Metaphysical Musings

My dearest friend Kim works at a well-known local spa whose clientele includes many diverse, educated and affluent people.  Kim reports that many are coming in sharing dreams and experiences concerning a very specific animal unique to themselves.  She takes the time to explain (after they share their personal story) that this animal is a guide, or totem, coming to them to teach a lesson or deliver a message.   Funnily enough, Talisman has seen a ”run” on our totem stone animals and animal guide candles over the past several weeks as well.  

Many people feel a kinship with a certain animal, often from the time they are very young.   This animal will tend to visit or make itself known during times of stress, personal conflict, great joy or sorrow – delivering messages of warning, validation or hope.   It can make itself known physically, symbolically and/or spiritually.  This animal is their Totem, or Power Animal. 

Let’s look at this from a Shammanic point of view, a form of knowledge and healing that has stood the test of time.   Despite our “modern” beliefs and lifestyles, we can’t ignore certain mystical encounters that are experienced in our lives.  Things such as strange encounters with omens, signs, and so-called supernatural contacts with talking animals, birds, fish, bugs, lizards, snakes, clouds, winds, ghosts or spirits seem like a foreign world to most modern people.  And yet these things do indeed exist.   

Indigenous cultures in Africa, Australia, Asia and certain groups throughout Europe and the Mideast have a similar system of knowledge as our own Native Americans.  The healers, or Shamans, of these cultures have much in common.  One primary belief is that we are all part of Nature, all creatures are the Great Creator’s children.  And not only did the American Indians worship God, but they also respected and communicated with that which God had created.   The traditional Native American believes that each living thing in Nature has a spirit of its own, in addition to being connected to and part of the Great Spirit.  That is why they pray and give thanks to the Sun, Moon, Stars, Rain, Wind, Waters, and all those that walk, crawl, fly, and swim – both seen and unseen.  We cannot survive or live without our “relations” and they also need us – but more than that, they are our teachers, protectors, guardians, and sources of power and knowledge. 

So, knowing all this – how does one go about finding his or her power animal?  Shaman Lucy Walker has come to Talisman on a few occaisions to do a “Journey to find your Power Animal” which is a guided drum meditation.  It was on one such journey that I met Caiman, who introduced me to Dragon.  And I found this odd, because while I have always been drawn to dragons (as well as being a Chinese Dragon Sign myself) I have a horrible and quite irrational fear of alligators and crocodiles – thus, caiman came in as quite a surprise.  

Ted Andrews,  famous for his books including Animal-Speak and Animal-Wise, calls these our Fear Totems.   He notes that animals that we fear or that create discomfort in us are animals we should study more closely.  These are often some of our most important teachers, animals who show us how to conquer long-standing issues and recurring problems in our life.  Many traditions teach that our fears and doubts will take the form of an animal, and only when we come to terms with those issues does that animal become a powerful ally for us.  In my instance, caiman is a challenger who warns of danger.  He teaches us to become defensive and alert, and to stay on guard against attack by someone or something.   It is probably no coincidence, then, that many gifted readers and healers I’ve sat and talked with have expressed concern that I am too “open” and need to find more effective ways to protect myself spiritually, given the nature of the work that I do.  Keeping alligator or caiman close by, using a picture or statue, reminds me of this important warning – to keep my guard up. 

Is there an animal guide beckoning to you?  Listen and pay close attention to the message this creature brings.  By allowing Nature to become part of your everyday life, you will find a source of balance and much-needed  spiritual strength.  Enjoy your journey!

Blessings, Laura

Maybe it’s because the physical world we currently reside in has gone to hell in a handbasket, but interest in the mythical realm has increased dramatically.  And of all the creatures in legend and lore, none are as popular as Faeries (to be fair, though, dragons come in a very close second!).

The big question:  Are Faeries real?  I think most Wiccans, many gardeners and nature-lovers would answer “yes”.  Faeries have been believed in and existed in some form almost as long as humans have been here.  Every country in the world has its faerie beings, most of whom easily correspond to the faeries of Ireland and Britain.  For example, the Kolbalds of Germany and Domoviyr of Russia bear an uncanny resemblance to the Brownies of Scotland.  Faeries are usually thought of as elemental energies, seasonal helpers to the deities, or nature spirits – they have been the subject of much human speculation, fear and folklore.  While faeries are, in many ways, elemental beings (small creatures who control/represent the four elements of air, earth, fire and water) they are much more than just that.  Faeries have personality and individuality.  And though they inhabit a different plane of existence than we do, they do live.  They are fully sentient beings with feelings and rights much like our own. 

