Ricky Martin Is GAY?!

Indulge me for a moment--but, what?! He's homosexual?! You MUST be kidding! I'm SHOCKED! How could this be? I had NO idea!

Ok, I feel better now. In all honesty and sincerity, I'm pleased as punch that Ricky has decided to come out and tell us what most of the world has known, or at least suspected, for a long while now. So this isn't really news, but "yay" for him and his kids.

As a tip o' the hat to the ever-sexy Mr. Martin, enjoy a live performance of "Livin La Vida Loca." Damn, I loved this song. Even have to admit that I once danced to it with a client at a dinner/conference thingy. Could've been worse!

Ricky Martin Is GAY?!

Indulge me for a moment--but, what?! He's homosexual?! You MUST be kidding! I'm SHOCKED! How could this be? I had NO idea!

Ok, I feel better now. In all honesty and sincerity, I'm pleased as punch that Ricky has decided to come out and tell us what most of the world has known, or at least suspected, for a long while now. So this isn't really news, but "yay" for him and his kids.

As a tip o' the hat to the ever-sexy Mr. Martin, enjoy a live performance of "Livin La Vida Loca." Damn, I loved this song. Even have to admit that I once danced to it with a client at a dinner/conference thingy. Could've been worse!

I'm Buying a New Drum!

I'm excited because I just ordered my first drum! Yeah, some may say that's backwards--How can you be a shaman without a drum?--but then, I also bought a motorcycle helmet before I even had a motorcycle! All in good time, I say. Since I didn't have an actual drum, I've been using CDs and online music for my meditations, which works just fine.

And since I sold my motorcycle, I decided to channel some of that energy (money) into a really nice drum. I've had plenty of opportunities to buy one, but I wanted something special since this will be used not only for personal use but also for (hopefully) public ceremonies. Buying something more mass-produced just didn't feel right. So why not pay a little extra for something more customized?

From a friend's recommendation, I've purchased my drum from The Drum People, out of Alabama. The drum maker is Cherokee/Metis, and he and his wife hand-make all the drums, beaters and storage bags. I was attracted to them because they use reclaimed cedar wood so that living trees are not cut down. Plus there isn't any mass assembly line churning these things out. So far, my experience working with them has been great. They take time to make sure you get what you want, and they have all kinds of ways to customize your drum and any other accessories. Plus, they emphasize the spiritual energy that goes into making and using a drum, which is important to me. Unfortunately, they no longer hand-paint on the drum heads due to a busy workload, but that's fine with me.

I'll let you know when the drum arrives!

I'm Buying a New Drum!

I'm excited because I just ordered my first drum! Yeah, some may say that's backwards--How can you be a shaman without a drum?--but then, I also bought a motorcycle helmet before I even had a motorcycle! All in good time, I say. Since I didn't have an actual drum, I've been using CDs and online music for my meditations, which works just fine.

And since I sold my motorcycle, I decided to channel some of that energy (money) into a really nice drum. I've had plenty of opportunities to buy one, but I wanted something special since this will be used not only for personal use but also for (hopefully) public ceremonies. Buying something more mass-produced just didn't feel right. So why not pay a little extra for something more customized?

From a friend's recommendation, I've purchased my drum from The Drum People, out of Alabama. The drum maker is Cherokee/Metis, and he and his wife hand-make all the drums, beaters and storage bags. I was attracted to them because they use reclaimed cedar wood so that living trees are not cut down. Plus there isn't any mass assembly line churning these things out. So far, my experience working with them has been great. They take time to make sure you get what you want, and they have all kinds of ways to customize your drum and any other accessories. Plus, they emphasize the spiritual energy that goes into making and using a drum, which is important to me. Unfortunately, they no longer hand-paint on the drum heads due to a busy workload, but that's fine with me.

I'll let you know when the drum arrives!

Daily Distraction: Fernando Verdasco

Tennis anyone?

Yes, I realize this gentleman is on his personal watercraft with nary a tennis racquet in sight. But this is Spanish pro tennis star Fernando Verdasco--and I am completely distracted! For more of Fernando serving up his hotness in Miami, click here.

Oh wait--here's Fernando holding a tennis racquet, courtesy Cosmo. See--told ya he played tennis...

Daily Distraction: Fernando Verdasco

Tennis anyone?

Yes, I realize this gentleman is on his personal watercraft with nary a tennis racquet in sight. But this is Spanish pro tennis star Fernando Verdasco--and I am completely distracted! For more of Fernando serving up his hotness in Miami, click here.

