The longest day of the year

Merry first day of winter!

The crisp air and pale sky struck with crystal sun… the sense of cleanliness and clarity after a snowfall.  

The long cold days of winter are hard on me, but I must admit I do love the season.

Most of us forget that the reason we celebrate the “holidays” when we do is because they all (all the holidays we celebrate at this time of year) represent the “coming of the light.” 

We are entering into a period of cold and hibernation, but we are also moving into the brighter half of the year… and that starts today, on the longest day.  It’s all downhill from here, as they say.

So although we usually wait until New Year’s Day to make our resolutions, there’s no better time than now to begin bringing light into those darker places, and start thinking about what we want to grow there.  And since it’s all about longer days and more light (and yes, warmer weather, at least eventually) why not think about what you would like to bring in spiritually (or energetically if you prefer).

As the days grow longer, as slowly as they do, let that intention grow too.  Throw yourself into your physical resolution on January 1^st if you feel the need, but let your spiritual resolution grow slowly with the time, and let us go into the holidays knowing that what follows is a period of hibernation during which the light both outside and inside us will continue to grow.

Please share what you will be bringing in energetically this year, or any stories about how the longest days of the year has brought light to you now in the past.

Enjoy the darkness, for it too shall pass!

Good health is in the Spirit of food

Being so closely connected to nature, faerie and the elementals, and especially now as I apprentice my way to becoming a master herbalist, I am acutely aware of how we work with the spirits of plants and animals on a daily basis.  

As we breathe in the plants around us, we also consume them.  How unfair it would be to believe that the spirit of the plant is gone simply because we have plucked it from the ground.  In fact, many herbalists such as Robin Rose Bennett rely on the spirit of the plant to help our bodies heal.  Healing becomes more than just how the plant’s chemistry affects our bodies but how the plant’s spirit works upon us too.

The same goes for our food.  In my research and experience as a health writer I have found those who eliminate processed food, gluten, gone organic, or even raw, have had significant health improvements.  I believe this is a direct result of being more connected to the plant or animal consumed.  

Food that is overly processed is often more chemical than food.  Even foods and animals that are overly processed or bred for certain qualities lose the wild spirit that humans find so attractive in each other. Many with gluten sensitivities find that eating small amounts of heritage wheat - wheat that hasn’t changed significantly throughout the centuries - is completely tolerable. (CLICK HERE for an article I wrote on the extensive breeding and milling process for wheat).  The same goes for milk - this one-ingredient food undergoes significant processing between the farm and the grocery, stripping and adulterating the its life-giving qualities.  Again, I do not think it is coincidence there are those who have milk allergies who find no issue with raw milk.

Perhaps the physical and alchemical processing of food strips the spirit of the plant or animal to the point where we lose this essential benefit in our food, and maybe this is why our grandparents who ate eggs and bacon every day for breakfast and smoked a pipe for the better part of a century lived long and healthy lives despite the dangers science has discovered.  Perhaps it isn’t the physical attribute of the plant or animal that is the issue, but the fact that we have lost our connection to it.  

Although I generally I don’t condone smoking, smoking a contemplative pipe at the end of the day, possibly with homegrown tobacco, is a far more spiritual act than sucking down a pack of cigarettes smoked with little thought.  Similarly, gathering eggs laid by hens you have cared for, who have picked through the same garden from which you gather your vegetables, indicates a far higher level of connection to the egg than buying a carton from a hen house a thousand miles away.

Hunters understand the land their meat has lived on, it has breathed and eaten happily and healthily of the same land he (or she) has walked.  After the kill they must carry their meat home, and possibly process it as well.  There’s a far deeper understanding and connection in each bite after such work has been done.  (Read "why I eat meat")

Eating food that has been grown, raised or hunted solely by one’s self or one’s community might offer immeasurable health benefits, but can be fairly impossible in our society.  Since my belief is that the connection to the spirit of the plant or animal offers the greatest form of sustenance and healing, anything that heightens this connection may be sufficient to reap the same benefits.  

That may be raising a pot of tomatoes or an indoor herb garden, leaving it near the kitchen where it the plant’s spirit can be remembered at each meal.  It could be researching or meditating/sitting with the plants and animals you eat the most - whether physically or in spirit - to forge a stronger connection and understanding of them.  It could simply be giving thanks for each individual food on your plate, or acknowledging the different ingredients in your meal is all you need to increase the spiritual connection to your food and improve your overall health.

Want to learn more about how spirituality can improve your health?  Check us out tonight at 7pm EST on Blog Talk’s “Among the Realms Radio.”  Feel free to email me your questions, or comment them here and the panel will be sure to discuss them tonight.

The Story of Two Souls

...looking for more?  check out Blog Talk Radio's "Among the Realms" tonight from 7-9pm

Now more than ever there is an intense interest in soul mates as humanity experiences more and more of these deep and powerful connections.

Whether a soul mate or a twin flame, the meeting or connection is happening to serve or fulfill a purpose.  The purpose will be individual to the relationship.  Perhaps the two were brought together to experience something new, resolve past life issues, or to cultivate a specific talent or quality.

