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It’s time to bundle up and brace for
the cold dark days ahead, days that provoke fear and apprehension
on one hand, but celebration of light and renewal on the other.
The days of thinning light and
deepening darkness begin on December 21 and are fraught
with danger, dread, promise and transformation.
Be brave! |
To
help you get in a reflective mood for winter and your rebirth,
imagine what your life would have looked like in the ancient
world before electricity, before fire.
Think about how you would cope in the silent world before noise
pollution and crowds. Before houses, only caves could protect
you from the elements and wild animals. Before grocery stores
and dependable food sources you faced hungry days and nights
for yourself, your children, your loved ones. What would you
do? Where would you go? How would you survive and evolve? |
Your DNA and bone marrow carry the memories of those ancient
Winters
with you even now into the 21st
century and cellular recall surfaces randomly to confuse
and upset you.
It is that unconscious recall, along
with intention, that can aid and accelerate your transformation
and spiritual evolution in the season of Winter.
I think it’s the best time of the year. |
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Ancient
women learned from the animals about hibernation, and evolved
it into a time of inner reflection and renewal, which we must
do also by examining our mistakes and successes and resolving
to stay focused on what really matters.
When fire was discovered light became the celebratory affirmation
of life and survival. Today we light candles and draw around
the hearth—simple metaphors that draw us closer to life,
ritual, tribe, celebration and spiritual awareness. In this
pivotal season of connection to the temple within, I always
light many candles and invite the physical and metaphysical
fire to warm body, mind and spirit.
If you are safe and warm, this is a beautiful time of year.
If you are not, the days are long and the shadows deep. No matter
how you are or where you are at this Winter Solstice, it is
the perfect time to investigate who you are and why you are.
It is the moment to celebrate your personal rebirth into a stronger
you, a more spiritual you, the best You possible.
The time has come. Do not allow it to pass unnoticed. So, now
on to the thoughts I’d like to share with you in this
issue of the Alchemist. Know that I wish you silent nights,
holy nights and blessings for a Season of Light and Life beyond
your most ancient dreams.
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Some spiritual disciplines define Fear as False Evidence Appearing
Real.
In the context of thinking
we are only human and not spiritual, I would agree with that
definition.
In the context of facing an angry dog about to bite me,
I strongly disagree.
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Fear
is a good thing and a bad thing. It can help us change, grow,
protect ourselves and accelerate transformation. However,
if fear is allowed to run rampant it can be self defeating
and destructive leading us into a spiral of despair and failure.
Let’s resolve in the midst of the dark cold days of
Winter, to look fear
in the face and see it for what it is: a harbinger of change,
a signal that
it is time for us to do something different.
Remember the definition of insanity: doing the same thing
over and over again and expecting a different result. If we
respect the fear we feel, if we
can see it as a messenger, we will have found a new and valued
teacher.
I usually try to analyze my fear when it rears up out of the
unknown and I ask these questions: Why is this fear here now?
(look for the reason because it’s a valuable gift).
What person or thing triggered it? Is it reasonable or unreasonable?
Can I change the way I’m doing things to resolve it?
Is there anyone I can turn to for advice or solutions?
What is it trying to tell me?
This dialogue with my fear always helps me get past the unknown
and usually, in retrospect, I’m more confident and calm
having overcome the experience. Winter is the perfect time
to examine your fears. Light some candles, sit in front of
the fireplace, relax in the cocoon of safety you have designed.
You could drum softly, or chant, or meditate. I set a large
amethyst beside me, knowing Mother Earth is always my guide.
Then when you have empowered your space, invite your fears
in and examine them for new insight on your spiritual path.
I think you’ll be amazed at their transformative value.
I’m always pleasantly surprised.
"Run
with the wolves if you must, but when you sleep, sleep lightly."
...Mortum Fadum
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Changing Woman is a Native American Goddess who will
teach
you to live in harmony with all things. She can change from
a baby to a girl to a woman to a crone and then back again.
She teaches us the wisdom of the cycles of birth and death and
the wisdom of nature.
