To experience life is to commune with life. It is to become one with it - to feel it, touch it, see and hear it; talk to it and listen to what it has to say. And this week, you cannot escape your communion with life. It will demand you feel something deeply and personally.

You are likely to find yourself in a position where you are either alone and physically unsupported by others, or you are emotionally alone and feel unsupported. This does not mean you are truly alone (no one ever is) - always reach out for help if you need to. But, also, try to not see this phase of aloneness as a punishment, but as an opportunity to feel whatever you need to feel so you can transform it. No one is ever truly alone when they integrate with themselves and come to themselves, even when they feel like they are - what we tend to feel is loneliness, which is separation from the life experience, from others, and from ourselves.

This phase suggests that it is necessary for you to feel your pain - of something that the life experience has brought you. Perhaps it is a grieving process that you've been avoiding. To feel pain (of any kind) is to make you aware of your boundaries, wants, and needs. Awareness brings you closer to who you are. We would be aware of nothing if we did not feel pain. We would have nothing to test us and challenge us to grow into the best versions of ourselves (or worst - we always get to decide which version we will aim for).

So, this is a week where you may feel very sensitive, very isolated, and very lonely. Take very good care of yourself - reach out for help if you need to - but also, go deep within and feel your pain - do not avoid it. Nurture your hurting heart. Feel what part of you needs recognition and to be allowed to step forth; allowed its voice.

​This phase will pass as all things do, so make the most of its lesson before it disappears.

Use smoky quartz, snowflake obsidian, black obsidian, and rose quartz to navigate the above - either separately, or in combination.

I've had a pretty "otherworldy" week of odd things happening as described in the FB post below:

This has been - among many other things and interesting dream I had last night - a sharp reminder that my path is currently strewn with distractions and I need to refocus on my purpose. So, for me anyway, next week is going to be about refocusing my attention and intention and making sure I'm living impeccably. 

Here's the Reading for the coming week....

The coming week brings with it a restlessness, and a strong need to assert your independence. You will take centre stage - your work, your wants, your needs, and desires - and ignore anyone who thinks this is selfish. It is time to think about these things because there is an authoritative force in your life that could be a person or an institution, and he/she/it has been there a while, sometimes in the background, but next week, you'll feed this "energy" in a more direct way. And it's time to think about how you feel about that. There is a very strong call to consider everything you have worked for and created for yourself over the years - everything you have manifested - and consider if you want to give it away to another force, or whether you want to become your own authority instead. Independence and self-sufficiency will be key words next week.

Beware of becoming, or staying, stuck in a rut. Watch our for cycles repeating because of your inaction. There will be an opportunity to break a long-held pattern in your life this coming week, but it may not reach a completion this week. At the very least, though, it is time to put things in place and get the ball rolling. Start the process of needed change.

There is also a hint to look at your finances and what can materially provide for you for the rest of the year, and put reserves in place if you need to.

Working with Smoky Quartz can help you see yourself and all your fears and challenges more clearly, and encourage you not to be in denial about any of them (this bravery to see the truth about yourself will be needed to make changes). Additionally, New Jade with its soothing green, can help you make decisions to leap into the new and unknown.

You can buy The Spiral Tarot in our shop.

I've been walking in many different realities / worlds, the past few days - it's enough to knock you sideways unless you have a very strong sense of who you are: where you begin, where you end, and where you are never-ending. Learn to know yourself well if you do this kind of work between worlds, or you will be just as susceptible as anyone else to getting lost without knowing you are lost. You will think the world you are walking in is you, when it is not you, and you are, in fact, the world. These are the lessons of shamans and spiritual masters...

The Reading for this coming week...

