Mother of the Mountain

another early morning birth Mother of the Mountain Sacred Familiar encaustic oracle

gift at the Spring

Bilby 'shapeshifter' spirit doll waiting for her new friend at the Spring

Today Tony, Rory and I went to draw from the Spring on top of Mt Donna Buang in Warburton, Victoria. If you live close to this beautiful mountain I urge you to drink from this Spring - especially if you are in need of healing. It is the clearest and purest source of water in Victoria. It is absolutely the most beautiful water we have ever tasted and worked with in ceremony. We travel every 3 weeks to this source to draw for our needs and give thanks.

In the last 3 months I have been leaving a spirit doll as a gift each time we visit the Spring and I leave a little note with the doll to tell whoever finds her that she is a gift to them for visiting this magic place. It is one of my favourite things to do and I have noticed that almost all of the dolls have been found by men. I thought about this and it struck me that it is usually the men of the family who travel to the Spring because they are the strongest and they collect water for their family and friends. All of the men found the dolls because they had thought they were rubbish and like to clean around the Spring when they visit. 

How perfect that these brothers, the guardians of the Spring are receiving this gift for caring for the Spring and caring for their families. Today I left behind this 'Bilby shapeshifter' medicine doll carrying White Lotus in her tummy. She was made on the night I returned from the Spring 3 weeks ago and helped me to release what I no longer needed over the time of Eclipse. She is now waiting at the top of Mt Donna Buang as a gift to the next visitor to the Spring. I am looking forward to hearing from her new companion.

Water is free. It is a gift from our precious Mother Earth. Drink from the source and thank the Ancestors x

I took this photo after we sat and thanked the Ancestors on our first visit to the Spring

Home of the sacred Spring

Hair Like Seaweed - Lucy Hardie

Mary by Lucy Hardie
Ink on cotton paper  2012

I am looking forward to meeting artist, Lucy Hardie. I was introduced to Lucy's artwork by my best friend last year and I was awestruck at the intricacy and detail of her drawings and also the mysterious potency in the eyes of many of her characters. I am also drawn to her themes of death, transformation and rebirth. The artwork above, Mary, particularly intrigued me, I could sense so many layers, so many stories... Today Lucy shared the story behind this bewitching image and now I am even more eager to sit down and talk with her about the ancestral medicine carried in her lineage. 

"This piece was inspired by my great grandmother, Louisa 'Mary' Dundas, who worked as a Medium in London in the early 1900's. A story that has been passed down through my mother's side is that my grandmother once walked in to the room when Mary was holding a séance and saw a person levitating. Another story is that when Mary saw a portrait that Hungarian artist, Philip Alexius de László had painted of her, she said he'd made her hair look like seaweed.

I used these stories in forming the composition. The poppies in her hair were included as my way of honouring her memory, and more broadly, as symbols of life after death, and awakening. While this image was inspired by an individual who I share a personal relationship with, I wanted to capture in her a sense of what exists in all of us, to evoke a deeper experience of who we are beyond our stories as separate self identities."

Limited edition giclée prints of Mary are available for purchase at Salt Contemporary Art, Queenscliff, Victoria, as part of Lucy Hardie's show, on now until Nov 24. Open Friday - Monday 11am - 5pm and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment.
Sales inquiries: info@salt-art.com.au or (03) 5258 3988

Robyn's Swan Blessing Story - Sacred Vow to Hide the Healer

Far From Home - Morgan Weistling

Today I share Robyn's Swan Blessing past life story of her Vow to Hide the Healer - to not let anyone know who she truly was. This fear of persecution is one of the strongest ties that binds us and stop us from stepping into spiritual and healing work again in our current lifetime. I was very touched by Robyn's courage to face this fear and was thrilled to see her rapid transformation after she released her spirit from this heavy vow. I hope that in the telling of Robyn's own story, it helps those who are also feeling this same fear to realise that this vow is ancient and does not belong with your spirit in this time of change and rise of the Sacred Feminine. I hope it helps you to feel that you are not alone and that you can come out of the shadows and into community with your sisters and brothers again.