For this reason we may have many soul mates in a lifetime, dozens, or potentially hundreds over all of our lifetimes.   I believe there is a special spiritual bond between soul mates - usually the feeling that they have met before, or that they were "meant to be."  In our romanticized culture, this is often translated into a romantic relationship and “happily ever after,” but that is not always the case.

A soul mate relationship may be either romantic or plutonic.  Sometimes this depends on the specific work that needs completing, and sometimes there is a choice as to which work will be completed depending on the choice of relationship.  For example, soul mates whose purpose was to resolve old emotional baggage may shift their purpose to cultivating a talent in each other if they chose not to enter into a romantic relationship that brings the emotional issue to light.  This does not mean that the emotional issue will not be resolved (or the talent cultivated), it may simply happen in another way, in another lifetime, or the couple may find a way to work on both at the same time.

Twin flames are not the same as soul mates.  Soul mates were described to me as having come from the same “soul group.”  I liken this to your spiritual “tribe.”  Soul mates often reveal themselves in relationships of every kind and size, whereas in my experience, most twin flame relationships are often so intense that they manifest as romantic partnerships - if only in potential, if only for only a brief period of time.  

Twin flames are not your “other half,” as each soul is whole unto itself.   When we separated from the divine, the yin and yang of the combined essence also divided into to separate and complete souls.  They exist independently from each other, but together create something alchemical and intense. 

I’ve read that when twin flames do not incarnate together, one remains in spirit to guide the incarnated soul.  Often twin flames are together in some way or another to help each other gather the information, skills and tools they need to achieve their greatest purpose.  In our time of rapid awakening and change, twin flames are coming together more and more often in order to support and facilitate this change.

That is not to say that twin flame relationships are easy or peaceful.  In fact, they are often quite the opposite.  Twin flames see themselves in their partner, and that goes for the good as well as the bad.  Often this can be difficult to accept, and that is as it should be, because our twin is here to help us recognize and move through those things we have the most difficulty seeing or overcoming - sometimes through understanding and a gentle hand, and sometimes a bit more explosive or chaotically.  

Other reasons twin flames encounter difficulties is because one or both twins have an ego-forward attitude, there are conditions or expectations on the relationship, or one if the twins is simply not dedicated to or ready to accept their spiritual growth.

On the other hand, when these and other conditions are met (age, timing, etc.), the joining of twin flames can be heaven on earth.  Their purpose in coming together is always a greater good for the world.  When one or both twins feel that they need someone or something to help them feel whole, complete, or truly loved, then the twin flame relationship will deteriorate until both twins can come to a place of independence, fulfillment, and pure unconditional self-love outside of a relationship.

  Intense is the name of the game here.  The energy between twin flames is always going to be extremely passionate - for better or worse.  Sometimes this may turn away one of the twins, as such intense emotions can be difficult to handle.  When the intensity is turned in the direction of frustration or anger, chaos ensues.  

The key to a successful twin flame relationship is to always come from a place of unconditional love, gratitude and understanding, regardless of the situation.  Similarly, this represents an unconditional love, gratitude and understanding for oneself, an equally difficult task that is a frequent reason for joint incarnation and meeting of twin flames.

Do you have a soul mate/twin flame experience you’d like to share?  Post your stories or questions here and join us tonight from 7-9pm EST on “Among the Realms Radio” where we will be discussing soul mates, twin flames, and sharing stories of both.

Who are the faeries?

My last faerie blog did its best to define faeries and what they are.  The term “faerie” is one I use predominately to discuss a number of different beings - from elementals, to characters and archetypes from folklore around the world that fit into the energetic realm so closely intertwined with Earth.  

Why not use the spelling “fairy” people often ask - and my answer is that the term fairy tends to represent more-or-less a pixie-like character with wings.  Faery, on the other hand, represents a rather large contingent of energetic, earthy beings, many of whom simply wouldn’t be caught dead in a set of wings or pink tutus. 

Faerie artist and tattooist, Scarlet Sinclair, almost never uses “fairy.”  “Faerie” speaks to her of the Ancient Race, people of the hills, and nature spirits as well as views that incorporate that energy and folklore.  

Brian Froud's Tink

“I use “magick” (as opposed to magic), to separate the concept and practice of magick as a spiritual path and art from what most people know as stage magic and the art of illusions,” Scarlet said.  “‘Fairy’ makes me think of Tinkerbell and Disney’s versions of fairytale princesses, etc. To me ‘faerie’ is a way to describe and put faces on the spirits inherent in nature, whether they are tangible things in nature such as rocks or trees or flowers or unseen things in nature such as energy, emotions or magick.”

That’s not to discount the faeries of fairytales either - for they have their place too, as is becoming all the more apparent with the powerful resurgence of fair lore in popular culture over the past half decade.  

I also use “Faerie” to describe the realm in which these elemental, folk and archetypical entities exist - separate, yet parallel to ours on the same planet Earth.  