Your work situation may throw up some gritty challenges this coming week, and you may be faced with people who are severely lacking in intuition, empathy, and foresight. You will have to hold your ground to remain true to yourself - not giving up your knowing and your own empathy, no matter the aggravation this might cause. Others' aggravation are a result of their inability to align with their integrity, remember that - and their aggravation is really towards themselves. You may find it hard to hold your ground and stand up for yourself and your truths - particularly if you are sensitive and lean towards emotional reactions like crying and anger (nothing wrong with emotion at all, by the way), so you are called to do your best to prepare and find a calm within; to be the calm amid the storm. It could be that by the end of the week, you may have to make a very difficult decision if the challenging situation cannot be resolved.

If work is not a factor for you with regards to the above, then the aggravation will likely take place in another area of life, but will require the need to work together with the people involved (partner, friends, family, etc) as a team. Listening and empathy need to take place between all. If it isn't taking place, consider where you want to be - do you still want to be involved with these people? Are you building the right future with these people? You may have to make a tough decision to really stay true to yourself going forward.

Work with a favourite clear quartz point that ideally has great clarity, to help you reach the right decisions and maintain a clear heart and mind.

Good afternoon! What a lovely few days we have had, weather-wise and social-wise. My garden beckons, the beach beckons, and as always, the secrets of the universe beckon.

Before I get on with the Reading for the week ahead, I'd just like everyone to know I have made updates to the website which make it MUCH easier to navigate and to see the services we offer here. If you hover over the "Shamanic Sanctum" tab in the menu, you will now see clear options come up that can give you better laid out information. I have also created a page just for Bach Flower Remedy consultations as those are very popular as a standalone therapy outside of the shamanic healing work (as are Tarot Readings). Lastly, you will find a hovering "Support Us" button on every page. This is connected to the Ko-fi website and offers a convenient way to donate to Circles you attend, as well as any products bought, or any consultations outstanding. There is also a Kia Ora Lounge Circles Membership Tier, which is a fabulous way to contribute to all the Circles as well as giving yourself 10% off almost all services and products. 

Those are the updates. Now, on with the Reading, and today, I'm using one of my favourite decks of cards...

Spirit is asking us, over the next week, to be aware of things we cannot see (as in, understand there are things you do not know about your situation). If we, for example, have a "hidden illness" or are expressing strange symptoms, we are being asked to look for the root cause and to know it might not be easy to find without digging - rather just accept a surface answer to what is perhaps an out-of-norm problem. There is a need with the first two cards - The Moon and Four of Swords - to retreat and go within. You won't find answers to important questions and events "outside" next week, but by asking yourself the difficult questions and going deep inside, or to hidden places.

There is also an awareness needed that any fears you harbour may not be as serious or big as you think. The Moon as a tendency to enhance shadows and the landscape in the dark always looks different (and more scary) than in the brightness of day. Know this, and do not get swept away in scares that are unfounded. Illusions and deceptions can be strong when The Moon card appears, and while this can mean deception from an outside source, the answer is found in your emotional balance and knowing yourself well. Once you know yourself well, no fear of the dark need exist.

If you are, indeed, unwell, you are being asked to stop, and to take proper rest until recovered. There is a need to "go with the flow" and stop struggling against the tide, only because issues cannot be seen in their entirety and it could be that "time" (tides) is the only thing that will bring you what you seek. Going with the flow very much means to go with your instinct and integrity  and to make sure you do not struggle with yourself.

At its absolute best, the Four of Swords can suggest an end to a period of stress and strife, so do hold the higher vision of this being a reality, because it is certainly possible with The Empress to its right.

The Empress is a beautiful card to end on. It shows us that "new birth" (new beginnings) and the chance to begin anew in some way is around the corner. Not just new, but with the maternal quality emphasised (seen in both The Moon and The Empress). "Mother and children" issues may well be important and in focus next week; this is given emphasis by the fact that a woman and child is depicted in the stained glass window above the Knight in the Four of Swords. (Has he - you - been fighting for a "mother and child" cause? For the future generation?) Perhaps you need to save your strength for this maternal drive (about to come to light under the Empress card) and/or forging that new beginning.