Oh wait--here's Fernando holding a tennis racquet, courtesy Cosmo. See--told ya he played tennis...

How to Look Really Smart and Identify that Bird Feather You Found

Don't have time to become a master ornithologist in your spare time or wade into the marshes every weekend with your local bird club? No sweat, just check out the Feather Atlas, from the National Fish & Wildlife Forensics Lab. It's really easy to use--if I can do it, you can, too!

I found 2 different feathers recently and wondered which birdies had lost them. You never know what you might learn by picking up a feather and studying the bird. Could be your bird totem, or maybe that feather has appeared to signal a new lesson. Sure, I had delusions of spending all my extra time with binoculars and a bird book, but my attempts so far have been frustrating and time-consuming. (Those birds need to sit STILL until I find the right page, dammit!)

By using the Feather Atlas, I discovered that I had correctly identified one feather (a blue jay!), and the 2nd one turned out to be from a mourning dove. Do these feathers and their birds have something to teach me? Well, now that I know the bird, I can meditate on the symbolism, and I'll let you know!

How to Look Really Smart and Identify that Bird Feather You Found

Don't have time to become a master ornithologist in your spare time or wade into the marshes every weekend with your local bird club? No sweat, just check out the Feather Atlas, from the National Fish & Wildlife Forensics Lab. It's really easy to use--if I can do it, you can, too!

I found 2 different feathers recently and wondered which birdies had lost them. You never know what you might learn by picking up a feather and studying the bird. Could be your bird totem, or maybe that feather has appeared to signal a new lesson. Sure, I had delusions of spending all my extra time with binoculars and a bird book, but my attempts so far have been frustrating and time-consuming. (Those birds need to sit STILL until I find the right page, dammit!)

By using the Feather Atlas, I discovered that I had correctly identified one feather (a blue jay!), and the 2nd one turned out to be from a mourning dove. Do these feathers and their birds have something to teach me? Well, now that I know the bird, I can meditate on the symbolism, and I'll let you know!

What Every Well-Dressed Shaman Is Wearing!

Sure, this guy may actually be homeless and digging through dumpsters for his outfits--but, I sincerely love his sense of style. I think he looks like a shaman. Call me crazy. I saw his pic on Socialitelife.com. He's apparently just another New Yorker out for a stroll with his pup in a stroller, a gray parrot on his head and the latest fashion. Love it!

What Every Well-Dressed Shaman Is Wearing!

Sure, this guy may actually be homeless and digging through dumpsters for his outfits--but, I sincerely love his sense of style. I think he looks like a shaman. Call me crazy. I saw his pic on Socialitelife.com. He's apparently just another New Yorker out for a stroll with his pup in a stroller, a gray parrot on his head and the latest fashion. Love it!

Should I Pour It Down the Drain?

I haven't yet had time to do the research--but should I pour my old cough medicine down the drain? Since my name is Riverwolf, I do have to think about these things. Well, not "have" to, but I simply do. I've read or heard cautions against tossing old medications down the drain or toilet, where they end up in our water supply as well as in fish, turtles, bird and other aquatic life. These critters are much smaller than we so some of this medicine can pack a whallop!

What do you think? Anyone know the answer? It's "only" a prescription cough suppressant, but I have no idea how toxic something like this is to the water supply. I didn't finish all the medicine because I my cough went away. Yes, some medicines you're supposed to take all the doc gives you, but not in this case. And if I keep it until my next cough comes around, well, that could be a while, and the effectiveness could wear off.

Anyone else had concerns with this?

Should I Pour It Down the Drain?

I haven't yet had time to do the research--but should I pour my old cough medicine down the drain? Since my name is Riverwolf, I do have to think about these things. Well, not "have" to, but I simply do. I've read or heard cautions against tossing old medications down the drain or toilet, where they end up in our water supply as well as in fish, turtles, bird and other aquatic life. These critters are much smaller than we so some of this medicine can pack a whallop!

What do you think? Anyone know the answer? It's "only" a prescription cough suppressant, but I have no idea how toxic something like this is to the water supply. I didn't finish all the medicine because I my cough went away. Yes, some medicines you're supposed to take all the doc gives you, but not in this case. And if I keep it until my next cough comes around, well, that could be a while, and the effectiveness could wear off.

Anyone else had concerns with this?

What's On the Altar?