Spider Woman is also a Native American deity
who brought fire and light, created the moon and taught women
to weave, make pottery and perform ceremony. |
These
are two powerful Goddesses we may call on during the Winter
to mentor us about change and rebirth. I’ve been drawn
to both of them for some time because I feel so connected to
them. I can feel myself change into all the phases of the feminine
in any given circumstance - in the new and curious eyes of a
baby when I’m learning something new,
in the excitement of a young girl as I create or dance or drum,
in the nurturing of a woman as I care for husband, family, pets,
clients and in mentoring someone less experienced as I become
the crone. It is a worthy exercise to put yourself into all
the phases of the female -
phases you have lived and will live again - and gain wisdom
and guidance from them.
In Spider Woman I receive the lesson of the spider who weaves
its world from within itself. It already possesses everything
it needs to survive and thrive. You and I are created with the
same gift of creation and we must resolve to weave our prosperity,
our success, our place and purpose from all that we already
have within us. If I can remember the spider everyday,
I will thrive. And you will too.
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Would you be surprised to learn that many saviors have been
born of virgins throughout history including Apollo, Adonis,
Osiris, and Mithras?
All ‘savior’ births are celebrated on or near the
Winter Solstice (the birth of the sun/son).
The birth of Jesus to a virgin is not a new phenomenon, but
simply another chapter in human nature’s wish to find
the key to resurrection. |
The
Winter Solstice has been celebrated by every culture for thousands
of years. The resurrection and rebirth of the sun in the midst
of darkness reassures us that we will survive. It is the turning
point on the long road back to warmth and food and sustainable
living, and away from death and darkness. It renews our hope
that we are not irrelevant and that life continues.
The
birth of the sun/son is a metaphor for your personal rebirth
from human being to being spiritual. When there is no ‘room
at the inn’ as in many legends, it refers to our inability
or ignorance to provide a space for the spiritual light to enter
into our hearts - our inner room.
Other guests (greed, anger, fear, jealousy, etc) already occupy
the space intended for our light of resurrection. This is a
powerful time for personal growth. Be sure to immerse yourself
in this opportunity for expanded living.
There is one other ancient legend you should know about called
the 13 Days of Celebration (beginning at midnight on Dec. 24
through midnight January 6). It is told in stories of old that
those 13 days are the only time of the year when the heavens
are open to mortals and if we ask,
all our prayers will be granted! Ask and you shall receive!
But no begging is allowed. A straight forward request such as
“Please deliver more money into my bank account now!”
will work nicely.
Remember, ask BIG.
"Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try
to be that perfectly."
...St. Francis De Sales
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Numerology is a fascinating study.
I’ve casually practiced it for years
and even plotted numerology charts for my friends and family
- and sometimes (not always) I will change the day I plan to
do something based on its numerical value. |
Numerology
is based on the theories of the brilliant mathematician Pythagoras
(the father of Geometry): numbers 1 thru 9 (plus 11 and 22)
and letters share certain values based on ancient magical concepts
and knowledge of the universe. By finding the number value of
names, places, dates, etc you can discover their hidden meaning
and act accordingly.
If you’re smirking right now about this, just ask yourself
why people with names like Baker usually become bakers. Or Mr.
Richman becomes a rich man. Or people named Weaver are in the
garment industry.
My theory is that since I don’t know everything, I will
keep an open
mind to information presented to me, especially from ancient
sources. Who knows where it will lead?
In numerology theory, your name has a numerical value that stamps
an energy around you and as you discover what that hidden or
secret essence is, you gain the tools to enhance your personal
living. Days, months and years also have numerical values and
2007 is no exception.
Year 2007 totals 9 (2 +7= 9). The essence of the number nine
represents completion and fulfillment since this is the final
number in
the system, and metaphorically # 9 symbolizes that completion
will be the order of the universe and now is the time to be
in sync with universal energy and wrap up and prepare for something
new 2008. Don’t be confused by # 11 and 22 - they are
considered Master numbers and have special meanings apart from
1 through 9.
Here’s a list of helpful things to do in 2007: evaluate
your career, your relationships, your goals, your spiritual
path, your purpose. Look deep into how you feel about them -
are you satisfied, dissatisfied, too stressed, content - whatever
your feeling is evaluate it for its lessons and/or guidance.
