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The Creative Spark Burns Once Again
The last five months have been a whirlwind of events, and I have found it literally impossible to keep up with everything.
One of the things that suffered was my writing. Beginning at the end of November 2007, when my dearly loved companion cat and healer Shaman was diagnosed with terminal cancer, through his intense hospice care, and for weeks following his passing at the end of February, I had no inclination to write, my grief was too great.
I did manage to squeeze out one article, "New Year’s Revolutions, Part I” regarding the appearance of the spirit of Tatiana, the zoo tiger that died under tragic circumstances at the San Diego zoo Christmas Day. Tatiana’s appearance at the despacho ceremony I was conducting heralded the beginning of my deeper involvement with the local zoo here in Seattle, the Woodland Park Zoo.
Now that I have moved through the initial stages of my grieving process and the creative spark has begun to flicker once again, I promise that I will write the follow-up articles, hopefully soon. Those articles will cover the group visit to the zoo, and subsequent fire ceremony for the Woodland Park Zoo animals.
For this newsletter I am simply going to try to give a run-down on all that is going on here at Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing LLC and all that is in the planning stages rather than trying to write all my articles at once. I am eager to relieve the mental clutter, I have a backlog of blogs to write as well. Both blogs and articles are currently running around inside my head waiting to be put on paper, and it is kind of like having several typewriters going all at once!
Rather than offering just an annual New Year’s despacho ceremony open to the public, I will now be offering them several times a year. However, unlike the annual ceremony I will only offer one sitting as space is limited (those of you who have attended know what I mean). If interested you should contact me ASAP to put your name on the list. The first of these Ayni Despacho Ceremonies is Friday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m., click here for more details.
I have been invited to do a book reading for Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki & Shamanism at SoulFood Books in Redmond, Thursday, May 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m. You can read more about the unusual event which will feature shamanic dramatizations during the reading at our press release. I hope to see you there!
And I will be presenting “Healing Spirits and Animal Communication: A Shamanic Ceremony" at East West Books in the U District on July 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. East West is just now preparing their summer event listings for publication so I will let you know further details when it is out.
YOUTUBE VIDEO INSPIRED BY THE DALAI LAMA
A video directed and produced by local Reiki Master Rhonda Hanley will be coming out on YouTube shortly featuring several characters from Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing, namely myself, Rose De Dan, reading the story “Two Dogs” from Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki & Shamanism to my very cooperative and ever faithful dog, Puma. And my cat, Saqqara, will make a cameo appearance as well. Look for my blog about the making of the video, coming soon to a computer near you (-:
And yes, it was inspired by watching a video the Dalai Lama made regarding his recent appearance here in Seattle for the event put on by Seeds of Compassion. And I was one of the fortunate people who got a ticket to see the Dalai Lama speak (there will be an article about that coming also, got to get those articles out, those typewriters are getting really loud!).
ADVANCED SHAMANIC TRAINING IN THE PERUVIAN TRADITION
This is a very early heads-up, an advanced shamanic training class is in the planning stages for 2009. It will be open to all full mesa carriers in the Peruvian Q’ero shamanic tradition.
I will be bringing a very well respected and highly qualified shamanic teacher of great integrity and heart to Washington state, someone who has spent a great deal of time with the Q’ero and with Don Manuel Quispe. This training will deepen our connection and knowledge with this beautiful tradition. At this time specifics such as dates, times, location, etc. are still in the planning stages. I just wanted to get the buzz going, and to let you all know how excited I am about this opportunity!
REIKI REVIEW, REIKI I & REIKI II CLASSES
The monthly Reiki Review & Advanced Training class offered every third Saturday of the month will end with a last class in May. Open to Reiki practitioners of all levels it features lively discussions, advanced techniques, refinement and refresher on basic practices, community support, and, of course, the opportunity to give and receive Reiki.
It will take a three-month hiatus, and then will resume as either a bi-monthly or quarterly class. Look for dates to come.