Thank you Robyn and we are so happy to see the unveiling of your Wise Medicine here in this world again.

As I looked into the well I became a seven year old girl with long sandy brown hair in plats. All around  was forest. Beautiful majestic trees that were as high as the sky. I  was met by a lady, but could only see her curly, dark auburn red hair.  She was wearing an emerald green cloak made of raw silk. It was stunning and shiny.  I couldn't see her face through the shadow of the hood.  I felt we were mother and child. She beckoned me to follow her and seemed very excited to show me something. We were skipping and running with such excitement and freedom through the forest. 

We came to a clearing in the trees where there were some people in a circle surrounding a fire. They were pagans, all holding hands chanting blessings to the earth. I could see their shapes in white with no defining marks. The only defining vision was a giant rabbit joined in amongst the people, my mother and myself. We joined the circle and began to become one with earth and all the people. We prayed for healing of the world, for peace, for the sick, for all in need. We were healers, shamans and in an age where this belief could have you branded and killed as a witch. 

Suddenly there were screams and men attacking us with sticks, breaking up the circle and beating anyone they could catch. As we fled into the forest they grabbed my mother. They pulled us apart, our arms stretched out for one last chance of touch. I  watched as my mother was carried away screaming and kicking holding her arms out to me. I was crying out for her with no hope.  I had to hide until it was safe to emerge. As I looked up, a hand reached out for me. It was a man who had come to help. He took me to a secret place where we were allowed to be free and safe. We all lived together in harmony with nature and continued to heal. They taught me the ways of nature and how to use the powers that I possessed. 

I grew into a tall, stunning looking woman that walked tall and proud hiding my deep secrets. I  was a healer with such powers that I could heal with a single smile or glance. I had my secret kept deep within, not sharing through fear of being killed.  I healed from afar. I was living in a Scandinavian town on the edge of the forest. Nobody knew who I was, but I had respect. 

When it was time to see my binding I felt a huge rope coil around my entire body much like a snake would strangle their prey. I was bound with this rope with a giant knot in my mouth. The knot represented how I swore to never discuss my secret within. Never to let anyone know I am a healer.  Then my mother was reunited with me to show me I was safe. As she put out her arms for me, a feeling of love and peace shot through my entire body. Then my ropes were cut and they fell to the ground. The young girl was free to talk her truth. No more silence, no more fear, I too am free.

After my blessing the Swan circled above with the sun behind her. She came low enough to pick me up and carry me away.  I embraced her with gratitude for allowing me to take this journey. I felt safe with her as she flew through the perfect sky, then spiraled down and around to land in the dam paddock of my home. A home I can now appreciate and feel settled and safe in from this day forward. 

What an amazing experience. The most interesting guided meditation I have ever done. The emotion that was experienced was so intense inside my heart, but was finally put at peace through this magical healing. Having picked some cards Julia described exactly where I was in my heart. I was feeling trapped with my strong spiritual belief having to remain a secret, through fear of being persecuted, criticized and judged.  At the end of the day, my choice to be who I am truly within my heart was being ignored, leaving me untrue to myself and my life as who I am today. 

I believe more and more in past lives and at times have had some amazing things happen to convince me even more again. I have always had a yearning to be in India. It was a place where one of my many spiritual steps were taken and where I have always felt at home and allowed to embrace spirituality. I have always felt a strong connection to India through family history, past and present, but also in the heart.  In India, people show you respect for your strong belief.  Monks, nuns and Holy men are looked up to and never persecuted. My past lives as a holy being were many and I was loved and respected for who I was. This was making it hard to settle in my own home, a paradise surrounded by nature. A place that people come to enjoy and relax. But for me, no, India felt like home.  For a while now I had the feeling that my beliefs and abilities  should be kept secret, as judgements and criticisms I have had to face from opening my heart to people have felt so unfair. I am not cuckoo or going to hell, I am an amazing being with a lot to share. Life is good! 

