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Butterfly Maiden
When I was a kid growing up in Wisconsin we used to plant corn when the oak leaves were as big as squirrel ears. I loved this way of letting nature guide the farming cycles. Nature knows more about how to grow things than we will ever know with all our weather predicting technology and modern methods. This reminds me that we are patiently waiting for the first delivery of spring harvest from our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm here in Maryland. But with the cool, wet spring things are late and we are probably still a couple of weeks away from first delivery. For a farmer from Wisconsin there should be no surprise here!
I wrote this thinking about corn planting and growing – the old-fashioned way! And I hope Butterfly Maiden is watching over our CSA vegetables!
Butterfly Maiden
The corn is planted;
The spring rains have come.
The holy ground is rich;
The loam warms the seed.
Soon there will be a splitting;
Soon the full moon will shine.
Soon the earth will feed that seed;
Soon the sprout will reach for sun.
Moon watches through the night;
Moon wanes through a fortnight.
Moon withers toward rising sun;
Moon winks out as the sprout sees dawn.
Butterfly Maiden sheds her cocoon;
Butterfly Maiden warms in the sun.
Butterfly Maiden grins at the grinning moon;
Butterfly Maiden guards growing corn.
©2013 Richard W. Bredeson. All rights reserved.
PS: Qigong starts this evening, Monday, June 3 at 7:00 pm. If you are in the area of Annapolis/Severna Park please join me: Details here.
Walking Through Doorways
It’s been a busy week! Walking through doorways of opportunity can occupy a lot of time. But when opportunities show up we have to respond or be left behind, at least as far as The Divine Feminine are concerned (ref: yesterday’s post).
My first door opened when I got serious about Qigong. I’ve blogged about this, my experience with Bridget Hughes for well over a year now, then my work with her teacher, Jeff Primack, culminating in certification to teach Qigong, and then launching my first two classes which begin next week. This is exciting enough! And yes, there is a bit of fear surrounding this; who am I to think I can teach Qigong! Well, I walked through the flaming doorway of opportunity, changed my mind about my ability (a long time ago I was an effective teacher of math and science) and announced my classes! I even have people signing up!
It seems that once opportunities show up and we say “yes” other opportunities follow. Last week I posted a recording of my message from The Other Side (post link). The main part of that message was from a Shaman Guide who basically told me to “access the shamanic world” more often. Well, I have followed this advice and have taken several journeys over the past week. And I have received guidance that with no uncertainty holds open a doorway of opportunity to get out there and do for others what I have been able to do for a few and have been hiding from for years now.
It is not cool to claim to be a Shaman. In the world of Shamanic Healing using traditional indigenous technologies that are millennia old, people don’t choose to be shamans, and when they are chosen they don’t necessarily walk around with a shaman’s badge pinned to their robes. If I feel a bit trepidatious about my Qigong classes imagine how I feel about this guidance to work with people using shamanic approaches to healing! This work is not for the faint of heart. I have a lot of training and I have a lot of warning that this is no easy path to follow.
But sometimes these doorways of opportunity, no matter how high the flames lick the posts, are easier to walk through than resist. And with that I revised my business card format and they just arrived fresh from the printer. Here it is:
And the byline, “Shaman of the Heart,” is not a label I choose for myself. A dear friend, mentor and teacher, Baeth Davis, called me this a couple of years ago. That’s a long story but the short version is I have all loops for fingerprints which means I am in the School of Love, my Lessons are about Love and my Purpose is Love; hence the title!
I am standing in this burning doorway ready to leap through. I trust there is someone on the other side who has a hand outstretched to me to welcome me and perhaps even to reassure me. But this time of opportunity is not waiting for me. It is waiting for no one of us.
Are you ready to step or leap through that doorway of your opportunity? Do it; join me!
Doorways of Opportunity—Richard’s Commentary
I always enjoy these messages from The Divine Feminine. I’ve heard and read many over the years I’ve spent at Rosemary’s side. They are always rich with wisdom yet well grounded and practical. And because I’ve heard so many I also know they are genuine. So I pay attention when they speak through Rosemary!
The key to this message is in the very first lines: The flames are licking at the Doors of Change. Those who fear change are trying to engulf the opportunities in flames so that you and others will not walk through them. Do not let these fear-mongers paralyze you.
Fear is one of the chief emotions that impacts our willingness, even our very ability to change. We fear change because we don’t know what is on the other side of that door. We know what is on this side and too often we are either too comfortable or too complacent with the status quo to consider what may be on the other side, even if it could be wonderful!