Make a list of everything you want to complete this year. 2007
is an auspicious opportunity to expand your horizons as
you work with the energy of completion. Benefits of going with
the flow of completion and fulfillment include getting ’unstuck’
from fruitless endeavors, failing business ventures, bad relationships
and unhelpful partnerships. Cleaning things up makes way for
new and fresh. Just as when you clean out your closet, you make
room for new things...as you clean out worn out ideas and efforts,
new ideas and people have a place to enter. And if your birth
date adds up to a #9 this is an especially expansive year for
you.
Predictions: Expect change, closure, rewards, achievements,
opportunities to move in career choices, housing locations,
finding your Soulmate, releasing an illness, or letting go of
anything that is not productive. Look for cleansing political
upheaval and real global progress. 2007 will be a very energetic
year. Don’t squander the opportunity. Happy New You!
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CORAL: Passionate Red
Coral
is deep red and is the symbol for passion, energy, vitality,
enthusiasm, - just feeling fabulous.
Red is associated with the Root Chakra - the First Chakra -
the primary passion of life and living. |
The
ancient myth and folklore surrounding coral is that it is so
energizing that one becomes extremely creative - bearing many
healthy children or birthing multiple imaginative, creative,
and trail blazing ideas.
Wear a piece of coral jewelry over and near the throat chakra
and heart chakra and Coral will boost courage, expression, a
passionate loving heart and the gift of eloquence and impassioned
speech. And for good measure, it also symbolizes the red hot
fire of love. Think RED.
"Always remember who you are. You are sacred. You are
related to the Earth, the Universe...to all living things. You
are memory of what was and dreamer of what could be. You have
the power to change, to heal, to make a difference, and to be
accountable for all you do."
... Unknown author.
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Since I’m a fan of and a believer in Alchemy, at least
the metaphysical interpretation of that ancient practice
I thought I’d shed a little light on what some call a
dark and foreboding art associated with Dr. Jekyll
and Mr. Hyde.
The test tubes of black magic are not the tools of an alchemist. |
On
the contrary, the ancient art of changing lead into gold can
be your personal practice to transformation, your Holy Grail
journey.
There will be no need for chemicals, Bunsen burners or trafficking
in bat’s eyelashes. But there will be a commitment - your
commitment -
to uncover and recover your magical, powerful Self. Your personal
Holy Grail is achievable if you rise above the ordinary, pessimistic
declarations of almost everyone you know. And only listen to
your inner Alchemist.
Here’s my theory based not on the physical definition
of alchemy,
but on the metaphysical interpretation of symbols and meanings.
Meta means above - so we’re looking above the physical
ideas into
the spiritual/subconscious meaning. Lead is a metaphor for problems
- base, common, dull, unenlightened, valueless experiences and
challenges. Gold is a metaphor for solutions - enlightened,
extraordinary, of high value, pure success and empowerment.
How do you become an Alchemist? And perform Alchemy? And achieve
your Holy Grail? It’s quite simple really. You evaluate
the lead (the problem). For instance ask yourself : Why am I
broke? The fact of the matter is that your inner Self knows
why you are broke, you just haven’t been listening. Listen
to that voice and list the reasons no matter how unpleasant
they are on the left hand side of a sheet of paper: no self
control when shopping? Lackluster job? Sponging relative or
friend - in essence caring for others rather than Self? Drugs?
Alcohol? Be brutally honest. Then next to each piece of lead,
write the Golden solution. Write it. Honor it. Believe it. Act
upon it. Affirm it daily. Do that with every piece of lead you’re
carrying around with you. Look for the Gold and manifest it
into your reality. I now pronounce you to be The Alchemist.
Make magic!
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From
an original painting by Briar |
Gorgeous.
Mystical. Courageous. Awake. Free.
Epona is the inspiration for my new line of jewerly to empower
women. In my exhibiting travels across the West I've noticed
that many women claim to be empowered and yet in truth they
have given their power away - to corporations, religions, husbands,
children. All women - not just a few women - must embrace the
qualities of Epona that are already within. Women must honor
their beauty, valor, freedom, mysticism and purpose and not
wait for validation from 'the
establishment'. |
Epona
is the myth that is you, right here, right now in the 21st century.