My foster cat, Keiko, featured in “Saving Keiko: Finding A Forever Home” is still residing in my cellar. Rescued shortly before my elder cat Shaman was diagnosed with terminal cancer, finding Keiko a home came to a screeching halt once Shaman’s hospice care began. Now that Shaman has passed on, I have made finding Keiko her forever home a priority.
With that idea in mind, several cat-loving people who also happen to be Reiki/ shamanic practitioners have been working as volunteers with Keiko in order to better socialize her for a new home. I am happy to report that she is making good progress, and I hope to be able to post her on PetFinder and begin screening applicants, soon. My very grateful thanks to those who have offered their help!
A Photo that Turns the Other Cheek and a New Bio for the Animals
My dog Puma and I went to the recent City Dog Art Walk in Pioneer Square, along with Cindy Stelzner and her two Chinese Crested dogs. Her dogs stole the show in their gorgeous embroidered silk jackets, but Puma rallied by being the calmest dog there. No small accomplishment since the place was packed art-covered wall-to-wall. Hooray for Cesar Millan and his calm-assertive training! Incidentally, I highly recommend his new book Be the Pack Leader it can help you transform yourself, no dog required.
While there I took an opportunity to get photos taken by fabulous Dane + Dane Studios. Since I am so often on the other side of the lens I have very few photos of Puma and I. The one I liked best features our playful sides, and is now paired with our new bio for Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing which I think better expresses the unique roles that my animal companions play in the sessions and classes.
Keep on SCROLLING
Don’t stop reading here, there are lots of good articles and event listings to follow!
If you would like to read more musings by Rose De Dan sign up for our newsletter, send an email and put "subscribe" in the subject line, or visit Articles or our blog posts.
Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing LLC, is a longtime Reiki Master Teacher, animal healer/communicator, shamanic practitioner and author of "Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki & Shamanism." In partnership with her animal companions she teaches Reiki and shamanic classes in Seattle, WA and offers private consultations for both humans and animals. For individual sessions and phone consultations reach her at (206) 933-7877 or send an email.
There is an Indian legend which says: "When a human dies there is a bridge they must cross to enter into heaven. At the head of that bridge waits every animal that human encountered during their lifetime. The animals, based upon what they know of this person, decide which humans may cross the bridge...and which are turned away."
In shamanism it is said that everything has a spirit, well, you could say that my new book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki & Shamanism is evidencing wild and spirited behavior just like the image on its front cover.
Initially my book managed to make itself invisible online at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble, much to the puzzlement of my publisher. For quite some time no one could figure out why that was happening. It is now fully visible and searchable at Amazon, apparently having learned to trust the user-friendly atmosphere there; but it is still in hiding at the Barnes and Noble jungle. Unless you search for the title exactly you will not find it, it does not appear in any keyword search, apparently due to the book’s title being only partially listed as “Tails of a Healer.” I guess I would not want to come out of hiding either if I did not feel fully accepted.
There were many rejected drafts and numerous scratches for those who tried to define the book’s spirit and purpose within the confining limits of a one-page press release. When the final press release heralding it’s publication was sent out to the news media it, too, quietly disappeared for more than 24 hours, to the amazement of the press release service who, like the publisher, could not figure out what had happened. During that time both the book cover image and the company logo fought being posted in my online newsroom, only appearing after several phone calls and much head-scratching by the techies.
While the book seems determined to play a form of hunter/prey, stalking around the internet and pouncing at unexpected moments, it appears as a kinder, gentler feline spirit to the people who read its tales and their companion animals.
Throughout the manuscript-reading process and soon after publication I began receiving reports of cats sleeping on it. If the book was moved to a different location the cat would simply take up residence on it again. One cat client, in the last stages of his life, seemed to use the book as a sort of energetic heating pad which appeared to be plugged into my household. He was able to tell his person via the book telegraph exactly when my elderly cat Shaman crossed over into spirit.