“[Faerie] is the place itself, but it’s also the spirit energies that live parallel to this world, closer to nature than we do,” Faerie artist Grace Ng Dung says.  “Faerie is the place, but also a sentient energy on the spirit plane that is really closely connected to nature and has a hand in natural forces.”

Within Faerie there are different hierarchies and Grace said that their systems for classification can be as complicated as humans’.  There are the Sidhe and the royals, as well as those we might consider more common.  Jessica MacBeth separates those who work closely with humans into groups such as the Singers, Guides and Guardians, and Faery Challengers.  I do not hesitate to include beings such as dragons into the realm of faerie, as they often play similar roles and are closely connected to earth via the elements.

Additionally there are the elementals who are part of and orchestrate the magic behind each working of nature - water, air, fire and earth.  Doreen Virtue believes that even within our own bodies we live with personal elemental faeries that are separate, yet a part of us the same as the essential flora and fauna we need to survive.

A Brian Froud Faery "Ilbe the Retreiver"

Fae is another term to describe the inhabitants of Faerie - not any different than faery - except of course, for when it is.

As far as classification goes Norwegian sculptor of the fae, Soso Erlenkamp also believes there are many different faeries, each of whom have taken on different roles. 

When asked faeries “role” on earth, Soso said that is about as difficult as asking what human’s role on earth is.  There are many different kinds of faeries and how each fae has taken its own role, she said.

“Maybe there is no simple answer to this. If I should pick out a common denominator [for all fae] it is the question of magic. Fae beings, not matter which type, are carriers of magic and without them the world would be a much more boring place,” Soso said.

 Learn more about the faeries and their role here tonight on Blog Talk Radio's "Among the Realms" radio station from 7pm-9pm.  I will be guest speaking on faeries as guides.  Call in or email your questions to Danielle@MindKey.me and I'll answer them live.

I am grateful

I am grateful in a way words do not describe.  In a deep, quiet way that is frustratingly impossible to describe. 

Today is a day that was never given much more than a second thought in my youth.  A day no one bothered explaining in much detail.  Or perhaps they tried, falling short of words as I am falling short now.

I am grateful because in my adult life I came across veterans who put their lives in danger to protect mine.  I am grateful because the collapse of the World Trade Center shook me to my very core, as if I myself had felt the buildings tumble at my feet.  Because in a way they had, and my life would never again be the same.  I am grateful for those that enlisted in the following weeks and months, those who showed the world that the United States was not a country to lie down and take a beating without a fight.  That we are a force to be reckoned with.  

They call the government “big brother,” and although that’s generally not a positive connotation, in those days following 9/11 I did feel as if my government - specifically our military - were the big brother I never had.  The big brother that stood strong and protected us against the dangers and bullies I had previously taken little notice of, and still could not fully comprehend.

I am grateful because I know the toll that protection has taken on those who stepped up to duty. I recognize the toll taken on those who served without going to war.  I can see the toll taken on the families of those who serve.  How it ages them, strengthens them, the pride the feel, but at great cost.  I know that this is a great sacrifice - clearly greater than any sacrifice I have made… and as if they were my own, I feel great pride too.

I am grateful for all of you whom I have met - both young and old - who have served.  Who continue to serve our country with your sacrifice.  The feeling I feel is deep, so deep it’s hard to see, and yes even for me, it is difficult to express.  

At my daughter’s school they had a Veteran’s Parade, and I was thrilled to see that.  Excited that she enjoyed herself and enjoyed it.  Wished beyond wishing that I had the words to explain to her what it means to be a veteran.  Yet each time I try, words fail to express what it means to be protected and safe… 

Instead I try to teach her the Star Spangled Banner.  It is the reason why we have pride as Americans.  Because we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And I am grateful to those of you who are brave enough to keep it that way.

What is a faery

Faerie, or faery, is a broad term for the millions of different kind of elemental spirits that live with and among us.  They embody the magic behind the science of things.  They are the reason the flowers bloom, the snow glistens, and the waves crash upon the sand.  Sure, science has these things figured out, but the spirit behind them is purely faerie.  

Faeries are not simply pixies with wings.

Brian Froud's "Ekstasis"
A Singer that represents the vibration
common to us all

Singers, as portrayed by artist Brian Froud, and described by Jessica MacBeth in “The Faeries Oracle,” represent the purely energetic form of the faerie realm, with practically no physical form. Underneath our skin and our organs we have a similar energetic framework, but since we live physically on this plane of existence known as Earth, we cannot live without the physical trappings that cover and support the energetic framework of our soul.

 On the other end of the spectrum lie the trolls and gnomes.  These guys are more energy than humans, but they have a physical aspect that the Singers seem to lack.  This mix of both allows them to take form while here on earth, but blink out into Faerie at whim - ie: the leprechaun who slips from one’s grasp, or the house brownie that skitters across the floor out of the corner of an eye.  They are also the spirits of the stones, embodied in that seemingly lifeless, unmoving grounded-ness that is the Earth itself.  So impossibly physical that they don't seem to change or move at all - at least to our human eye.