The trouble with comfort and complacency is the inevitability of change. The Divine Feminine say: The evolutionary forces of the Universe are not static. They are always and forever moving forward, taking with them those who are connected to growth and leaving behind those who wish to go backward, which is the same as attempting to stand still. There is no standing still. There is only moving forward or being swamped by the Tides of Change.
The status quo cannot stand against these formidable tides. Consider some of the Hubble pictures Rosemary posts in her Ezine! I’ve included one here (Galaxy M106) to illustrate this point. Imagine the immensity and the enormous energy represented in this galactic “whirlpool.” This is the energy of change alive in the Universe! Yes, “resistance is futile”! We live in a dynamic Universe and The Divine Feminine are suggesting, warning, that if we try to stand still we will be inundated.
There is another force that works to keep us in fear of change; that force is greed. For many the status quo means continued profits; change may impact those profits. Again, the opportunity on the other side of the doorway is veiled; there may be risk involved. There is less risk in the status quo, right? Yes, if the only concern is for the short term; this quarter’s over last quarter’s and last year’s quarter returns. But can the forces of greed resist the coming changes any better than the forces of fear?
Just as change and opportunity are two sides of the same coin, we can look at fear and greed in the same way. Greed is a fear of not having enough; it is born from a sense of lack. Much is never enough. Too much is better but still not enough! There is a strong resemblance here among change, fear and greed.
We have to step through this doorway, even as the flames of fear and greed lick the frame and turn us away. Opportunity is the only way to approach change. Yes, there are unknowns beyond the doorway; yes, there are risks that must be faced. But the changes are coming, are here, whether we resist them or not. It is far better to ride the tide of this transformative time and rise with the opportunities that flow our way. Seize them, not as life lines, not out of greed or the need for gain, but for advancement, for the evolution of humanity, of the Universe. The force of evolution is here and will press on with us or without us.
Are you ready for the evolutionary ride of your life? Grab hold!
MONDAY’S POEM: Shadows
I wrote this in anticipation of the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse we experienced early Saturday morning here on the East Coast. Unfortunately it was cloudy here and we didn’t “see” the eclipse, but all other senses were engaged as the earth’s shadow shrouded the Moon in a dark veil. Did you feel it?
I love the Moon; I have since I was a kid and would watch the moon follow our car as my Dad drove along the country roads of Wisconsin. I’ve been fortunate to see many eclipses; so, while I did not see this Sagittarius Moon eclipse with my normal eyes, I certainly know what it “looked” like!
Shadows
They loom large
Cast by the rising Moon
Full up in the East.
What’s this? Shadows
Dim as the light fades
Swallowed up too soon.
Gone but for a blood
Red rim and rusty face,
Smoke and a faint glow.
But, wait; there’s more:
A grin begins to crack
The dusty rim.
Shadows brighten
And recede walking
Toward the rising Moon.
Alone, the path lies
Dark with shadows
Cast by the rising Moon.
©2013 Richard W. Bredeson. All rights reserved.
Richard’s Message from A Conversation with The Other Side
As promised in yesterday’s post I am providing a link here to a recording of the message I received via Rosemary from The Other Side, this past Monday evening, May 20. The message is just over 10 minutes long and is a great example of the kind of information Rosemary channels from the guides, angels and loved ones who show up at these events. And the special feature of these messages is they are both personal and universal.
Here’s the link: Message
Note that toward the end of this message, there is information about the Full Moon/Eclipse that occurs tonight (actually early Saturday morning); May 25 at 12:25 am Eastern time. Be sure to listen for it.
So, be careful out there over the long, Full-Moon-influenced weekend!
PS: Rosemary has scheduled her next Conversation with The Other Side for Friday, June 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm Eastern time. If you are interested in receiving a channeled message like the ones I receive then get more information on Rosemary’s Website!
Struggling? You’re Not Alone! –Richard’s Commentary
I don’t know about you but at first blush I am not comforted by Rosemary’s words that I am “not alone” in the struggles I am experiencing. Of course, what she means is not so much that I am in good company but rather that I can reach out for help because help is always there.
I don’t live vicariously. Yes, I am happy when others are happy; but I don’t seek happiness through others. And yes, I feel sad when others are sad; but I realize my sadness does not help them feel better. So, feeling that others are struggling along with me through these tumultuous times, does not ease my struggle. But finding help does!