The Moon and The Empress are quite contrasting Major Arcana cards (and form an interesting, stark polarity) that frame a period of needed rest before emergence, and it could be that some important revelation is brought to you by the end of next week that you just couldn't grasp or foresee. So ... tread carefully and go slow at the beginning of the week, and allow for answers to surface in their own time, because they will. Do not rush to make important life decisions next week, especially ones that will have an impact on your health, energy, and future resources.

Lastly, it should be noted that the Four of Swords is about protecting the mind, body, and spirit, and making sure you are in a safe place from harm, whether literally, or within yourself. It marks retreating from the battlefield and pulling yourself out of the line of fire. This card is depicted by the effigy of a knight on a tomb, finally back from war to find sanctuary in a temple or church, his hands in a position of prayer. Protect yourself and rest or retreat this coming week. Hidden things will come to light. If you take your rest now, you will have the strength to step back into the world when the time is right.

Carry Moqui Marbles with you (Shaman Stones), and keep yourself very, very balanced.

If I had a pound for every time, over the past 18 months, my cards or channelled messages said, "go forth into a bright future with optimism and trust", I'd be rich(er). Yet, we have a similar message again in this week's Reading. I've been out and about a lot the past few weeks - shops, parks, seaside, fairground rides, etc, etc. Life is bustling where I am, and people are trying to thrive and stay happy despite aspects of the immediate future being unknown. Hardest of all is when these aspects directly affect you. It's easy to find this optimism when you're an outside observer to many problems, but when they're immediately affecting your own life and you have to make pivotal decisions based on them, it's much harder to muster this force of joy and faith.

Yet, here is this week's Reading....

The Queen of Cups - depicted here by the constellation, Andromeda - asks us to be still, receptive, empathic, and look beyond what we can see. We must be our own counsellor and our own spiritual guide - and such to others, too, if they would like our guidance. There is a time of suppression and repression at hand, yet this spread is asking us to find and focus on freedom and expression despite any evidence to the contrary, and see this moment in our lives as a new doorway to something that is yet unknown.

This is where the element of trust comes in, depicted by The Fool card which represents "the big bang" in this deck (the middle card). Something new is emerging and will emerge, and while it can manifest itself as a chaotic and dominant force to be reckoned with, there is also a delicacy needed in this emergence of the new. The butterfly must be very gentle when breaking its way out of the chrysalis it built to protect its old and new bodies - one wrong move and it won't survive. So, be gentle with yourself and the world, even if it seems harsh and unforgiving. These are projections of perception - the reality is a birth that brings a miracle in spite of its messy, loud, and bloody appearance.

The Eight of Wands is the last card and represents a Supernova - the moment a large star explodes at the end of its life. Its very core bursts and it flings its matter and light out in all directions, not caring where the pieces go as long as the need of the rupture (rapture?) is met. The message of this card is to focus all that energy and force into a direction. Channel it. Know what you want and make it so as you ride on this explosive wave that's coming, because you can't stop it - you can make the best of it, though.

The coming week is likely to have a very explosive nature and the emittance of the force described above. There is both birth and death in this spread. Things might happen fast and if you are sensitive (which is a true strength, not a weakness), you may find elements of "reality" difficult. Be the empathic, intuitive voice within the chaos and govern the week with trust and faith. Try and see the world and events in your life through the eyes of a child - an adventure - and be open to new ideas and opportunities. Do not be afraid of harsh realities, but mould them into the reality you want and know exists. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say be the reality you know exists, because in truth, you don't need to mould anything - you only need to accept existence and ride its ecstasy into the future you want. Trust your instincts and gut feelings this coming week - not what you see around you.

Moldavite is good for helping you trust in the unknown and navigate better those harsh realities; Nzuri Moyo is a relatively new stone I mentioned last week, which can help you find the inner-strength needed for the above.