A gnome-like pixie
by Brian Froud

“Some [faeries] have wings, but they kind of look like walking elements of the earth,” Mind Key artist and Froudian student, Grace Ng Dung explains.   

Like me, her boundaries of the faerie realm began to stretch upon picking up a copy of Brian Froud’s “Faeries.”  When she saw Brian’s depiction of the faerie folk she said they just “felt right,” something Brian has often taught in his students when trying to discover a fae in their art.  In addition to Brian, other poets, artists and books also influenced and inspired Grace’s belief.  

“Living through them and connecting to their experiences and art that they made out of it was what kept my belief strong,” Grace said.

Norwegian artist, Soso Erlenkamp not only believes in and depicts faeries in her art, but she lives alongside them and dragons alike.  

“I believe that there are different energies in the world, humans being one, faes being another,” Erlenkamp said.  “Those energies are in some ways connected and intertwined, and I believe that our actions affects the fae world and the other way around. The world of fae - as I prefer to call it - is a dimension next to ours hiding behind veils, but these veils can be lifted and the boundaries between them and us can be crossed, as has been done for thousands of years.”

One of the most likely times for lifting that veil is now, during the height of the Samhain season, which the Celts consider the New Year, and other paradigms consider the “dark” time between the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

New York City tattoo artist and student of Brian Froud, Scarlet Sinclair, believes that any in between time such as this is a good place for encountering fae folk.

“I feel the faeries exist in all things but most intensely they manifest in all of the IN BETWEENS,” Scarlet said.  “In all of the places where some kind of shift occurs. To me, that is where you find faerie energy. The moment when day turns to night, spring into summer, summer to fall, awake and asleep, light and dark… As well as in nature – where two places converge/meet… where the water meets the shore, the reflection of a footbridge over water becoming a portal into the Other Realm… intricate knots in the roots of trees that create a dark entryway to another space. The idea that transformation has a very specific moment of going from one thing into another and it’s in the in-between, when that change is actually happening is where you will find faerie energy.”

Time

A gnat meanders strangely lazy, a zigzagged path devoid of structure or line.  A dandelion throws seed to the wind.  A lens, the human eye, scanning history books, film photographs, attics musty with clutter.

     

Last night the clocks went back and we gained an hour.

How ridiculous that sounds.  How could we possibly gain an hour any more than we lost one last spring?  As educated humans we tell ourselves the truth - that nothing was lost or gained, that we simply changed the clocks to better serve our needs.  And this we call “Daylight Savings Time…”  as if we actually saved any time, or daylight for that matter.  

"Broken Time" by Danielle Rose

How silly are we to think that we have any control of time, that time can be controlled, or that it even exists.  If we lost an hour in the spring, or gained one in the fall, or gained a day every four years, who is to say that once upon a time, perhaps when Julius and Augustus were fighting for days, we didn’t somehow lose hours or days that were never given back?

In the end would it really matter if we had?

The faeries titter in my ear when people ask for “timing” during a reading.  Faeries just don’t see time as we do.  Time is not measured in hours, days or minutes in their eyes, it’s measured in moments, achievements and in events that pass us by.  What does it matter if something is supposed to happen in two months time, if we never actually completed or achieved what we needed?

Brian Froud said that teeth mark the passage of time… and indeed they do.  We watch and wait, often sympathetically, as our children sprout their baby teeth, then lose them, then grow new ones, which eventually decline with age.  Animals such as horses can be aged by their teeth.  “How old,” “how many years,” and “show me your teeth” are all phrases by which to mark time.

We are told to leave the past in the past for we cannot change it.  But time travel isn’t any more absurd than thinking we could gain or lose an hour, or save daylight for that matter.  When something happens that’s so terrible our lives are forever changed, such as with a loss of a loved one, abuse, or a divorce, it’s essential to go back to it and reevaluate who we are and have become as a result.  Usually that happens at least once - shortly after the incident, when we put it in is place and move on.  Sometimes we are brought back to that incident years later and discover that we have changed so much that our view of the event is outdated and needs changing as well.  As we continue to grow we can continue to recognize how our view of this life-changing event has and continues to shape our present and our future… and YES, we can indeed go back and reevaluate our perspective in such a way that this past event, the one we thought we could never, ever change, suddenly changes.  It changes us, and we change it, and if that isn’t affecting time, then I don’t know what is.

When I was a little girl I used to say time wasn’t a straight line.  It was like a dandelion gone to seed, points in “time” floating on the breeze.

I don’t think I ever understood, even then, what that meant as much as I do now.  We cannot control time, and time may not in fact exist.  Even our biological clocks are no longer tied to time… women having children longer and later, and families being begun by grandparents… Time is just a word, and we are just players in a great game, looking for some order by placing events and incidents in a great imaginary line we call “time.”

The Faery Hare (or the cinnamon bunny)

2,705!

That’s how many words I wrote today.  Terrible, miserable, no-good very bad words, but whatever.  I’m writing and it feels great, even if plenty of other things have fallen by the wayside.

