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Harvest Time at the Edge Shamanism E-News

 

In this issue:

a.. Back to Reality

b.. Wild Geese: a Mary Oliver Poem

c.. Journey Within: September 14-16

Back To Reality

I have just returned from a Vision Quest in

Algonquin Park. The Vision Quest is a part of the 2 Year Advanced Training

in Shamanism. For me it is the highlight of my summer and my year. I adore

being nestled in the arms of nature and waking to the sound of a loon. My

body craves to swim in the smooth deep water. My bones ache to rest on the

earth while soaking up the power of the sun. As I paddle the waterways, my

skin feels refreshed with each blast of warm air, dismembering all that is

no longer needed in my life. I always come home feeling refreshed and at

peace. The Vision Quest is my gift to myself each year....alone time in

nature with no distractions....nothing but me and my thoughts and the beauty

of nature all around me. The poem below by Mary Oliver has been an

inspiration to me since my first Shamanic Canoe trip many years ago.

 

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

" You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you

mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the

rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue

air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like wild geese, harsh and

exciting----

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

 

Mary Oliver is a Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry.

" Wild Geese " is a poem In her book " New and Selected Poems " (1992, Beacon

Press)

 

 

Journey Within: Basic Shamanism Retreat

September 14-16, 2007 (just two spaces remain)

$397 + GST

New gathering added: February 1-3, 2008

 

Martha is preparing once again to introduce a new

group of students to the ancient and pan-cultural practice of Shamanism at

our home in nature, Northern Edge Algonquin. If you have been thinking about

walking a spiritual path in shamanism, consider joining Martha at the Edge

as the fall colours begin to peak on the edge of Algonquin Park.

 

Learn Shamanic Journeying for the purpose of

problem solving and restoring spiritual health and power. Aided by the beat

of a drum participants are invited to enter into an altered state of

consciousness to explore hidden worlds traveled by our ancient ancestors.

 

a bit about Martha: Martha has been introducing

individuals and groups to shamanism for over a decade. She has practiced

core Shamanism based on the work of Michael Harner, author of the Way of the

Shaman and founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies since her

introduction to Shamanism in 1993. She has completed the F.S.S. 3 year

program as well as other advanced trainings including 2 year Shamanic

Teacher Training and Medicine for the Earth training with Sandra Ingerman,

author of Soul Retrieval and Medicine for the Earth.

 

About the Edge: Northern Edge Algonquin (video) is

a welcoming sanctuary for shamanism students and teachers who wish to

enhance their practice of shamanism by learning, sharing, and practicing

with others. Nurture yourself with healthy food, fresh air, intimate

conversation, unique learning opportunities and feel supported along the

journey as a member of an online shamanic community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Shamanism & Medicine for the Earth NewsletterHi danielle, click here to read

this newsletter online if images not visible.

 

 

Autumn Shamanic Newsletter October 2007

 

Power Songs and Song of Gratitude

Yesterday I finally signed up for singing lessons.

This has been on my 'wish' list for many years. When I was a child, I

remember how much I loved to sing. I used to sing loud and clear, without

much concern for what others might think of me. I sang to my baby brother

and sister. I sang while building sand castles and I made up songs that

comforted me. I loved to sing with others in harmony.

 

In Grade Two, I had a teacher who I adored. She had

a guitar and I remember singing all sorts of folk songs. One day, the

teacher asked me if I could stop singing, so that the other children could

be heard. Now, I'm not sure if that was because I was off key or because I

was too loud. What I do know is that I put my heart and soul into singing

and felt a tremendous cloud of shame wash over me, when she asked me to

stop. From then on, I was very conscious of my voice. I felt silenced and my

voice became very timid as I withdrew.

 

Through my Shamanic practice, I have regained my

authentic voice once again. I have learned about the importance of

expressing my gratitude and love through song filling me with joy. I have

learned that when we sing to our children, plants, water, earth and sky they

shine even more brilliantly, as our appreciation and love for them is felt

and heard.

 

Recently while reading a book by Eliot Cowan called

" Plant Spirit Medicine " , the author retells a story (pg. 72-73) by Fred

Coyote about an anthropologist who visits a Hopi elder to record some of his

people's songs. After each song, the anthropologist asks the elder what the

song is about. After several songs the anthropologist asks the elder " Is

water is all you people sing about down here " ? The elder replies " For

thousands of years in this county we've learned to live here. Because our

need for this water is so great to our families and to our people, to our

nations, most of our songs are about our greatest need. I listen to a lot of

American music. Seems like most American music is about love. " He asked " Is

that why? Is that because you don't have very much " ?

 

Our songs are a way of expressing what our soul

desires. I often have a melody and words come to me when I am outside in the

garden or when I ski or run. With the repetitive sound of my breathing or

steps, a beat emerges and then a tune and eventually words or a chant. This

then becomes a form of prayer for me, and may become a power song.

 

In Shamanic practice a 'power song' assists the

Shaman in entering into an altered state of consciousness. When singing a

power song, we become the hollow bone while filling with the power of a

trusted power animal or other helping spirit. This is especially helpful

when working on behalf of a client.

 

Discover a Power Song

Michael Harner in his book " The Way of the Shaman "

(pg. 73) suggests 'Hunting for a Power Song " . Plan to spend a day in nature

without distraction, or an agenda of where you will go. As you walk about,

connect with your senses. Does a particular animal wish to merge with you?

Allow this animal to lead the way, and listen as you walk about or sit with

nature. Do you hear a particular melody or words?

 

Once you discover your power song, journey to your

helping spirit to ask when it is best to sing your power song. How can it

help you and who it is to be shared with?

 

May your soulful songs bring you joy and peace in

your heart.

 

Martha

 

 

a bit about Martha: Martha has been introducing

individuals and groups to shamanism for over a decade. She has practiced

core Shamanism based on the work of Michael Harner, author of the Way of the

Shaman and founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies since her

introduction to Shamanism in 1993. She has completed the F.S.S. 3 year

program as well as other advanced trainings including 2 year Shamanic

Teacher Training and Medicine for the Earth training with Sandra Ingerman,

author of Soul Retrieval and Medicine for the Earth.

 

Two Year Advanced Shamanism: Are you thinking about

pursuing a deeper commitment to shamanic practice? Martha is currently

inviting applications to the Third Two-Year Advanaced Shamanism Training.

The training begins in November 2007.The community gathers four times each

year and participates in rich online community dialogue to explore healing

through shamanism in nature. Learn more,

 

Also, starting October 16th, Martha is offering an

Introduction to Shamanism at Blue Canoe, our new centre for Healing Arts in

South River. This is an evening program that meets once a week for three

weeks. Weekly drumming circle will meet the first Tuesday of each month at

Blue Canoe starting November 6th. If you are near South River, please join

us. Please call Kate for more information: 800 953-3343.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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