Why would one wish to attract faeries into their home or garden?  Well, by inviting the faeries one welcomes the happiness, luck and love that comes along with them.  However, there are unfriendly folk - the Bogart, for example, who makes a nuisance of himself by spilling milk and throwing things at children.  But then, the house Brownie is one of the most benevolent and kind faeries one could hope to meet.  They are very small dwarf faeries who always appear as males with coal black eyes.  They wear little suits of green, blue or brown and have little caps of felt.  The Brownie is said to reward kindness shown by helping out around the house and on the farm, by bringing food and firewood, and by chasing away ill-meaning spirits from your dwelling.   Another sweet faerie is the Bean-Tighe (pronounced Ban-teeg) who generally look like small elderly women in old-fashioned peasant clothing.  They are very friendly and wish to have a hospitable human house to watch over.  They can be found tending children, hearths, and pets.  It is believed they will finish up any household chores left undone by the tired mother of the house.  I cannot help but mention the Clurichaun, also known as “His Nibs” who is a solitary faery and self-appointed guardian of a wine cellar – one which he chooses in his own time, then moves in and makes himself at home.  The Clurichaun is almost always drunk, but is impeccably well-groomed and well-dressed (apparently, the Peter O’Toole of the realm!).  Generally cheerful, he can be rather aloof even while intoxicated.  A Clurichaun in your cellar will protect against thieves, prevent casks from leaking and wines from going bad.  Occasionally he can be heard singing Irish folk songs in the wine cellar.  If you ignore or mistreat him he will wreak havoc on your cellars and on you home, and he will most definitely spoil your wine stock.  If you have a Clurichaun, know that he is there to stay. 

The Wee Folk are known to prefer a tidy home – that the floors be swept and mopped and the dishes washed and put away, before the family retires for the night.  They are reputed to pinch “casual” housekeepers, but reward neat housekeepers with lasting prosperity and happiness.  Faeries have a keen sense of justice and you gain their favor by keeping your promises and honoring your contracts.  They reward tradesmen who perform good work at a fair price.  In the home, leave a bit of milk and fresh bread and a sweet on the hearth.  Hang a “fairy door” nearby as a sign of welcome.  Outside, find a flat stone in a secret part of the garden and leave gifts of food and shiny trinkets there for the Little People.  They favor the first ripe fruit, a bit of milk, a piece of fresh bread – and are said to simply love strawberries.  Place fresh food out each day.  Never toss a faery offering out haphazardly as you would for a wild animal - Faeries consider this very disrespectful.  In some Asian countries it is customary to install a “spirit house” in one’s garden for the resident sprite or faery.  This is a charming custom you might want to consider.  Know that in all cases, human quarreling, rudeness and greed are deemed dreadful; but kindness is much esteemed.  Caring for an injured woodland creature or rescuing a baby bird that has been pushed from the nest is behavior much appreciated.  A modest gift, freely given and witnessed by faeries, has been rewarded with inexhaustible wealth.  Likewise, there are many tales of people who have been punished severely for cruelty to mammals and birds. 

By creating a welcoming home for the Wee Folk (who prefer this term to “faeries” truth be known), you increase the comfort, joy and peace in your life.  And isn’t that what we are all looking for — a little peace and joy?  To be surrounded by cheerful Folk is to be cheerful oneself, buoyed up by the laughter of Nature Herself.

A Blessing, then, that you find what you seek.

Laura

I want to talk a little bit about what you should expect from a Reading, and what a “psychic” can or cannot tell you.  First, know that I have been reading Tarot for over 20 years (I find this a bit shocking myself!).  I usually start my Readings by explaining that it is rare to be told something you do not already know.  Occaisionally there is a gentle warning, often a choice to be made – however, what is going on in the heart and mind of another person rarely manifests in your Reading.  So while a question such as “Will I end this relationship?” may be answered; ”Will my boyfriend end our relationship?” may not.  Understand that NO ONE should ever presume to be able to tell you when you are going to die, because that is information known only to the Almighty (and frankly, I’ve gotten a little sick of doing damage control caused by the unconscionable Readings of others!).  

So what exactly constitutes a “good” Reading?  First, it is when someone who does not know you at all tells you things about yourself and your unique situation that they couldn’t possibly know on their own.  Personally, I believe that this speaks to the presence of the Divine in your life.  How so?  Well, many times (for those of us who believe in a Higher Power) when things are bleak and everything is going wrong … we look up to the heavens and say “What is going on here?  Where are you?  Do you have any idea how bad things are, how much I am suffering down here?!”  And the answer can come in the form of a good Reading – again, hearing what you know to be true from someone who doesn’t know you personally, as ”Yes, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling and what you are going through.  And I am always with you.”

