The Spirit Deer

​In early summer of this year, I popped my shamanic drum circle cherry. I had an idea of what to expect, but the actual experience differed greatly from my expectations. Thanks to fellow Mind Key members Vera Remes, Reiki Ruth, and Danielle Rose, I now have a hunger for shamanic journeying and working with spirit or totem animals. 

​Somewhat deep in the woods of Ringwood, NJ, a group a seekers and I came together around a lush fire with drums, shakers, Smores, and hot dogs. Before this meeting, I had not spent much time in the woods, and I hated realizing what I had missed. Spiritually consuming nature is a necessity to true connectedness, no matter where you are mentally or emotionally. The most anticipated event at this drum circle, besides all the melted chocolatey and marshmallowyeuphoria, was the meditative journey to the spirit animal.

​

​Now, some say you should not reveal what your power animal is. I am going to break the rules, so to speak, because I personally feel your animal is your animal no matter what. In a way, I believe by sharing my story, I give my totem even more significance. On that early summer evening in the woods, I connected with the deer. In all honesty, I was really hoping for a wolf. I've had an intense fascination with wolves and was a bit skeptical as to whether or not the deer really suited me.

​Shortly after this circle, I stumbled upon the art of Laura Daligan at lauradaligan-art.com. As I was flipping through slides of her visionary art and painted drums, her "Spirit Deer" (pictured here) almost knocked me on my skeptical ass. Staring me in the face was the same deer I came face to face with during my meditative journey in the New Jersey woods.

​Those eyes. I could not get over those eyes. Needless to say, Laura Daligan's "Spirit Deer" does not allow me to deny this animal's spirit. 

​I may not agree with the suggestion of keeping your spirit animal to yourself, but I do agree with one thing. You cannot pick your power animal on a whim, hence why my beloved wolf wasn't for me. According to Takatoka's presentation, "Spirit Guides & Totems",  "An animal spirit guide cannot be chosen by the individual...These 'games' do not work and they give their victims false impressions that may lead a sincere person far astray from their goal of connecting with animal spirits to help them in their walk in life...The Spirit chooses you and they decide to whom they will reveal themselves and make their friend." 

​If you want to find your power animal, spending some time with your favorite tree in your backyard or walking through an unmanned path can increase the likelihood of encountering your animal spirit guide. Additionally, no one else can pick your animal for you. Connecting is up to Spirit and your willingness to open up to it. Pay attention to recurring images and signs. Engage in guided meditations and shamanic journeys, and once you find him or her, give thanks. (Takatoka, Manataka American Indian Council)  

Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing: A Native American Ritual

Among the many world cultures, I find Native American history to be the richest and most profound of all.  Deeply rooted in the great land that makes up the United States, their culture and practices are the foundation of our American civilization.  Much is credited to Native American history and traditions.  Many of their practices we still use today (think moccasins, teepees or dream catchers) but others are unfamiliar and worth exploring.

Continuously aware of the spirit world and connected to the purity, symbolism and value of each nature element, Native Americans believed in the worth of life—most importantly the manner in which one conducts his life.

As an immigrant who has grown up with a varied cultural background, I find the Native American culture both fascinating and mysterious.  Although many of their practices could be viewed as religious, their ceremonies and rituals were very much a way of life. Their beliefs and traditions were an integral part of their being, much of which integrated with the way they led everyday activities such as hunting and relationships.

During my research I’ve come across Diane Simon, the owner of Nature’s For You.  In her blog she introduced a simple yet powerful Native American cleansing technique.  It caught my interest because even as a Catholic I’ve been able to relate to this ritual with the understanding of its sacredness and core purpose.  When I asked Diane if this ritual can apply to anyone no matter their faith system, she explained, “I definitely believe and know that the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing can apply to absolutely anyone.  I lived near two First Nations reserves in Ontario where I had a store from 2004 to 2009.  I sold white sage and other supplies to many of their people. I also had the honor of becoming friends with a few of the woman elders and was invited to several full moon ceremonies where smudging was part of the ritual. An amazing thing was that most of the women there were just ordinary folk like me and not from the Reserve, nor Native American. I discovered that First Nations people are happy to share their knowledge with anyone and everyone.”  The cleansing of an individual or sacred place is an invitation to be open to the mercy and blessings ready to come upon us.  It is interesting to see how cultures and religious practices overlap in similarity even through a large span of differences.

The Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, also known a Smudging, focuses on smoke attaching itself to negative energy and thus carrying it elsewhere.  This shift of energy, from negativity to positive, is meant to alleviate the troubles of the mind, body and spirit or to purify an object or place.  Smudging is often associated to cleansing the mind when it’s feeling depressed, attacked or angry.  This practice, often associated with other Native American ceremonies, must be performed by a healer whose own energy, spirit and heart are cleaned cleansed from all negativity.

During the ritual sacred herbs and grasses are utilized.  Smudge sticks, herbs bundled together, most commonly contain cedar, sage, sweetgrass, lavender and sacred tobacco, but in each smudging ceremonies there could be variations to the herbs used.  White sage is often used to driving out negative energy and the main herb of this ritual.  Sweetgrass is also very popular and is an important herb for the Sioux and Cherokee ceremonies.

The Smudging ritual resulted in immediate success for Diane and her family.  When asked how long after the blessing she could sense a shift in energy, she shared some personal experiences.  She said, “From my own personal experience, [the ritual worked] immediately.  Years ago, my youngest daughter had taken to sleeping on the couch and not her bedroom anymore because she had had a bad dream.  Months had gone by and we both agreed it was time for her to try to sleep in her own bed again.  So we got rid of all the clutter and then smudged it with white sage afterwards, absolutely everywhere – under the bed, in the closet, opened the dresser drawers …And she was able to start sleeping in her room again that very night.”

It’s important to remember that an essential element of the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing is the intent of the healer.  The direction of this process is based strongly on the purpose of the person conducting the ceremony—meaning, the positivity and balanced energy of the healer will enhance the success of the blessing. 

The Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing has been an ancient tradition that is becoming popular in our society.  When asked about the popularity it may be gaining, Diane was again very insightful.  “I personally think it’s becoming more popular because more and more people are coming to realize that there is more to life than what we see with our eyes and that it’s more about energy - positive and of course its opposite – negative energy.”  She continues, “Smudging is an easy simple way to truly get rid of any kind of negativity.  Cleansing is the word traditionally used, but you can think of it as a shift in energy from any bits of negativity to a more positive, peaceful state – something we all need on a daily basis!”

To find more detail information about the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, check out Diane’s Smudging Page, where you can find step by step instructions on cleansing, purchase herbs and much more.

A novel is never a one-person project

Cover design for "Chimera"

Finishing a novel is easily the biggest accomplishment of my life.  Immediately I had to change my bio, as for many years it had read: "Danielle has begun dozens of novels, but has yet to finish one."

"Chimera" is about to be fully realized as I head to Vermont with a better than one-in-six chance to win a traditional publishing contract.  I am so blessed and honored for this opportunity.

I am so proud not only of myself, but of all the collaborators that helped me finish this.  I could not have done it without Charla Dury, Tamara Rokicki and especially Rebecca Godina, who has been in it since the beginning! They were all patient with me as I gave them large chunks of the novel to read with a deadline of yesterday.  Audrey Solarino who did the copyediting on the final version.  Dana Bree who listened patiently to my cover design suggestions and made the appropriate changes thanks to her amazing skills.  Kely Luzio-Cardona and her daughter who took photos (again last minute) for the second incarnation of the cover, as well as Kely's father who carried her equipment through the woods! Tino Godina who put aside everything to photoshop my favorite image. Not to mention my mother, my husband, and "Uncle Keith" for holding down the fort at home while I work and travel for this. And Charla again, who has been a loyal and amazing editor-in-chief for the Mind Key Project, as well as for me throughout this entire process. 

The list goes on and on and on and on, including Kim Harnett who first read Mind Key, Jill Michel and Madeline Thompson, whose focusing sessions created the imagery and stories that began this all.  All of my teachers throughout the years who helped me heal and helped me believe in myself.  My guides and my angels who kept me on my path.  Every. Single. Person. Who has looked at me and said "you are an amazing person with an amazing story.  You've helped me believe that this is more than just my story, and have helped me continue on.

 To name everyone would take more words than this blog could hold.  But know I thank and love you all.

But most of all, I love and thank my two daughters, who have truly been patient with Mommy as she has taken away precious time with them to work on her dream. You are my biggest cheerleaders, and I love you both.

Please click HERE today to learn more about "Chimera" and throw in some pocket change to get me to Vermont so I can pitch this beauty of a tale to a publisher, an agent, and a publicist and bring this baby to light.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/chimera-a-mind-key-novel/x/10734824#/story

Discovering Celtic Inspired Art

This weekend I attended The Celtic Heritage Festival in Bethlehem, PA. 