The Faery Hare, by Brian Froud

I also did a lot of reading, which was kind of encouraging, because I was reading old stuff I had written… stuff I still thought sounded pretty good - and that’s always encouraging.

Plus the read was inspiring.  Inspired me to write my own story of “The Faery Hare,” one of the most resonant stories from me from the Frouds’ “Faeries’ Tales.”

Anyway, here’s a little snippet of my original story that I wanted to share.  It was from NaNoWriMo 2010.  Maybe later this week I’ll post a snippet from my personal experience with a squirrel, a beaver and the faerie hare I wrote today… but for now here’s the history of the bunny instead:

*   *   *

Often, she left her dolls under the hemlock at night. Arden would cover them with leaves before dark and uncover them for her in the morning.  He would delight in the little girl’s excitement as she found them drinking tea from little acorn cups and saucers.

As she grew older would sit together, their backs against the hemlock’s trunk, and although he had not learned how to become tangible in the way of humans, she never questioned whether he was truly there.

“It’s because she’s a baby,” the trees told him, the faeries sang.  “It will change.  Times change.  Humans grow and they forget.”

“She remembers!”  He’d cry in response. “She’ll remember.  Wait and see!”

And as he called defiantly out to the sprites and spirits gathered around him, Arden knew he was growing up, too.  That he was learning what it meant to be human.

One spring afternoon when the windows were thrown open to the fresh April air, the girl’s father came home early.  When he slammed the front door closed Arden heard her scream.  Then the patter of little feet as she ran away crying.  Her sobs echoed from her open upstairs window.

Arden flew from the branches of his hemlock and shadowed the bed where she lay, her face reddening with tears and a large pink welt.

Slowly the sobbing subsided.  “Arden?” 

“I’m here,” he whispered into her ear.

“I’m scared,” she whispered back.

There was a pile of stuffed animals in the corner of the room.  She kept none in her bed like most children, so he took the one that struck him the most and handed it to her, a soft, cinnamon colored bunny.  “Miss Cinnamon will watch over you,” he said, infusing the cuddly toy with his protection, his essence, and the love she was beginning to cultivate in him. “Remember that when I am not here, she will protect you for me.”

Noe took the plush rabbit in her arms and rolled to her side.  Although he knew he would need to leave her soon, for the time Arden allowed his spirit to rest beside her, feeling the power in her breath as it rose and fell.

NaNoWriMo Wha...?

Happy Halloween, Samhain, and All Hollow's Eve!

This past month has been incredibly busy busy busy.  A major freelance project finally done, a number of articles for the Suburban Trends, trips into the city to see Brian and Wendy Froud and a visit from a very good friend left little time for myself.  I did get to post some of the wonderful stories from people who visited Belcastel, France to study with Brian and Wendy during the summer of 2012, but did not get to post the blogs on faeries that I had planned for this last week of October when the veils between our worlds are so thin.  Well, maybe next week.

During my new moon meditation last week I visioned …. Well, nothing.  This tells me something very important - that right now my focus is to be on… nothing.  By doing so I was assured clarity for my next step.  Knowing that creative writing, something I've done so little of over the past few years, is so important to me, I  have decided to spend this time of "nothing" exploring the mystery of my imagination on paper.

Perhaps giving myself another project is the last thing I need… however, to begin writing creatively again maybe what I do need is a kick in the butt.  So I will be attempting National Novel Writing Month - which for all you non-NaNoWriMos out there is simply a self-imposed challenge to write a 50,000 novel in 30 days.  I won’t be writing a novel, but I will be working on Mind Key by writing various short stories, essays and blogs on the theme of fairy tales and reality - many of which I hope to post here.

 Check out the website to learn more and to discover me, DanielleRoseWriter, and my project, “The Mind Key Chronicles”.  Many thanks to Brian and Wendy Froud, and their newest book "Faeries' Tales" for their continuing insight and inspiration:

 In recognizing what our bodies and spirit have to say to us and the world through our creativity we can actually re/create our reality.  Mind Key the novel is a calling for each of us to take a leap of faith and jump down the rabbit hole of our imagination and turn it to truth.

“The Mind Key Chronicles” will take up the dreams, visions and fairy tales of my own life as I unravel and re-weave them into the reality I know they are.  Expect to see some old characters, old figures and archetypes, as well as some new ideas about the world.

The resulting will be a 50,000 word combination of short stories, essays and blogs about life and what we once considered were fairy tales brought to light.  Maybe even a few sketches or paintings for illustration too.

Are you NaNoWriMoing this year?  Working on something creative and full of imagination?  Comment here, share, or email me and let me know what's up!  I always love to chat creativity :)

Belcastel art of Bats Langley

Day 3 of a week of Magical Encounters

“It was my first time there and hopefully not my last!” children's book illustrator Bats Langley said of visiting Belcastel, France.  “It was beautiful, magical and enchanting. Words and photos can’t describe the beauty that is Belcastel… Butterflies and bountiful flowers lining the stone streets as you climb up the hill to the castle, simply magical.”