So a couple of days pass. I start to see visions of my past again. This time, I recognize my mother. She isn't my maternal mother from this life as I originally thought, she is Judy, healer I bump into on occasion. In my Scandinavian life, Judy is my mother. Judy is also the healer that helped me on a few occasions. She turns up at the right time. A lovely lady I have always felt like I should get to know better, but has never had the chance. First thing the next morning After this visit to Melbourne my family all went to our chiropractor for our regular adjustment. We hadnt seen a single soul in town before entering the clinic. Guess who were the patients before us, Judy and her husband Jack. I hadn't seen them for over 18 months and now I feel its time to get to know them better. I think I have a new teacher. 

Thank you Julia and Tony for helping me find peace. Look forward to another magical experience with you both.  Robyn, 2013

Swan Blessing bookings 

the universe is encaustic - Eagle Nebula

Forest of Life - Marian's Swan Blessing Unbinding of Many Stories

'Catskin' by Arthur Rackham

As well as holding Swan Blessing ceremonies in person, I am now able to offer Swan Sessions by Skype and phone by request from the forest. In these Swan sessions we will journey together to release your spirit from the binding of past life beliefs, vows and sacred oaths to receive the gifts of your ancestral medicine.  

Swan Sessions: by Skype or phone -  one hour $120. 

Please email me to request a time to journey with Swan together. 

Swan Blessing Ceremonies in person in Sherbrooke or Kew, VIC

1.5 hours    $160

Sometimes a seeker will come to journey in Swan Blessing with Tony and I to release a binding belief or promise of the past that unlocks not only one significant past life but many. All of these lifetimes are bound together because the same belief was carried and activated in each incarnation. This happened for Marian. All she had to do was to take that first step into the Forest to meet her own Spirit to begin a shedding of many lifetimes. In our journey, Marian received rapid vision after vision of the past experiences that were needed to release her ancestral medicine. With the shedding of each life, Marian felt lighter and freer until finally she found the new words to call back into her life with joy and trust the medicine of her birthright, the medicine of Healer.

Oceans of love to you Marian, radiant healer, child of the Earth.

Forest of Life.

The beauty of walking in the forest of life. 
It’s a deep place of wisdom, of welcome and soul birds in flight. 
This is where my life was begun. 
Safe and nurtured under the sun. 
Two parents, one daughter. A life full of love.

Stolen away so young.
When, as yet, I did not discern any one.
I hear my mother’s tears.
I hear the pain she now bears.
A life gone.  A life taken.

Soldiers in the smokey haze attacking.
One field, one tree, a hill, a wooden home.
Not my own.  But here I am grown.
Children playing with sun on skin smiling, laughing. Or is it screaming.
In the darkness woman staring. 

Dusty bricks. 
Yellow stone upon stone.
Walls rising up. Soldiers inside. Me out alone.
Yet not alone. 
A child accompanies me down the dirt road.

Who is she?
If only she were my own.
She leads me to a ghost home.
So many empty buildings. What happened here?
This once rich land holds nothing but fear.

Vision of illness and sickness.
Death and dying.
They sent me away to save the living.
Angry father thinks he knows best.
She killed the mother at first breath.

Back to the woods to an Aunt out of favour.
Skilled in an art form that makes her a saviour.
She teaches the ways passed from the ancients.
Guiding and leading. Crafting my healing.
Bark and herbs for the dying and living.

A woodland temple is where I am drawn.
Seeking solace after the beloved Aunt is gone.
It is beautiful, sacred, profound.
A home amongst trees if I give up the purpose for which many women feel bound.
Willing and happy to fulfil my call. I choose to serve the women, children, sick and poor.

Priest, ceremony.  Realisation.
Deceived by men.  An innocent victim.
Held captive, held prisoner for my knowledge and more.
My wisdom, my healing, my spirit, my light.
They’ll change it, they’ll break it, they’ll make it night.