I am fortunate to live with someone who is of great help. Rosemary is very generous with me and invites me to her events free-of-charge! Well, yes, I do offer her technical support for these events so there is an exchange of services offered. The real point here is I get great advice, especially when Rosemary hosts a Conversation with The Other Side! This was the case Monday evening, this past May 20th. And it was a great group of people who joined us, mostly online by internet and phone! As always the messages for each individual resonated with the entire group. And, I too received personal messages.
As is typical of these Conversations there were themes and key phrases and words that kept coming up for individuals and the group. Interestingly one of these words was “trying.” People seemed to be “trying to be themselves”, “trying to let go”, ”trying to be present”, “trying to trust” etc. The guides on The Other Side equated this “trying” with “struggling.” They said “trying” doesn’t do it; it doesn’t get the job done. It is a struggle to “try” so give it up. Their advice is to just “be.” Accept things as they are and look for support where it is always available.
There were several stories through the evening of Angel support: car accidents avoided, slips and near falls that didn’t result in falls, help with financial matters. How often do you stop and think to ask your Angels for support? Have you ever experienced an “almost-accident” that didn’t happen and you have no explanation of how you avoided it? Could it have been your Guardian Angel? One participant does work with Angel energy; but she even received advice to ask for their help! I for one am going to start asking my Angels for their help through times of struggle.
Part of my message was about my struggle with “shoulds.” This is a struggle against who I really am, a struggle to fit someone else’s definition of “who I should be.” The message was to “let go and trust.” Trust was another theme of the evening. Struggle comes from not trusting. It is so much easier to simply relax into a trusting mode that everything is working out as it will (not as it “should.”).
Rosemary’s Conversations are always powerful and filled with wonderful advice. Often it is both specific to the individual receiving the messages and Universal in application to the entire group that assembles. The messages from Monday were no exception. And as a special offer to my readers I will add my message in tomorrow’s (Friday’s) post. Be sure to tune in for that message!
And be sure to “tune-in” for the next Conversation Rosemary offers. You won’t be sorry! You might even get advice on how to stop the struggle and go with the flow! I sure did.
ROSEMARY’S EXPLORATION: Struggling? You’re Not Alone!
It seems these days as if everyone is struggling with something. Career, relationship, family, money, health, spiritual questions, life direction. Are you struggling in some area of your life?
What is our tendency when we struggle? We tend to want to hide behind our smiles and say that we’re ‘fine.’ What a loaded word that can be!
Now I’m not advocating that you go around telling everyone all your troubles because that keeps you focused on your drama, your story, instead of the possibilities that are in front of you. But the most important one with whom you can be honest is yourself. Are you honestly facing your situation? Your needs?
Sometimes the worst thing about struggling is the feeling that we are so alone in our situation, that we can’t share with anyone else. We’re ashamed to be struggling or that we’re in our situation or we’re afraid ‘they’ won’t love us anymore if they knew the real story.
These are natural feelings but they don’t have to keep you isolated. The problem with shame is that it holds you back from learning your lessons and living your magnificence. Fear of the loss of love is a common reason to stay mum about what is going on in our lives.
Can you find someone to help you? Maybe it would help to take a good, trusted friend into your confidence. Or find an expert who can give you information so you can choose a path forward. You might be keeping yourself paralyzed simply because you don’t have enough information to make a good decision. This problem can be solved by getting more information.
I would caution you here from joining a support group that tells the same story over and over which can keep you stuck in the problem instead of helping you to find a solution. If you join a group, make sure that it supports you in moving forward, not in staying stuck.
The real growth comes when you are honest with yourself about your life, your situation and your options. This might require help to discern. A coach, mentor or counselor can be your best friend through a transformational process. Even if you ARE a coach/mentor/counselor, you will benefit from seeking your own support!
No one needs to go through this time of amazing transformation alone! Whether you are looking at this time through the lens of esoteric predictions or astrology or cosmological insights or prophecies, we are in a time of change.
Those who are awake and aware realize that living a conscious life means stepping up to the transformation that is offered. This is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are great.
Reach out to your guides for the information that you need to make the decisions that will help you to leap forward in your personal growth. Use the tools of self knowledge that can help you to understand your Soul Purpose and Journey as well as your personality tendencies. Scientific Hand Analysis, Astrology, Numerology, Enneagram, Meyers-Briggs, DISC. Which tool speaks to you?