And like any curious cat the book began to seek out new homes on its own. An autographed copy, intended for one of my wonderful friends who had helped with the final stages of the book, somehow mysteriously got accidentally addressed and mailed to a client of mine (who had not ordered a copy herself). My client called to say that she had received it, and I suggested that she simply tape it up and mark it “Return to Sender.” She called back to say that before she could do that her dog, who had never done anything like this before, actually ate a part of the envelope, making it impossible to mail it back! She ended up physically giving me back the autographed copy (which did finally complete its intended journey) and ordering a copy for herself since the book seemed determined to stay.
Finally, and happily, I am also receiving feedback from people who have found the book so enticing they tell me it is difficult for them to put it down, and they have shared with me their thanks for its energy which has inspired them to deeper levels of healing and change in their lives.
So, here’s to the spirit of my book, a true original. May you continue to seek out and inspire people and animals, and if I place a particularly tasty bit out on the internet as an offering, could you please stop fighting with the technology?
Got a story of your own to share about the book? I’d love to hear it, send me an email.
Click here to order a copy or read Reader Reviews and an Excerpt from "Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki & Shamanism".
You are invited to a beautiful and powerful energetic ceremony from Peru called an ayni despacho, conducted by Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing.
A despacho is an ancient ceremony that melds the assembling of consensual reality (the world we all agree exists here and now) with offerings and prayers to the Spirit World for the creation of ayni (balance and harmony) in our lives, healing and release of energies that are standing in our way of fully stepping into who we are becoming--our limitless possibilities. The ceremony can assist with all aspects of your life: relationship, business, career, family, home, companion animals, spiritual, etc. The ceremony itself is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in length. When the despacho is completed the shaman gives it to the fire and the spirits to consume, releasing the energies and the prayers.
Where: Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing LLC, Alki, Seattle, WA When: 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 23, 2008 Cost: $10 donation per person suggested RSVP to Rose De Dan by May 16 (space is limited), 206-933-7877 or send an email.
For those with allergies please note that there will be animals present.
Dinner and Auction to Benefit Homeward Pet Shelter Animals
Homeward Pet welcomes you to an event filled with fun, food, wine, and inspiration - their annual Animal Benefit Auction and Dinner. Enjoy an exciting night dedicated to the countless animals in need of rescue, shelter, and adoption!
When: 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2008 Where: Bell Harbor on the Seattle waterfront, Pier 66
Dinner donations are $100 a person and that includes a champagne reception, full three course dinner with dessert as well as wine. Reserve your seats today!
For their auction items they have put together a dazzling collection of products and experiences with something for everyone. And best of all, your participation will help save more animals. Unwanted litters of puppies and kittens will find quality homes and older dogs and cats that are abandoned at area shelters will get their second chance. Most importantly, more people will be matched with loving, loyal companions that will enrich their lives.
Homeward Pet is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that exists because of support from you, and others like you in our animal community. Because of your generosity they transfer many animals from overcrowded county shelters and give them a second chance at life. And they rehabilitate adoption challenged animals and give them the time to find the right home.
Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing LLC is dedicated to supporting animal shelter and rescue groups.
Please check out our growing list in our Resources section.
Radio for Your Soul
Study Shows Reiki Helps Cancer-Related Fatigue
According to 2 Canadian researchers in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol. 6, No. 1, 25-35 (2007), Reiki Therapy is more effective than an hour of daily rest in treating cancer-related fatigue. In the article, "Pilot Crossover Trial of Reiki Versus Rest for Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue", the authors conclude, "indicated significant decreases in tiredness..., pain..., and anxiety..., which were not seen in the resting condition. Future research should further investigate the impact of Reiki using more highly controlled designs that include a sham Reiki condition and larger sample sizes."
Featuring 30+ inspirational authors
Can Your Dog Help Find Lost Pets?
Missing Pet Partnership is proud to announce the formation of Seattle Pet Hunters, a volunteer pilot program designed to reunite lost companion animals with their families in King County, Washington.