Besides the amazing array of kilts, celtic music, and sports, I was stunned by the quality vendors whose wares were for sale at this show.

The beauty of walking through tents and tents of hand crafted items is that each booth brings you into a different space of being. Whether it's smelling hand carved wooden toys and sculptures, watching the light bounce off hand tooled copper designs, or discovering an amazing new art techniques… each new space brings with it a sense of awe, wonder and amazement.  Even better is the opportunity to meet the artist and talk about their work.  They're always so willing to share their techniques, their inspiration, and their story.  If I didn't have two little girls and a friend with me (all three of whom were exceedingly patient), I could have spent hours with each artist.

my necklace from Forge Jewelry

Katie Hobson and Brian Davis of Forge Jewelry create hand crafted designs based off the celtic knot. They use stoneware pottery fired in a kiln, then enamel the pieces, hand draw the designs, silk screen them on, and fire everything a third time.  Somehow they are able to keep their prices affordable, and their designs fresh.  A powerful addition to the wardrobe of anyone looking to bring in energy, or interested in celtic design. This beautiful necklace, however, is mine :)

Courtesy of http://dragonfire.ns.ca/

Kathryn Looby of Dragon Fire Art creates hand hammered copper art.  The detail in her work is amazing, and each piece comes with a poem or story that Kathryn wrote.  Walking through her booth was like walking through a copper storybook, and it was clear the tale each piece told.

Finally, I discovered Kevin Dyer of CastPaper.com toward the end of the day. He began his career as a printer, and continued learning paper-related techniques such as embossing. He ended up creating a process called cast paper.  It begins with hand drawn designs. Next he builds a relief image over the hand drawn image in wax. He uses the wax design to create a permanent mold. He then fills the mold with a paper pulp which he hand paints after it hardens.  The result is phenomenal.  Unfortunately, these images don't nearly do his pieces justice. You simply have to see them to believe them.

courtesy of castpaper.com

Please check out these artists sites to learn more about them, and to discover more about Mind Key and our artists, please check us out at www.mindkey.me or sign up for our newsletter today: http://eepurl.com/Sdc5T

Mind Key Novel is now "Chimera"

Only a couple days left before I head to Vermont and pitch my novel to Curbside Publishing, agent Marilyn Atlas, and publicist Meryl Moss. 

It's been a wild ride these past few months.  Mere weeks after re-launching Mind Key and the membership program, I discovered that I was a contestant in this amazing contest.  While setting up Mind Key membership, building a blog, publishing an anthology and organizing a festival, I had to finish writing a book that was only half done, make major edits, and then polish it by mid-July.  Whew!

While I have been working fervently to come up with a final title (check!), finish the novel cover (check!), drafting notes and and a powerpoint for my marketing plan (so behind), re-writing my inside jacket cover (mostly done!), and rehearsing a reading of an excerpt of the novel, the judges have been reading my novel and awarding it points.

All of this takes time, and of course money.  It is a lot of work following your dream… but no big gain is made without huge sacrifices.  And even if I lose, I know I've won.  Not just because I've done my best and produced something worthy of my best efforts (which is probably the most important thing), but also because I've learned a lot about writing, editing, business, collaboration, and myself.  Even if I don't win, I have a worthy product that may still be picked up by any of the judges, or another agent or publisher… or that I will publish under the Mind Key label if not.

Please take a moment to check out my Indiegogo campaign and offer a few dollars to help me finish this final leg of my lifelong journey to become published.  I am offering some great perks, but even if you cannot afford to contribute, sharing the love by sharing this project with others will bring me the energy I need to succeed. 

http://igg.me/at/chimeranovel/x/10734824

With thanks and many blessings,
Danielle

"Yin and Yang: The Duality of Balance"- The Mind Key Anthology, Second Edition

As the Mind Key Project continues to grow and evolve, we are looking ahead at some exciting collaborations.  One of them is the second edition of the Mind Key Anthology, a collection of art, stories and poems that reflect Mind Key’s passion for life and discovery to one’s purpose. 

The first edition of “The Mind Key Project:  An Anthology” attracted the exquisite work of many artists and writers, all of which contributed to the book by sharing their love and passion for life.  The beautifully composed book shared captivating images of nature, magic and health while reflecting on intrinsic stories of faeries, Celtic rituals, and much more. Visit www.mindkey.me/anthology to see some interior images and purchase a copy of this first edition.