Do you meditate? Ask your inner wisdom for the guidance that you need at this time. And find a mentor to hold your hand on the journey. You might even assemble a team of experts to support you.
Are you ready to transform? Are you feeling that you’re struggling? Reach out and take a hand that is extended to you and share the journey. We’re here for a reason. Everyone who is sensitive at all is feeling the importance of these times and knows that the struggles are a part of the process.
Hold onto your hat! Big things are coming. And keep holding onto the hand of that mentor who is helping you through the struggles. You are not alone!
PS: Do you feel ready for the coming transformations? Are you in the flow and ready for that next opportunity coming your way? Or, are you struggling along with so many people these days? If you need answers for questions like “what is my next step?” Rosemary can help. Schedule a FREE Discovery Session with her to be sure you are ready! Schedule Here
INSPIRATION FROM ROSEMARY: Are You Struggling?
PS: Do you feel ready for the coming transformations? Are you in the flow and ready for that next opportunity coming your way? If you need answers for questions like “what is my next step?” Rosemary can help. Schedule a FREE Discovery Session with her to be sure you are ready! Schedule Here
Monday’s Poem: Not for Me
I’ve been writing recently about my “Floating Heads” who spoke to me through Rosemary last December. This was during one of her Conversations with The Other Side. I am recalling that December event in anticipation of the Conversation Rosemary has scheduled for tonight, Monday, May 20 at 7:00 PM Eastern time. (See below for details how you can join.) And also see the posts about that December Conversation here if you are at all interested in how a Medium, like Rosemary works: December Post
I wrote this poem back in February remembering what my “Floating Heads” had to say to me:
Not for Me
Not for me but them
They say.
But why, what meaning then
Can pay
For all the errors of this
Poor way?
Just keep doing, write on
They say.
It makes no matter when
We pay.
All errors are erased along
The way.
Erased? But how I wonder now.
No pay?
Can this be true? I wonder how.
They say
it can be so: the forgiving Tao’s
The Way.
©2013 Richard W. Bredeson. All rights reserved.
PS: There is still time and some space available for tonight’s Conversation. It is held online using either video conferencing or phone. Learn more here
The Fever Story; 2nd and Final Chapter (and only the beginning!)
Both Rosemary and I have been writing for some time about the importance of the times we are in; these times of great change, transformation. We are not alone in our sense and our gathering information and exploring the energies, vibrations, influences and characteristics of these times. If you are reading this blog and you are breathing then you know what we are talking and writing about. There is both a sense of great elation, of a coming freedom we have not yet known, and a sense of impending doom. I’ve heard many people speak of these “dire” times we have entered.
With this sense of great change afoot, I return to my story about my fever last week and what it means to me. My friends, the “Floating Heads” (ref: this post) had more to tell me about the meanings behind the illness:
QRS: Listen to the music: you are opening to love. Your chest is cracking open. Your body is the chrysalis that is splitting to reveal your inner splendor. This is a very vulnerable time for you. Feel it. Go with it. There is no putting it back together now. The butterfly in all her sensitivity and delicate style is emerging. Treat yourself very gently now. Watch and feel this process.
Be very careful with your emotions. Cry if that’s what you need. Don’t forget to laugh. Examine every moment as a new learning experience. Your “What is this?” question applies to every moment. Don’t waste a single one; examine everything as a curious child. No anger, no judgment, no second guessing. It all just is. Trust it all as perfection and part of the growth experience. Remember when you emerged from your first experience of a sweat lodge ceremony? It’s like that. You are birthing yourself out of the heart of the fever and gradually appearing as new creature. Learn all there is for you to gain in these next weeks and months. Receive. Don’t over-analyze. Accept. Breathe it all in as a wondrous New Being.
End of the story!
Now it’s up to me to do the work. And it’s all about awareness. It is about living in the moment and being inquisitive. “What is this?” It is living with this great mantra/koan/question: “What is this?” Awaken to curiosity – the curiosity of a child! With this curiosity comes delight. Lightness and laughter abound. This is the awakening I am called to and long for. This is it!
Why do I write all of this? Why am I telling you this personal story?
We are all in this together. I am not alone in my awakening journey. You are here with me. We are in the great transformation. Live it with me. Are you curious about what comes next? Join me in this curious, exciting, maybe dangerous, certainly delightful exploration of what comes next!
You are not alone!
Men and The Goddess 