Epona is about standing up en masse and being counted - not
obsessing over botox, breast implants,and gossip. Epona is about
responsibility to self, humanity and Mother Earth. Epona is
about dissolving the 'white male warrior machine' mentality
that kills mercilously. Epona is who you are when you're awake.
This powerful goddess has also inspired my latest book entitled
'When Sleeping Women Wake, Mountains Move.' Publication date
is September 2007. It's time to be accountable.
The women on the following video
link are exhibiting Epona valor. You have that same valor within
you. You need only set your intention to access it.
http://video.google.nl/videoplay?docid=-4584913278289860160
"Anything the mind can conceive and believe, it can
achieve."
...Napoleon Hill
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-
Women Who Run with the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD
- The Tao of Equus, Linda Kohanov
- Stellar
Secrets, Elaine Maginn Sonne, PhD
- The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle
- Healing Dreams, Marc Ian Barasch
- The Sociopath Next Door (Who’s the Devil
you know?) Martha Stout, PhD
- The Jesus Papers, Michael Baigent
(co-author of Holy Blood, Holy Grail...the forerunner of The
DaVinci Code)
- The Gnostic Gospels, Elaine Pagels
- Goddesses in Older Women, Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD |
Stellar Secrets, Elaine Maginn Sonne, Ph.D.
I’ve re-edited it and Stellar Secrets
is now back in print. Just in time to remind you that your astrological
sign is a crucial guide to your sacred agreement. And your horoscope
is your agreed-upon destiny.
It is one of the many ‘hints’ the Creator has given
you to find your purpose and to enjoy your quest.
Click
Here |
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Stories & Stones
Well Worn Path
A Healing Journey
Ancient Wisdom
Talismans & Altars
"If you meet the Buddha on the path, kill him."
(This means that if you’re following a spiritual script
written in advance, bury it—spiritual growth is a spontaneous,
moment by moment experience)
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I’ve
worn so many hats in my life
it’s hard to know where to begin.
My careers have included:
Editor of Science of Mind magazine, a monthly philosophy journal
started in 1929 by Ernest Holmes. With a subscriber base of
90,000 readers.
Founding Editor/Designer of Inner
Visions. Publisher/Graphic Designer: SOS Press, which is still
under my ownership. And, a Spiritual Coach for 25 years. |
My
grandmother taught me to read tea leaves ...practiced to this
day.
For
10 years I bred and showed Lhasa Apsos. Bred the Purina Dog
Chow Top Show Dog of the Year and Best In Show Champion Yojimbo
Orion (my other true love).
Of the 5 books that I have written, one was a bestseller on
Amazon.com
I’ve been married 3 times, once to an abuser, once to
a savior and now to my Soul Mate, John, for 30 years. Together,
we have restored 8 fixer-upper houses, and live in one we can’t
leave - a Craftsman in Los Angeles built in 1910. We owned and
operated a 35’ cruiser named Odyssey, and conducted brunch
cruises to Catalina. I have been blessed with 2 wonderful children
(Karen and Stephen) and 3 great grandchildren (Stephanie, RJ
and Matt).
Drumming is one of my passions on an ancient Celtic drum, the
Bodhran and facilitating several Wise Woman Circles and full
moon drumming. As a Storyteller/Jewelry Designer I design jewelry
that tells stories to motivate and inspire women through beauty.
Born in the Year of the Dragon, I am a Virgo with an Aquarius
Rising Sign ...a Feng Shui consultant with an ‘A’
type personality, who loves
to knit, garden, travel, read and do Sudoku puzzles and Cryptograms.
And, crazy about words, music, ancient wisdom, color, Mother
Nature and animals. John calls me an introverted extrovert.
My genealogy that I am following goes back to Ireland, Germany
and France. Each day I meditate, journal and chant. And I feel
like I'm just getting started!
But wait ...think about it; you’ll see that you
also wear many hats.
Why? Because women are fabulous multi-taskers!
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If
you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter, click the following
link and we will remove you from our email list. Click
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Visit
my web site: www.AncientDesign.com
You'll love
my new Weddings
line of custom made jewelry.
For my latest article, "Wisdom Paths" in Full Moon
Rising Magazine Click
Here
Copyright All Stories, Interpretations and Designs, Elaine Maginn Sonne, PhD., 2008 All rights Reserved.
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