough. That is until you begin!
Although traditional Native American spirit shields follow a specific format, it is my belief that the power of the shield is in the process of creation and intention. In our contemporary culture, there is no reason why other shapes and materials cannot be used in the process, in fact, I would encourage it. I strongly feel that in today’s modern day society, it’s easy to lose sight of spiritual tools that have aided humanity’s spiritual journey throughout history. There is something very powerful for example in the inward reflection/outward projection of the spirit shield which would not be accessed simply through 15 minutes of meditation. The creation of the spirit shield is a journey in itself, a journey I recommend all women should take.
For more information about creating a spirit shield here in Avalon, please contact me at Happy Glastonbury.
This is our old rooster who is still just as feisty as when he was a baby. No stopping him!!!!Blessing Marianna X X X