As friends of Heidi Leigh and her family, the owners of the chateau at Belcastel, Bats had seen pictures of this magical hamlet and castle before, but discovered that its beauty was beyond pictures.  “I guess the phrase ‘have to see it for yourself’ applies,” he said.

Bats was very interested to see how faerie artist Brian Froud planned to tackle the challenge of teaching to students of varying artistic backgrounds.  As soon as class began, however, it was clear that Brian was teaching far more than technical skills.

"Slow Move"

“What Brian taught were new ways of seeing, and that is the most important lesson one can learn and experience,” Bats said.  “Brian’s thought process and ways of organizing thoughts into a sketchbook were really eyeopening.  He wasn't just telling you how to think but more how to expand your own thoughts through a variety of exercises. It was really interesting seeing everyone push themselves and their comforts.”

As with everyone who had attended the Froud’s classes, and Bats’ life changed after returning home.

“I have to admit, leaving Belcastel was an adjustment. It took me two weeks to really process all I had learned from Brian, and also all the beauty of Belcastel....hard to return to the gray that is sometimes NYC.”

"We Lost Something"

Immediately, Bats applied Brian’s sketching processes into his work.  Some techniques were new, and some had simply been forgotten or were applied in new ways.

“I know in art school there are great teachers who couldn't make art and there are great artists who can't teach,” Bats said.  “Brian is both an incredible artist and teacher, a true rarity.”

Since returning to New York City, Bats has had work published in both “Spider” and “Ladybug” magazines, and he has continued showing his work in Los Angeles & New York, specifically at Gallery Nucleus.  He has written and illustrated projects for publication  and is represented by Brianne Johnson at Writer’s House.

Find Bats at www.batslangley.com and www.writershouseart.com/bats-langley

This week's Blog Roll:

A week of Magical Encounters

Grace Ng Dung

Scarlet Sinclair

Bats Langley

Soso Erlenkamp

Belcastel art of Scarlet Sinclair

Day 2 of a week of Magical Encounters

Belcastel is just magic.  Tattoo artist Scarlet Sinclair discovered this upon first visiting the local market there and driving into the valley of Belcastel.  

“This place felt like a wellspring of inspiration in things I had already seen but never quite understood until you get there and see where it actually comes from,” Scarlet said.

One of her favorite daily excursions was the zig zagging walk up a cobble paved road to the castle built into the hillside above the village.  Belcastel is one of many points along the Knight’s Templar route, which had long interested and inspired Scarlet.  

“It’s beyond words to describe all the things that had always inspired me coming together in one place and being so real and so full of history.”

One of the most poignant memories of the trip for Scarlet was the historical significance of Mary Magdalene.  Brian shared with Scarlet and her class how aware he was of the Magdalene energy in Belcastel.  The original chapel had remnants of an old fresco of her on its walls, and the town church was dedicated to her.  Scarlet said that Brian could feel the healing energy of the Magdalene’s tears at the castle.  He told them how the Madeline cookies were named after her because of their teardrop shape.

“He called our little group his Madelines - his little lady cakes,” Scarlet said.  “We ate that up with a spoon… we loved it.”

In true Froud fashion, the conversation through the week continued on a tangent that bordered hilarious as they discussed the folklore of Mary Magdalene as the sacred prostitute.

“The story of Mary Magdalene is the one I tell the most,” Scarlet said.  “One of my best friends ended up naming her daughter Madeline…  and I have this little fairy baby now that reminds me of this whole experience.”

Many of Scarlet’s clients and friends were curious to see how the Belcastel experience would affect her work as a tattoo artist.  She too was curious about this, as until then she had considered herself an artist for hire with little time to delve into her own specific creative interests.

“It was about feeding myself and keeping myself as an artist healthy and nurtured.  It put me in tune with more of the things that inspired me naturally: Faeries and art nouveau because it’s so inspired by nature.”

As Scarlet put more energy into work that fitted her she ended up attracting likeminded clients.   

“It’s wonderful because [the experience] continues to inspire me and continues to draw and attract the kinds of clients I want to work with,” Scarlet said.  “How it unfolds it doesn’t stop.  It keeps evolving into my current everyday world.”

Scarlet has also been moved by the vandalism of the tomb of Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, with whom she has a special spiritual connection.  She created prints of one of her original paintings of Laveau which are for sale on her website.  Fifty percent of the proceeds of the sale go directly to the restoration fund for Marie Laveau's tomb located in the St. Louis Cemetery No.1 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Click here to purchase a copy of this print, and visit http://www.saveourcemeteries.org and Scarlet’s friend Lilith Dorsey’s blog to learn more.

To find Scarlet or book an appointment visit her at www.scarlettattoos.com.

Blog Roll:
 A week of Magical Encounters
Grace Ng Dung
Scarlet Sinclair
Bats Langley
Soso Erlenkamp

The Belcastel art of Grace Ng Dung

A week of Magical Encounters

Grace Ng Dung with her sketchbook, Brian Froud looks on

As an artist, Grace Ng Dung’s intention is to take on the role of storyteller.  Faerie artist, Brian Froud was an inspiration not only to her art, but on her path of spirituality and self-discovery.  The thought of meeting and learning with him and Wendy Froud in Belcastel, France, was a dream come true.