The term "pet hunter" is used intentionally. Most families who've lost a companion animal are simply NOT using the proper search strategies, techniques, or resources required to find a missing pet. Most people post 8 ½ X 11 flyers (which actually can't be read by driver's passing by) and they passively wait for someone to call them if they have seen their lost pet. These people typically feel hopeless, helpless, and they quickly give up, never finding their missing dog or cat. Those companion animals end up somewhere, most often in local (or distant) shelters or rescue groups where they contribute to high euthanasia rates.
Missing Pet Partnership has a philosophy for finding lost pets that makes perfect sense. It is the same philosophy involved in looking for missing people: If you want to find a lost person, you need to physically SEARCH (hunt) for them!
Starting in May 2008, Seattle Pet Hunters will begin to utilize volunteers to conduct aggressive, physical searches for lost pets using trained search dogs, high-tech equipment, and CSI-like investigative techniques to solve lost pet investigations. In addition, they hope to test out innovative lost pet recovery techniques designed to help animal shelters reunite stray (lost) dogs and cats with the families who could not find them.
Lost pets that are not found are a major (yet overlooked) contributing factor to high euthanasia rates in our shelters. Most shelters "rush to re-home" in order to save animals lives, yet very few make a strong effort to reunite lost pets (let alone reunite strays they are holding) with their families. Missing Pet Partnership hopes to test out new concepts in King County and ultimately develop them in shelters across the USA, saving the lives of many companion animals!
Relieve driving stress, clear bad energy Palo Santo Wood Pendant and Air Freshener
"I just received my order of the Palo Santo Wood Pendant Trio, and I love them! The moment I took them out of the package I felt the awesome energy. I will be ordering a few more for friends and family. Thanks again."—Muriel S.
Hang this unique and beautiful palo santo wood pendant, decorated with a hand-painted ceramic bead from Peru, from your car’s rear view mirror, and enjoy its blessing and benefits. In the Peruvian shamanic tradition sacred palo santo wood (or holy wood) is used for offerings in ceremony and as an incense for smudging and clearing of heavy energies. It has a delicious scent, even unlit, and will help keep your personal space clear and promote relaxation while facing driving challenges. Or try it out it in your closets or at the office! Each pendant is long-lasting, if scent diminishes simply sand lightly with nail file or scrape with fingernail to release fresh scent.
Our package features three energetically blessed pieces of palo santo, each decorated with a different Peruvian hand-painted ceramic bead (two Inca designs and one llama in a desert scene) and strung on a hand-cut leather thong to hang or carry. And with three you can use them all throughout your house (they work great as a closet or drawer sachet) or give one as a unique gift certain to be remembered and enjoyed.
Size: palo santo wood pendant approx. 3”, leather thong approx. 7.5”. Each piece is unique and variations will occur.
SHAMANIC WORKSHOPS "The beautiful simplicity of Andean Shamanic Healing supports my Earth Walk every day."--K.A., Seattle, WA
Spirited Living: A Shamanic Journey into Self-Healing
Shamanism, the world’s oldest form of healing, is founded on the belief that the universe is one in spirit — a universe in which animals, birds, stones, rivers, mountains are messengers and allies.
In this four-part class we will connect with forces of nature, deepening our relationship with the world around us. Our journey encompasses the shedding of our past and the healing of old wounds. Through ancient and powerful ceremonies and Rites of Passage you will build your own mesa (healing bundle), freeing yourself and creating alliances. This is the path of the shaman, learning to live in grace and with spirit.
"I became a Mesa carrier over six years ago. I find the teachings I learned from this tradition inform how I work and live on a daily basis. I was blessed to have wonderful people in my ayllu (community of fellow students of the tradition). Though we live in different places and I don't see many of them anymore, I still feel fully connected with them and with the ancestors who held these teachings in the past. It's a very rich tradition and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.--P.K., Issaquah
An entertaining, brilliant, economically and environmentally accurate, and scary assessment of why we aren’t happy, why our planet is suffering, and what we can do about it. This online video is easy to watch, hard to forget, and is actually shamanic in nature.