Many people gain a tremendous comfort from this knowledge.  You have to decide for yourself, on the basis of your personal Faith, if looking for this validation is in conflict with the idea that the Almighty knows what’s best for us and we must take what comes our way without question – if, in fact, seeking a “Reading” translates to “Questioning”.  Sometimes, hearing what we are dealing with from the lips of a stranger can be a catalyst for change.  Others just like to touch base with an intuitive as a means of validating the direction they are moving in terms of career, relationship, family, education, etc. (this is known as an “intuitive counseling session”).   Sometimes there is a measure of comfort simply knowing you are not alone in a time of crisis.  And sometimes, those terribly sad times when the issues deal with the death of loved ones – especially children - the sorrow comes off in waves and I have cried right along with individuals whose pain was unbearable, even coming second-hand through them to me.  And there is nothing to say, there are no words.  I only hope that the thought of a stranger’s knowing MUST offer some proof of an Afterlife … the certainty that we do, in fact, meet again. 

I do not feel that anyone should seek intuitive counseling more than four times a year.  Nothing is going to change in less than 8-12 weeks.  It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement and thrill of having such a personal experience on a spiritual level.  Sometimes people are tempted to go from Reader to Reader, to confirm then re-confirm what they have been told (and we call these folks “psychaholics”!).  

Lastly, know that any credible professional intuitive will gladly refund your money if you are not happy with your Reading.  Anyone, even the most gifted among us, can be “off” from time to time.  Within the first 3-5 minutes of sitting down you should either feel a complete connection with what he or she is telling you, the information really resonating as being true - or, you may feel no connection whatsoever.  At this time, it is perfectly acceptable to say “I’m sorry, I just don’t think that you and I are connecting and I’d like to stop now.”  

Other Psychics/Oracles/Intuitives may agree or disagree with what I am saying – and certainly, I’d love to hear personal experiences and/or your opinions on this subject.  Please, do share!

Blessings All,

Laura

These days, it’s quite common to have folks walk into Talisman complaining that the general atmosphere of their home or office feels “heavy” or just downright negative.  To explain what that is like, try to remember a time you walked into a room immediately after a big fight had occurred in that space – doesn’t the air feel charged with crazy energy?  Sometimes when difficult situations (aka Drama) are played out over and over — during a divorce, say, or when a member of the household has an addiction issue that is out of control, or maybe the lingering sadness in a place of business after layoffs have taken place  – at these times, the negative energy can “congeal” and alter the overall atmosphere, bringing everyone and everything down with it.  At such times, it can be very helpful to do a cleansing of the space. 

To cleanse a house, all you need is about two handfuls of coarse sea salt and a sage smuge stick (costs about $5 total).  It is nice to do this in the evening if possible, and to start by taking a bath with one handful of the salt.  While you soak, clear your mind of the day’s concerns and imagine all your negativity being washed away and vanishing down the drain.  Once you’re dried and dressed, take the smudge and a lighter (you may have to re-light it periodically) and stand outside your front door.  Light the smudge, let it catch fire and blow it out – wave it around the doorframe, using your hand or a feather/fan to direct the smoke.  Say:  “This is MY house.  All those who wish to help may stay, all those who wish to harm MUST go!”  as you enter your home.  Work from the bottom up – basement to attic – and move clockwise through each room.  Focus on the corners near the ceiling and don’t forget bathrooms and closets.  Important:  Leave windows cracked while you work so the “negativity” can exit your home; the smoke will fill the now-empty space so it cannot return (nature abhors a vacuum).  When you are done, use the remaining salt to create a “line” at the threshold of your front door – it will help keep your home cleared by causing negativity to “slough” off persons before they enter.  Don’t expect miracles - that negativity will be waiting for them when they leave unless they make a conscious choice to remove it permanently!  So your annoying family members will still be annoying — only they can’t dump it into your house and leave it to fester in your personal space.  You can freshen up periodically by lighting a sage incense stick in any room that feels “heavy” and also add salt to keep the line(s) at the doorways intact.  There you go – a little practical magick to make your life a little better!  

In an office or anyplace that sage cannot be burned, you can purchase a liquid spray sage – a sage infusion, so to speak – and spray this in the same manner as noted above.  Don’t forget to smudge yourself by fanning a cloud of smoke and stepping through it, or spritzing yourself with some of that sage spray!     

These are trying times, my friends, and anything that can hold the dark clouds of negativity at bay should be utilized … and often!

Blessed Be!

Laura

I want to take this opportunity to write a memorial for Puck, Talisman’s big grey tabby tomcat, who passed away May 16th due to complications from Feline HIV.   Puck came to Talisman in November of last year, a “throwaway” cat who had been freshly neutered along with the group of ferals he was living with (undoubtedly where he contracted the disease from) but the program through which he was spayed and given his rabies shot never tested him for HIV.  It is, of course, only transmittable to other cats (not humans).