Mad with rage I scream and I holler.
I pull on my life with vicious anger.
I throw myself round till I’m no longer there.
Head bangs, body shudders, blood running through hair.
Lying cold on the floor, face pale, eyes stare.

Always a child. Almost a woman grown.
But, never a mother, never a lover.
And, never a crone.The pledge was made to be alone.
To save the secrets of the soul.

A life gone. A life taken. A healer kept hidden till this incarnation.
A walk in the forest, a walk through life.
Brings forth wisdom, healing and a soul bird in flight.
Goddess of love, of wisdom and light.
Freely to roam now full of life.

Marian, 2013

Swan Medicine

Hi Julia, 

I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for the Swan blessing the other day. So much has 'unlocked' since then, especially in my dreams. I am in the process of writing it down but I just wanted to share these photos I took the following weekend :)    

Catherine after Swan Blessing 2013

 

 

this is the way

this is the way preparing for tonight's ceremony in the forest

 

Starwalkers, Wolf Riders and Fire Keepers - Buffy Sainte Marie

Buffy Sainte Marie breast feeding her son on Sesame Street

I adore Buffy Sainte Marie. I saw her last year in Melbourne at the age of 71, appearing decades younger and then watched her shapeshifting onstage into an even younger girl dancing. It was the best performance of vitality and honesty and truth I've seen in years. I hope she returns to Australia again soon.

Did you know she was the first woman to breast feed her child on television? Sesame Street! For all those needing kindling for their Fire today in the Dark Moon I share this beloved Fire Keeper xx

Starwalker, he's a friend of mine
You've seen him looking fine
He's a straight talker, he's a Starwalker
Don't drink no wine
Ay way hey o heya

Wolf Rider she's a friend of yours
You've seen her opening doors,
She's a history turner, she's a sweetgrass burner
And a dog soldier
Ay hey way hey way heya

Holy light, guard the night.
Pray up your medicine song.
Oh, stake dealer you're a spirit healer,
Keep going on.
Ay hey way hey way heya

Lightning Woman, Thunderchild
Star soldiers one and all oh
Sisters, Brothers all together
Aim straight, Stand tall

Starwalker he's a friend of mine
You've seen him looking fine
He's a straight talker, he's a Starwalker
Don't drink no wine
Ah way hey o hey...

Aya hey hey heyo way hey heyo
Ay hey hey heya
Hey way hey way heya
Heya wey yoh
Ay hey way hey way heya

for the lovers of Earth

Bjork by Laura Levine

Bjork (1991, Woodstock) - I'm often asked if I have a favorite photo and I can say without hesitation that it's this one right here. All of the elements combined to make it one of my favorite moments as a photographer, and it happened purely by chance. I met Bjork the night before when she invited herself along and joined some friends and me for a late night pool game up in Woodstock. At the time she was upstate recording with the Sugarcubes. I was already a fan, and had always wanted to photograph her, and when I asked her if I could she said sure. Just like that. We'd been talking all night, she trusted me, and I guess that was all she needed to go on. 

The next day I picked her up and brought her to my friend Ben's house, who helped out as my assistant for the shoot. I knew he had a lovely forest glade behind his house and I thought the setting fit in nicely with her freespiritedness. As happens often in shoots I've done (don't ask me why), she gradually began to to shed her clothes. I picked out a couple of oversized leaves (a la Eve in the Garden of Eden) and she stepped onto a large boulder. At that moment it started to drizzle, she stood on tippy-toe and opened her mouth to catch a raindrop on her tongue. Click. 

Having spent a long time talking with her the night before I felt this image really captured her essence - a woodland sprite, a free spirit, playful, earthy, and open . (Some other reasons why this is a favorite? No makeup artists, no stylists, no trendy fashions, no managers, no publicists, no record label politics, no artificial lighting, no gimmicks, no self-conciousness. Just natural light, some foliage, and Bjork.).  Laura Levine