Here is what has occupied my mind the past few weeks (and this is my personal understanding and belief): a shaman's job is to keep balance - of his/her tribe or community, of the wider world, of the world in the universe, and of himself. Balance (and I am speaking predominantly of energetic balance which can also be manifested as diseases, emotions, mental states, etc) ensures the earth does not "tip" and fall into the underworld or the upper world, for either would mean an "end" to nature and the middle world (the third dimensional world) as we know it. The shaman takes his cue from nature itself which shows him that duality (the circle of life) is present and necessary for this world to function, and that the loss of duality would mean the loss of balance, physical lives, and ultimately, everything. Keeping this balance is his job until he is told otherwise by Great Spirit. (This "role of the shaman" may very well have differed - and widely so - from tribe to tribe and country and country. What I have described above is simply what I align to.)

Condensed into more practical, every day usage, I consider this on par with helping everyone find their own healing and balance and clear their karma on their journey in this world (among a few other things). The only way for me to do that is to remain completely impartial to their journey as everyone's reality and life journey is their own - everyone has a unique soul contract. Anything the shaman expresses into the wider world should only be done so if it is in alignment with the mission of "keeping the world in balance".

This is, of course, if I am to take on the mantle of "shaman". Which I have been denying. I've never called myself a "shaman" as such, but within my consciousness I have been fully aware (through both a calling, childhood experiences and initiations, and past life memories) that I have been one and am supposed to bring that knowledge and practice through somehow, into the present day. No small task in a world where little mind is paid to such a way of being - especially in 2021.

To be impartial in the wider world - in today's age of inter-connectedness, shared opinions, and current events - requires a degree of skill I truly do not know if I am capable of. Please note, to be impartial does not mean "no action" or to deny suitable life decisions for myself - it means that I see all sides including yours, and I accept your side as your reality and perception of your truth, and expression of your wholeness. And I understand - or have faith in - how all sides connect to the bigger picture of the Great Mystery.

To be this "shaman" demands decorum and willpower, and absolutely no fear in the outcome of events.

I have recently come to the conclusion that the only way I can know if I am capable of such a feat is to do it. Throw myself in. That is the initiation. I do know that denying the role that is my calling has left me somewhat angry and agitated. It has led to a frustration and rashness that is not comfortable or correct for me and my path. To accept the calling, I suspect (and hope) will ease the imbalance and open new doors. I am apprehensive. Can I do it? Will I live up to expectations? Will I let people down by not doing things the way others expect? (That last question is the same question a lot of people are struggling with in their personal lives right now.)

I share the above for you - as a story, thought, or philosophy - to consider and resonate with (or not) in terms of this week's Reading below, which is for all:

There has been a period of mourning and sadness recently as seen in the Five of Cups; of disappointment in yourself or in the way something turned out; maybe bad decisions were made...

Do not dwell in regret. In the Ace of Wands, you are now given a chance to change it all and move in the correct direction. You are being given a chance to rebalance energies and move onto a path more suitable for you and what you want for your future. It will require a creative force like no other and some courage because missteps are possible, but it is all within your grasp now. A gift may be offered. An opportunity may come your way. A leap might be required - it might even be akin to a leap of faith - but you can do it.

The Rebirth card shows literally a rebirth. A chance to emerge renewed. A shedding of a cocoon to become the moth or the butterfly - the new creature that no one expects. A more evolved version of yourself. It is important to remember that no one can judge this "new you" except you. No one can judge your choices except you. But just as the butterfly must emerge (or it will die), so must you emerge. That is the calling and it is depicted in the Rebirth card (which is the Judgement card in traditional decks). It is the calling. You can't not follow it into emergence. So have trust - in yourself and in the world that offers you its gifts. And take that leap of faith.

The above is a message for all who reads it. If you have a calling to action something or birth something, right now - this coming week - is the time to do it.

Work with Quantum Quattro for the transformational process; Smoky Quartz for releasing the old cocoon; and Morganite or ​Nzuri Moyo for total trust in all of it.

August seems to have happened upon me before I could blink. I didn't even notice it was August and it's hard to believe school (for my daughter) starts again in about 4 weeks because it feels to me like the holidays aren't going to be long enough.