“From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.”
Please watch The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard, and be a positive force for change in our world!
You Can Heal Your Life Conference from Louise L. Hay!
Rookie, the Dancing Dog, Celebrates 15
Rookie, possibly the most famous dog in the world, companion and dance partner to Carolyn Scott entered retirement a year ago. Here you can see a tribute clip of their performances over the years as well as some very cute photos of Rookie as a puppy.
Rookie just celebrated his 15th birthday on January 9, 2008, and is said to be enjoying his retirement despite challenges in dealing with cancer.
There's an incredible story behind this human/canine dance team -- a story that makes what you see all that much more poignant. A real life tale of how love can inspire both species to reach for healing and the fullest expression of their soul potential. Carolyn Scott, childhood polio survivor, overcame her own anxiety by helping young Rookie overcome his. Check out this blog site for a glimpse of what our love for others can inspire us to do for ourselves.
If you have not seen their most famous performance in the category of Canine Freestyle, it is a must-see. It brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it because the love these two have for each other is something special. Watch Carolyn Scott and Rookie, her golden retriever, dancing to the Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta recording of ''You're the One That I Want,'' from the movie Grease.
Power Up Your Reiki Practice Build a successful healing practice for $30 or less
Building a sustainable spiritual practice takes dedication and commitment, but it does not have to cost a lot in advertising dollars. Utilize your already existing assets, tell everyone who crosses your path what you do (and be sure to carry business cards!).
Display your Reiki skills with style and humor
Your car, your t-shirt, your purse or shopping bag can all be vehicles to help drive your healing practice to success.
Show the world what powers your life
For your car:
• license plate frames and bumper stickers
As thank you gifts for your clients or office display:
• Reiki magnets in bulk
• Reiki greeting cards and posters
To view all Reiki products visit Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing's online store.
Contact Rose De Dan, Reiki Master Teacher at 206-933-7877 or send an email if you would like to have a personalized design created for your healing practice.
Over three months ago I received a call from a local vet’s office. They were seeking information about the possibility of placing a cat that had been brought to them to be euthanized. Since she was perfectly healthy they wanted to see if other options could be found. She was surrendered to the vet by the family that adopted her as a stray that turned up in their yard at about 6-8 months of age. They had her spayed, declawed on all four feet (poor dear, declawing is a cruel procedure as it removes the toe on each foot to the first joint, otherwise the nail grows back). Keiko is now three years old, and up-to-date on her vaccinations.
The reason for Keiko’s surrender is that she began to hide and to not always use the litter box. Keiko was checked and there was no evidence of a physical issue. My experience with cat clients has definitely taught me that they will develop these behavioral responses when something happens that causes them to feel unsafe in their environment. When threatened they will begin to display territorial marking behavior.
The vet was concerned that they were still going to have to euthanize her because she was extremely aggressive in her cage and would hiss and swat at them and try to bite (declawed cats feel very vulnerable and when really scared will use the last weapon left them, their teeth). I felt I needed to go visit her to better be able to assess the situation and to see how I might best offer advice. As I was very busy I asked a student to take a look at her photo and see what she might learn through animal communication. The picture emerged of a very sweet cat that needed someone who understood her need to be able to trust in her own fashion, and who was very afraid of where she was. She did not want to die.
When I first laid eyes on Keiko she was hiding behind a comfort barrier that the kind vet people had put in her cage, and was growling and hissing. I immediately knew what the solution was going to be. Unfortunately it involved my taking her home as a foster cat. It was very clear that she was never going to be able to settle in a vet clinic environment, there was too much noise and distress from other animals that came in for appointments. No one was ever going to be able to see who Keiko really was in that environment, she needed a quiet place to recover and see how she really interacted.