“It was completely surreal when I got there,” she said.   “I knew it would be magical to some degree, but I had no idea what it would be like.  It was like living in a fantasy, but [unlike most fantasies] nothing shattered.”

Her time with the Frouds brought her experiences and beliefs in faerie full circle, opening the door to new adventures.

 “It was more magical than I expected, and I had this feeling that I was always meant to be there.  I actually expected myself to cry more, but I didn’t cry because it felt so natural.”

By mid-week Grace had begun to feel the older, darker (but not necessarily bad) energy of the castle and how it melded with the contemporary inhabitants and visitors of Belcastel.  

“Belcastel means beautiful castle, but also warrior fortress,” she said.   “I got that feeling that there were people there and a lot of them died and fought.  The mixing of energies was intense.”

Grace's guide as discovered through meditation and art

Perhaps one of the most poignant art/life lessons Grace learned from Brian was that art, especially works that touch upon the world of faerie, may never look as expected or intended, but that they should FEEL right.  She discovered this most significantly when drawing her guide from meditation - it didn’t look like she expected, but nonetheless, there he was, completely recognizable.

“Going with how you feel when drawing changed my creative process and helped me take down blocks and doors,” Grace said.  “Aim for the feeling because that will be more authentic than the thought.”

The trip and this class changed Grace’s relationship with not only her art but her attitude and outlook on life.

sketch of dragon that Grace later sculpted
in Wendy's class

“That experience guides me now, so when I get stagnant, going with the feeling of something helps me create a lot.   I can do things without thinking and just trust and I will do it and it will always turn out to my benefit… all the conversations in class will sometimes come back to me now and I will remember little snippits of wisdom whether facing an obstacle or if I just need a reminder that it’s there.”

Creation and art is Grace’s calling, and so the total experience was one of spirituality as well as art.

“Some friends make art just for the sake of the art, but it doesn’t always have meaning.  Right now I want it to be meaningful and I want to connect to and open other people’s hearts with my art.  That’s my mission, spiritual connection.  What art used to be - it gave people a direct connection to something higher.  It affected their emotions and that’s what I want to do.”

Discover Grace on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/creatorgrace

This week's Blog Roll:
A week of Magical Encounters
Grace Ng Dung
Scarlet Sinclair
Bats Langley
Soso Erlenkamp

A week of magical encounters

Once upon a time in a magical castle in France, believers from around the world met with renowned artists Brian and Wendy Froud, to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

As is true of many of the world’s modern-life adventures, much of this story took place in the minds and imaginations of these men and women.  This is not to suggest, however, that imagination equates to fiction.  Indeed, the beauty of these stories is that although they may have seemingly come from the mind, their translation onto paper only proves their inherent truth.  

In fact, this was exactly why most of these adventurers came to learn under the tutelage of the Frouds, who see and sense the faerie realm so acutely.

It began with a vision from Heidi Leigh, owner of AFA Fine Art Galleries in NYC and worldwide.  Gentle mastermind, Brian Froud was at first hesitant to translate his art into a lesson for others, but with the encouragement of family and friends such as Carol Douglas, he subsequently agreed to lead three week long master classes at Heidi’s most enchanting castle-turned-art-gallery in the Aveyron region, Belcastel, France.

We were questers, seeking insight, understanding and a mere glimpse into the Froud’s world of faerie, and in doing so we discovered more about ourselves than art.

The content of these classes remain a mystery, as those who did not attend could not experience the full extent of Brian’s magic without direct contact (and perhaps we only touched upon his magic as well).  As too is their connection to each other - a story best told by friends over a cup of coffee or glass of wine, perhaps with a plate of fresh cheese and bread.  How each student arrived at this destination between worlds is another story altogether - one that tells of manifestation and destiny.

Perhaps most importantly is that the stamp of faerie is on each student who experienced these weeks in Belcastel over two years ago… and this week’s blog  posts will begin as a feeble attempt to tell their unfolding saga in time for another reunion with the Frouds during their book signing at AFA galleries in Soho on October 10th.

Autumn Lights Festival - for healing and growth

I am excited to be a part of this year's Autumn Light's Festival in West Milford, taking place from 10am to 5 pm on October 11th.  Beginning at the intersection of Union Valley and Macopin Roads, and running along the street for about a mile, this festival has a ton of activities and vendors the whole family will love. 

Mind Key will be there with card readings, spiritual healings, and art from Grace NgDung and Danielle Rose inspired by faerie and spirit, as well as activities and crafts for the kids.

We will not be the only booth for healing there, however.  Please check out the following to learn more about our friends in the realm of health and self-development.

http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/finding-health-wellness-at-the-festival-1.1100386?page=all

Information on parking and traffic detours:

http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/parking-road-closures-1.1100365

Coalescence Holistic Expo - a joining of likeminded people and ideas

 Coalescence is the bringing together and joining of like-minded people, ideas and things. 