Last week, I floated along life and did not manage to post the weekly reading. Instead, I offered this on my page to make up for it.

So here is this week's reading... And the message (from the above patterns) is don't get caught up in things without awareness. Don't just float along, but forge your path - be the director and creator, and know where you are being pushed and pulled.

There are two distinct interpretations that came to mind as soon as I turned these cards - maybe one of them will mean something to those who read this (or even both).

1. A work situation might rear its head as a challenge, and it might even leave you feeling victimised in some way. The solution might be to "go your own way", or even find another job - perhaps one in which you have more independence. In any case, consider your values and how you want to proceed and consider carefully what is right for you. It's incredibly important you look after your mental health and keep yourself emotionally strong - this should take priority. Find a way to attain this.
2. In order to be able to work amicably and usefully with a certain group of people, everyone in that group needs to feel equal and like they are contributing something of worth (this does not have to be in a work/job situation, but could be in a relationship, social circle, etc). Find a way to make this happen. If it cannot happen, then it could be that you have to find a more independent route, or find a way to make your idea heard as equally as others. You might be called to change things around so this can happen. It is also imperative that you are not in a situation where you feel worried, or anxious, or bullied in any way, and if you do feel any of these things, trust in your skills, strength, and independence to make the necessary changes to so you can find peace and harmony.

There you go - quite succinct for this week.

Work with Tiger's Eye to help protect yourself telepathically and empathically from others' strong opinions (especially if they feel you are "less than" in some way); Aquamarine to help with communication; Citrine for personal power and strength; and Morganite for tapping onto unconditional love (for self and the lessons to be learnt in this situation).

Apologies for this late reading - I have had to adjust with the school holidays upon us.

Challenges are abound this week, both in your personal life and in society as a whole. You are asked to remove yourself from drama and the turmoil of those around you, and focus instead on you and your emotional healing and stability so you can build the reserves and resilience you need, not just for this week, but for the next few months beyond winter and into next year. Things (e.g. legalities) put in place this week (either in your life or in the wider world) will affect the future.

A key to preparing will be traditional meditative and spiritual practices that connect us to our ancestral lineage and wisdoms of the past, and more practically, what did your grandparents and great grandparents teach you? It's time to take heed of these lessons and listen for more. Incorporate them into your life and apply them practically for what could be a slightly stormy winter, financially as well as anything else. Our material and physical needs may very well be tested, and this always triggers primal fears of survival if we are not aware and prepared. But there are always solutions - please know this and remember this. You are asked to focus on the solutions.

The Wren appeared last week, too. Here he is again delivering important messages and news of what's to come. Do listen to him. Every day there is more news and information on what is coming down the line - the key is to know what is relevant to YOU and you alone (or you and your community), otherwise you are just bombarded with useless info. If you listen to your ancestors and guides, you will better hear the guidance meant for you and know which way you are supposed to go. It really is an inner-wisdom kind of thing - it's about instinct and connection. The Wren warns not to be impulsive, but also not to be afraid to be controversial and do things differently, especially if you can clearly see how it can be done.

Work with Lemurian quartz crystals, Citrine stones, iron-based stones, Red Jasper; green, earthy stones and any stone or crystal you have which help you connect to the wisdom of your ancestors and the nourishment of the earth.

I have also recently created The Aquarian Lion Essence. Contact me for information about purchase.

It's hard for me to put into words the energies I've felt permeating the earth over the past week, so I'm going to go straight into the Reading and let the cards speak. I will say, though, I have slept much more deeply and peacefully the past few nights than I have in a while.

The wren takes centre stage in this Reading. Not only does it feature as the central card, but it has found The Hooded Man and is whispering secrets to him. The wren is reminding him of his life path and his soul's mission; of what his true desire is and to question if he really wants to proceed in the direction he is going. It might be passing on some important information or a piece of wisdom, too.