Mind Key is thrilled to announce the making of a Second Edition.  Focusing on the balance of life and of the human spirit, “Yin and Yang: The Duality of Balance” will reflect on the essential equilibrium of light versus darkness.  Centering this theme on a gray scale tone and wintery attitude, the visual book will explore the ever changing world, where light and darkness work together to achieve balance and harmony. 

The Second Edition of the Anthology will delve deeper into the Mind Key focus.  The understanding and mastering of balance is the core of Mind Key’s message to discover what makes us whole individuals and how to achieve a healthier, more passionate life.  

Mind Key editor, Charla Dury, who also edited and contributed to Anthologies, says, “I’m excited about the new Anthology as a place to explore the darkness and the light within myself.  I also enjoy watching others’ experiences of the same concept because they’re never the same as my own.”

“Yin and Yang: The Duality of Balance” will be an 8.5" x 11" glossy photo book, its contents contributed by talented artists of any genre.  The Mind Key community and anyone interested in submitting their work are encouraged to do so. 

Click here to view our guidelines and deadlines and to submit your work. Artists will be notified by November 1^st if their work has been selected to appear in the Anthology.

Celtic Poetry of Place

A total connection with the present is a difficult thing to obtain. Our worlds are shaped by our tumultuous histories, and our triumphs are often overshadowed by our worst enemies - ourselves. Daily planning and routine trumps most spontaneity.

As a result, many turn to myths, rituals, and metaphysical practices to gain a better sense of what it means to embrace the present and savor every moment in a significant place, whether that place be physical or mental. The poetry associated with the Celtic tradition offers boundless outlets for anyone seeking connectedness. Here is simply a taste of what the Irish have to offer.


The Lake Isle of Innisfree

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
   And live alone in the bee loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
   And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements gray,
   I hear it in the deep heart's core.

- W. B. Yeats

Despite a barrage of criticism from his English contemporaries, Irish poet William Butler Yeats poured out his love for place onto the page. Let's face it. Most would not object to throwing their hands up and escaping to a little island in the center of an Ireland lake. With generously woven alliteration and nature sounds, Yeats takes us there. "Innisfree" is only one example of the many poems that celebrate the Irish landscape in short, rhythmical lines.

In reality, the actual Lake Isle of Innisfree (pictured here)
is not much to admire. Most large, natural lakes have little islands that sit mostly uninhabited, and Innisfree is not unlike any other lake isle. Nevertheless, to Yeats, this little island was a utopia because he saw it the way most did not, and he immortalized that connection to place in his verse. Journaling, sketching, rock collecting, collaging, and scrapbooking are outlets you can use to help you return to your favorite place at any time of day. Like Yeats and other Celts, you may obtain a healing and uplifting connection to a place that is yours and yours alone. Also by Yeats...

Song of the Wandering Aengus

I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread;
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.

When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire a-flame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And someone called me by my name:
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.

Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lands and hilly lands,
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done,                
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.

Yeats and other Celtic poets thrived on using mythological allusions in their work. According to the "Celtic Fairy Poetry" page at celticfairymusic.com, this vibrant poem leads us through the story of Aengus, the Irish god of love who, oddly enough, dreamed of falling in love with a bean sidh or banshee. A banshee is a female fairy in Irish mythology who is usually seen as an omen of death or a messenger from the underworld. Regardless, Yeats' continuous use of imagery and setting stays true to another stand-out trait of Irish poetry - the love for nature and all of the sensory stimulation the natural world has to offer us. Take for example...

Undressed

Undressed trees stand shivering
as flimsy shifts blew away;
the last leaves are quivering,
till they too will drop, decay.

Under bark's rough covering
grow tiny cells in wonder-
blooms to be, still hovering,
kept safe from autumn's thunder.

Dreams of spring are flowering
in darkened nights soft caress;
lovers cuddle, showering
moist kisses on skin, undressed

-Leny Roovers

Beyond Yeats, poets continue to harness the spirit of Celtic style and form. Celtic poetry is rich in celebration of nature and elementals. Roovers' poem, published in 2004 and found on The Poets Garret uses an old Celtic form named Ae freslighe (pronounced ay-fresh-lee) -  a poem with seven syllable quatrains that begins and ends with the same word. More importantly, he closes the gap between human beings and their place in the natural world, personifying the trees and comparing human intimacy to the cyclic foliage, a popular theme in more modern Celtic poems. For more on Celtic Literature and Mythology, visit "Irish Literature, Mythology, Folklore, and Drama" at luminarium.org.