The Coalescence Expo, set for Sunday, September 14^th from 1-7 pm, was created when Kathy Steinberg was guided to join the local Rockland County area’s spiritual and holistic community.  

“[This is] an opportunity for vendors, healers, speakers and psychics/intuitives to gather and interact with others,” Kathy said.

Kathy is a Licensed Master Social Worker and was the owner of Good Vibrations Personal Growth Center and New Age Shop in Suffern, NY.  During this time Kathy said a community formed around the Center and Shop.  Although the space closed in 2008, the community continues to thrive through her website WeHealTogether.com.  Kathy currently works as a therapist and healer in Suffern.  

According to intuitive Star Blossom Goddess: “Kathy’s willingness to help others is unfounded. I am honored when I am in her company and find myself being a sponge to experience her wisdom.”

Mitchell Cooperman from Shido-Kan Karate of Mahwah and his partner, Lorin ONeal of MaYoga Meditation have also been a part of creating a local community through their business, programs and events.  Their participation in the Coalesence Expo and the use of their space in Mahwah was simply a natural extension of their work.  

“For the spiritual/holistic practitioners, networking and expos can be too expensive and I felt that it was important to create a venue that was an affordable way to connect with others,” Kathy said.

The Coalescence Holistic Expo is scheduled for Sunday, September 14^th – from 1pm to 7pm at MaYoga Meditation, 1029 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ.  There will be 4 rooms –one for vendors, one for psychics, one for healers, and one for presentations (running every hour).  A $5 donation is requested at the door to donate to Shelter Our Sisters Organization, a domestic abuse victim support service located in Hackensack, NJ.

What’s at the Coalesence Expo:

Psychic and intuitive readings, healers of varying modalities, presentations on energy and healing, and vendors of varying wares including jewelry, crystals, oils, aura photography, artwork and more….

Presentations: 

45 min. - free with $5. donation to enter expo

1:15pm  (30mins)

      Energy Movement Meditation with Tapping with Jeanne Andrews, LCSW   

2pm  Crystals and Stones with Aliza Musleah

3pm The Godfather’s Daughter: An Unlikely Story of Love, Healing & Redemption with Rita Gigante    www.spaceofgracehealing.com

4pm Principles of Energy Medicine with Gloria McCahill

5pm Archetypal Dreamwork with Jill Eras

6pm  Shen Shing QiGong with Justin Derringer (Energy cultivation through spiritual movement)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Energy Healers:  15mins $25/ or 30 mins $50

·      Beth DiMeo, LMT, NCTMB, CST     5pm-6:45pm

                        Massage and Bodywork http://www.therainbowessence.com/

·      Christy Curran   1pm-4pm & 5pm-7pm

                   Celestial Healing Chair Massage

·      Gloria McCahill, RMT, EEMP-AP     1pm-3pm

                Energy Healing/Cranial Sacral/Eden Method

                     http://www.therainbowessence.com/

·      Jimmy Starman   2pm-5pm

                Shamanistic Healer Reiki/IET/Fire&Wind/Shamanism

·      Joan Snow  4pm-7pm  

Reiki/Intuitive Energy Healer  www.sweptbyangels.com

·      Nancy Christopher  1pm-4pm  

Reflexology  www.nwchristopher.com

·      Sean Guerin   1pm-5pm  

Cranial Sacral Therapy/IET/ Reiki

·      **Oscar Santillan**  healings offered only 45min sessions

                                  $100.   – register appt. in advance

                                  wehealtogether@aol.com

                                   Call 845-304-4804/Kathy

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Psychics/Intuitives:

 listed in alphabetical order.

·      Allis Dunleavy – Intuitive Angel Cards/Medium   1pm-4pm

           www.sweptbyangels.com

·      Danielle Rose – Medium between Faerie   1pm-3pm & 4pm-7pm

          www.MindKey.me

·      Dawn  1pm-3pm  Angel Intuitive, Psychic/Chairvoyant/Clairsentient 

                Angel Card Readings

·      Joy Herald  Intuitive/Medium/Astrology   2pm-7pm

·      Marianne Carroll – Astrology & Astrodice  1pm-3pm & 5pm-7pm

·      Robert – Intuitive Tarot   1pm-3pm & 5pm-7pm

·      Star Blossom Goddess - Intuitive Oracle Cards   1pm-7pm

·      Starr – Intuitive Tarot/Medium    2pm-7pm

·      Susan Squittieri – Animal Communicator/Intuitive   1pm-6pm

          http://www.twobearherbs.com/

Susan reads 1 animal per reading.  You can bring a picture (not necessary).  We will have the ability for anyone who wants an animal reading with the animal present to meet with Susan in the rear of the building for the reading. (Please sign up and pay first – no animals inside building at expo)

Susan is making appts in advance – call Kathy @845-304-4804 to book appt.

·      Yasmina – Palmistry   1pm-7pm

****  There will be a sign up table set up at the fair – pay cash only – and you can see from the list when your reading will be.  You can pick whichever psychic that you want – and you can have reading or you can have more readings (each paid separately).