I also want to raise for discussion the question of whether cats (along with our other pets and animal friends) have souls and do they in fact take part in our lives on the “other side”?  It is my firm belief that the answer to this question is yes, yes and yes.  Not only that, but I feel strongly that they in fact are part of our “current life” plans, and come along with the blueprint for this lifetime often having shared past lives with us. 

Puck was “read” by two very talented pet psychics I am privileged to know – Donna Velardi, who read him only days after he arrived at Talisman; and Rachel, who read him only days before he passed (ironic, huh?).  Also ironic is the fact that Donna is someone I have a personal and professional relationship with; but Rachel read Puck right after she and I were introduced – I had never met her before.  Both gave readings that were very accurate. 

In Donna’s case, she had come into the store, paused at the door and looked around — Puck quickly ran up from downstairs (as was his custom right up to the end) to greet her.  She gave me a big smile and said “I knew it!  I knew there was a cat here – I could sense you had gotten a cat for the shop!”  I asked if she would give him a reading, primarily to let me know if he was happy at Talisman, and she quickly agreed.  She sat for a bit with him and said that yes, he IS very happy to be here.  She went on to say Puck was a very old soul, and felt he was meant to be at Talisman to help not just me but many people.  The only thing he was sorry for was that there wasn’t a bed to sleep on (however, rest assured he had many blankets and nesting spots) but this was his only complaint – he was a bit lonely at night.  I then asked if she could tell me a bit about his past (sneaky of me, because I already knew it) and Donna began to tell me she saw two previous “owners” and that she was using the term loosely because she didn’t feel he was ever well cared for — one very old and another, a man, who was only in his life a short time before coming to Talisman.  

The fact is that a very dear friend and patron, Elizabeth, had come into the shop a few days ahead of Puck and asked “Laura – do you want a cat?”  My first response was “No” followed by “Oh, tell me about the cat!”  Elizabeth told me about her friend, who is head of maintenance at a condo complex, and that he takes care of a colony of feral cats there.  Well, an old woman had a cat (Puck) but she got sick and went to the hospital then a nursing home.  Her grown son came to her apartment, saw the cat and tossed him out (Puck had never been outside before, and was not spayed) thinking “what’s one more cat with so many?” never considering it was almost winter and feral cats hate domestics.  So the maintenance man caught him, and had him brought to the TAILS program in Westport to be fixed – then kept him in a cage in the basement as he desperately searched for a home for him.  And that’s where Elizabeth came in …

And I must say, the decision to take Puck in was one of the best I have ever made.  It only took him a couple of days (if that) to completely make Talisman his own.  He personally greeted every single person who came into the store.  He sat in on readings, classes and had his own seat at our Wednesday Meditation – in a chair right next to Simon, who leads these sessions.  Simon and Puck had an especially close friendship, as Simon would come into the store every morning before work (he commutes to Stamford, mind you) to feed, water and clean Puck’s litterbox.  Puck came in very thin and quite beat up by the ferals - but thanks to Simon’s good care and many feedings, quickly healed and fattened up nicely.  

Rachel’s reading was also quite accurate although Puck did not let on that he was sick and would be leaving us very soon (which doesn’t surprise me – cats are notorious for being stoic until the end, then disappearing in order to die alone).  She noted that Puck felt very protective of the shop, and that he truly believed it was his job in every sense of the word.  Puck told her that he would check out the merchandise as it came in, and would sit in the boxes as I unpacked them.  Rachel told me he did this to “neutralize” any negativity so it wouldn’t affect the shop.  

There was more, but since I am getting sad let’s quickly change the topic to eternal life and pets’ souls.  Yes, I believe they are there to meet us on the other side.  The fact that they can be read (and I have witnessed many amazing animal readings) speaks to both their higher intelligence and connection to the Divine. 

I had a very interesting experience about two years ago, while scrying with a black mirror.  I entered a meditative state while gazing into the mirror and after a short time, saw a reflection of my mother (who is dead) in front of me.  She looked at me, disappeared, then returned with Heidi – our family’s first dog.  I said, “Yes, mom, I see you have the dog — I was kind of hoping to learn something about the state of my marriage, however …”.  My mom ignored my request (no news there, she never listened to me - and for that matter, always loved my brother best!) and proceeded to parade out, one at a time, every single pet we ever had.  Some I had completely forgotten about – I mean every hamster, lizard, you name it!  When I was much younger I worked for a local veterinarian and believe me – we had a LOT of pets, so this “vision” went on for some time.  

No matter your belief, for me this was proof beyond doubt that yes, our pets are happy and well, waiting for us to join them when we cross over into the light.  As is, apparently, my mother (sigh).

Comments or experiences you’d like to share? 

Blessings,

Laura