You are encouraged to take time out next week. Do not rush impulsively into anything, but retreat and ask if the next step is really what you want. Are you being true to you? Are you still upholding your values?

Your values (your spiritual path; your work; your mission; who you are and want to be) requires dedication. It requires hard work and commitment, and sometimes, the ability to do things differently to how others have done things before you, or how they are doing things right now. Your song is yours alone and only you can hear it; in fact, only you can play it. You are asked to stop and take time to go within; meditate; perhaps do some esoteric study or philosophical soul-searching. The wren does caution you to know your subject well, as well as know yourself well.

You may receive some important or interesting piece of news next week; perhaps an opportunity - do pay attention to it. Research it. And follow it through if you feel it forms part of your life path. But make sure you fully understand why it is you choose what you choose.

On a spiritual level, you may find your psychic centre tingling with activity next week. You may receive great insight into a situation (it may even feel prophetic) that will be hard to explain to others, but you'll just know. Only you can decide what to do with such insight. This is a time of great learning.

Lapis Lazuli is a fantastic stone to work with when retreating and going within to find that inner light. It will help you with your spiritual connection and your psychic vision.
​

Two small things took place this week which I took note of because they felt significant:

1. I make smudge wands and I've been on the lookout for crow feathers - I can never find any, though. There are loads of pigeon feathers everywhere, and seagull feathers at the beach, but no crow feathers anywhere (are crows very, very neat birds?!). On Monday, I announced out loud to my partner I really wanted to find a crow feather, but never could find any. Two days later, he walks in the door and hands me a beautiful shiny, black feather he found. "It was right here on the driveway," he said. This was a beautiful reminder for me that the universe will do its utmost to give you what you want as long as you truly do want it. All you have to do is ask.
2. Twice, I received a message to look at a dream I had twenty years ago (I kept a dream diary back then, and wrote all my dreams in it). I won't go into the dream itself, suffice to say there were a lot of very large, caged owls in that dream, and a lot of the dreams I had back then, I can now see are relevant to what is happening in the world right now (yes, they were sort of prophetic, but also symbolic in a 'soul journey' kind of way). Very interesting. What struck me, though, was that this, and the crow feather incident, share "birds" as a theme - their mysteriousness, their imprisonment, and their free will.

The above is a good example of how to look for and find synchronicity in your life - synchronicity is often how important messages are given to us through our guides.

Now ... on with the reading for this coming week....

Relationships will play a highly important role next week, specifically soulmate or soul contract types of relationships. It doesn't necessarily have to be of a romantic nature (although it might be), but could be any significant relationship where you feel the connection is otherworldly  or strong (for good or bad - often soulmate relationships are here to challenge us!).

There is a sense of completion around the corner, as if something karmic is coming to a close - finally. If not completion, then perhaps circumstance changes and flips on its head, and you finally find you can move forward with something important that will help you secure something foundational. There is a hint that money, or news about something financial (or something that means security to you) could come your way, and it enables you to move onto the next phase of your plan or journey.

But there is also a sense that the above opportunity will only happen if you talk to your significant soul-contract other to iron things out and make sure you're on the same page. In fact, the good news and the turn of the wheel might only happen if you're on the same wavelength, for it is this togetherness that creates the force needed to break blockages and bring new opportunities to you. Try and be prepared, because if this is you, things could move very, very fast all of a sudden, after a period of feeling quite stuck.

You might find yourself moving house next week, or physically moving somewhere for some reason with your partner or a significant other.

Whatever happens, and whatever situation you are in, do look for opportunities next week as there will be plenty. Gifts will be available to you - whether you choose to take them or not will, of course, be your choice.

Work together with your significant other (or your soul-contract other) - two are better than one next week, and this actually applies to all relationships across the board. It's a good week to practice our humanity and ability to get on with one another; to create something new together that will bring solidity for the future.

Use Clear Quartz points for clearing your mind of clutter, directing your focus and energy, and generating new energy to work with. (The clearer the crystal, the better, in this case.)