Keiko was informed of the plan, and when I went to pick her up the vet tech placed heavy gloves on her hands to try to grab Keiko and put her in the carrier. I could see Keiko’s response to that, and suggested that perhaps we open the carrier and place it in the cage and see if she would go in voluntarily. And she did, with a little guidance and encouragement, and she sat quietly as I picked her up and took her back to my house and a cage in the cellar.
When I first foster a cat I almost always cage them so that we have a secure environment in which to interact and so that I can build trust quickly. Keiko emerged from her carrier with ease, and immediately took up residence in the cat bed teepee that I had gotten for her to feel safe. Not once did she hiss at me, although she was clearly scared. I made no attempt to touch her for the next few days, simply giving her time. When I finally did reach out to her she tipped her head with relief and gladly accepted some loving touches. From that point on she was eager for contact -- when I bring her food she would rather have me pet her than eat!
My schedule does not allow me to spend much time with her, but I make a point every evening to sit down in front of the cage and do some Reiki with her. Keiko knows the routine and rushes to her mat, eager for her session. I place both arms in the cage and Keiko piles in between them, curling around inside, rubbing her face in my hand, flipping her body, and purring like mad the entire time (and she has a lovely, loud, rumbling purr). If she really gets going she drools, just a little bit. By the end of 15 minutes of Reiki she is curled into a ball within my arms, head usually tucked into one hand, purr trailing off as she falls asleep. I still cannot believe that this is the same terrified cat that I saw at the vet, but, when I bring someone else to visit her, Keiko gets scared and tries to hide. She is getting better, accepting my reassurance that it is okay, trusting me, but it will evidently take her time to bond with someone else. In my opinion Keiko is a semi-feral. She will make someone a lovely companion so long as they allow her to build the relationship at her comfort level, and she will probably not be seen when company visits (unless they are doing Reiki, in which case I think she will be front and center!).
Keiko has now been with me for over three months, and now interacts with me outside the cage, often helping with the laundry. Sudden health issues with my eldest cat, Shaman, kind of put the focus of getting her adopted on hold, but she would really like to find her forever home. I have given her great food and supplements, her coat is really glossy, she uses the litter box without fail, and she has had more than enough energy work!
So, do you know someone who would love this very sweet lady? I believe she needs a quiet home, one without children or dogs, although I think another laid-back cat would be fine. And the person definitely needs to be someone who is comfortable with letting Keiko be who she is rather than having specific requirements.
I will screen any potential adopters, and there is an adoption fee (fee will be donated to rescue work, it is good to have a fee to discourage impulse adoptions). It would be nice if Keiko’s person was already a Reiki practitioner but I am willing to consider a discount on training if the person is willing!
Keiko is waiting. Do you know where her forever home is?
If you are interested in adopting Keiko, please call Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki & Shamanic Healing at 206-933-7877 or send an email.
If you would like to post a comment or read other comments about Keiko please visit Wild Reiki Blog.
For more articles on how to build trust with cats check out our new book Tails of a Healer.
Lost Pet Recovery Tip The Silence Factor: "The behavior of an injured or sick (or displaced, panicked) cat is that they will hide in silence. We've called this "The Silence Factor" and this behavior KILLS CATS EVERY DAY!
Hiding in silence is a protective mechanism that cats use to protect themselves from predators. What this means is that before you print up lost cat posters or drive down to your shelter to look for your lost cat, FIRST search under and in every conceivable hiding place on your own property and on your neighbor's property! It is quite possible that your missing cat is injured and in need of medical attention and that you will need to use a flashlight and crawl under your house in order to save his life! Just because you do not see or hear your cat does not mean he is not right there!"
This advice comes from the Missing Pet Partnership website, another group featured in our Resources section, and has helped save the lives of countless missing cats. Please support Missing Pet Partnership and their efforts to help more people recover their feline friends! You can send your tax deductible contribution to: Missing Pet Partnership, P.O. Box 2457, Clovis, CA 93613.
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