References:

"Celtic Fairy Poetry". celticfairymusic.com. 2015. 6 Jul 2015

Roovers, Leny. "Undressed". thepoetsgarret.com. 10 Feb. 2004. 6 Jul 2015

Yeats, William Butler. "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" poets.org. 1888. 6 Jul 2015

Yeats, William Butler. "Song of Wandering Aengus". celticfairymusic.com. 1899.

6 Jul 2015




            Dun Aengus, Aran Islands, Ireland

Flowers Healing Body & Mind

The scents of their oils, the sight of their colors, and their simple presence in our environment have phenomenal yet unrecognized healing powers. Many align with certain chakras as well. For example...

Calendulas - have been used for centuries as antibacterial and anti-fungal medicine. The oils, tannins, and resins have treated ailments such as veinous leg ulcers, various skin rashes, and UTI's. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, "Calendula oil is distilled from the flower tops and is quite sticky and viscous. It is traditionally used for abdominal cramps and constipation. It’s your skin that will receive a good bulk of the benefits, thanks to the oil's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and related properties." Physical, emotional, and mental detoxification seems to be the goal when using calendula essences.

These oils can also align and help boost your solar plexis. Chakras that are weak or blocked can lead to illness and emotional distress. Our solar plexis is responsible for giving us feelings of abundance and pleasure. This energy circle also helps us to accept ourselves and others for who we are. Since they grow easily in pots, calendulas are great for apartment dwellers and for those who may not have the greenest of thumbs, and their orangey, red colors emit fulfilling energy in any environment.

Sunflowers - can also get that wheel turning. Restoring fun, play, innocence, and positive thoughts is the goal when using sunflowers or calendulas for chakra nourishment and healing. "The Sunflower shares its healing properties with the Sun, offering optimism and light! It is an uplifting remedy that boosts self-value. Sunflower possesses warming and compassionate healing properties." (Iila-Desy) If you have the ability to grow sunflowers in a yard, you also have the benefit of keeping them around for a while. They are not your delicate tulips that last three weeks if you are lucky. Sunflowers stand tall for extended periods of time, becoming the symbols of strength they are meant to be.

Sunflowers have been a symbol for continuity, dating back to their Native American roots. Because of the seeds they carry and spread, they have strong rejuvenating power, so wouldn't it make sense that the sunflower's essence and color would trigger much needed consistency? With continuity and awareness comes abundance, acceptance, and peace, so sunflowers are a powerful solar plexis tool.

Pomegranate flowers - are fabulous for feeding the sacral chakra. The sacral holds our creative life force. If you want to engage in a creative hobby but feel unsure or unmotivated, chances are you have a weakened sacral (or 2nd) energy point. Pomegranate flowers are important to restoring fertility - emotionally, mentally, creatively, as well as physically.

They are also teeming with cancer-fighting antioxidants that many foods cannot surpass. "One of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of many cultures and religions, the pomegranate is an original native of Persia. This nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life...A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries." (Fuhrman) Therefore, the mind, body, and spirit nourishment provided by this tiny fruit is boundless, not to mention scientifically proven.

Persephone is an archetype often associated with pomegranate. Yes, she is the Queen of the Underworld which seems to have a negative connotation, but she is a symbol of positivity that may rise from the deepest depths. She was abducted by Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. Persephone's desperate and devoted mother, Demeter, grieved over her daughter's disappearance and used her power and pain to keep the earth barren. But Persephone had already eaten the seeds from the pomegranate given to her by Hades, binding him to her. She was able to come to the surface of the earth for only a third of the year, and that was the time flowers and vegetation flourished (hence the Spring). Thanks to Demeter's sorrow over her oppressed daughter, Persephone's months confined to the underworld spurred on the lifeless winter on earth. ("Persephone")

Once again, the essence and sweetness of pomegranate can go a long way when it comes to the nourishment of mind and body. Keeping in mind, being fertile does not always mean producing a physical life. Fertility has many faces, and pomegranates, as well as the other flowers mentioned earlier, have phenomenal rebirthing powers.

References:

Fuhrman, Joel M.D. "Secrets Revealed: The Powerful Health Benefits of the Pomegranate.

drfuhrman.com. n.d. 22 June 2015

Iila-Desy, Phylameanna. "Flower Essence Gallery." about.com/religion. n.d. 22 June 2015

Mercola, Joseph M.D. "Calendula Oil: Amazing Marigold." mercola.com. n.d. 22 June 2015

"Persephone" greekmythology.com. n.d. 22 June 2015