So this past weekend was the spring equinox, and I set up what was actually my first-ever altar/ceremony for Alban Eiler. I like that term because it's Welsh for "light of spring," which is so much more evocative than the merely technical "equinox." And my dad's family is from somewhere in the British Isles, so it seems to fit me.

On past Alban Eilers, I've been out enjoying the warmer weather, which is certainly a good way to mark the occasion. But I love ritual, and having put several of these together, it's actually difficult to find something that I consider simple yet meaningful. Other rituals I've found online are quite lengthy or are too wrapped up in pseudo-Celtic trappings that it feels more like a stage performance than a spiritual act. (I'm thinking about putting together a book on these and other rituals, something that's very approachable.)

Anyhow, I built this ritual around the themes of renewal, balance and fertility. The daffodils, forsythia and easter eggs speak to fertility (and inside the eggs were pieces of a chocolate bunny and Peeps!). The silvery stick or wand I often use in winter rituals, so it was symbolically put away while bringing out the rattle wrapped in ivy (hand-made by yours truly). Then the sounds made by the rattle and conch horn were used to help "awaken the land," as all the plants and animals stir back to life (i.e., renewal). The yin-yang symbol speaks to balance, obviously, as does the black candle (night/dark) and white candle (day/light).

I also threw in some seasonal poetry and a little background music--oh, and there was wine, too! The tingsha chimes were used to ritually clear the space. Of course, you don't need these rituals to enjoy spring--but for me, it helps me maintain my awareness of how our world works, its countless wonders that are too often overlooked and my place in the grand scheme of being.

What's On the Altar?

So this past weekend was the spring equinox, and I set up what was actually my first-ever altar/ceremony for Alban Eiler. I like that term because it's Welsh for "light of spring," which is so much more evocative than the merely technical "equinox." And my dad's family is from somewhere in the British Isles, so it seems to fit me.

On past Alban Eilers, I've been out enjoying the warmer weather, which is certainly a good way to mark the occasion. But I love ritual, and having put several of these together, it's actually difficult to find something that I consider simple yet meaningful. Other rituals I've found online are quite lengthy or are too wrapped up in pseudo-Celtic trappings that it feels more like a stage performance than a spiritual act. (I'm thinking about putting together a book on these and other rituals, something that's very approachable.)

Anyhow, I built this ritual around the themes of renewal, balance and fertility. The daffodils, forsythia and easter eggs speak to fertility (and inside the eggs were pieces of a chocolate bunny and Peeps!). The silvery stick or wand I often use in winter rituals, so it was symbolically put away while bringing out the rattle wrapped in ivy (hand-made by yours truly). Then the sounds made by the rattle and conch horn were used to help "awaken the land," as all the plants and animals stir back to life (i.e., renewal). The yin-yang symbol speaks to balance, obviously, as does the black candle (night/dark) and white candle (day/light).

I also threw in some seasonal poetry and a little background music--oh, and there was wine, too! The tingsha chimes were used to ritually clear the space. Of course, you don't need these rituals to enjoy spring--but for me, it helps me maintain my awareness of how our world works, its countless wonders that are too often overlooked and my place in the grand scheme of being.

I Wanna Be Like Miley!

So, Miley, since you're, like, ditching "Hannah Montana" after this season, can I be your next alter-ego? No? Come on, that is so, like, not fair! You're not even 18, you're crazy rich, you're practically a Disney character yourself--and you got that hot new Aussie arm candy Liam Hemsworth!

Didn't Billy Ray and Tish teach you to share? Well, better watch your back, Cyrus, cuz Liam ain't safe. I mean, how did that queen Adam Shankman (below) get so cozy with your new BF? I'm just sayin...

A little pop culture moment for you. Oh yeah, and another pic of Liam, just because.

I Wanna Be Like Miley!

So, Miley, since you're, like, ditching "Hannah Montana" after this season, can I be your next alter-ego? No? Come on, that is so, like, not fair! You're not even 18, you're crazy rich, you're practically a Disney character yourself--and you got that hot new Aussie arm candy Liam Hemsworth!

Didn't Billy Ray and Tish teach you to share? Well, better watch your back, Cyrus, cuz Liam ain't safe. I mean, how did that queen Adam Shankman (below) get so cozy with your new BF? I'm just sayin...

A little pop culture moment for you. Oh yeah, and another pic of Liam, just because.

Welcome Spring!

I hope you've enjoyed these first few days of spring. Here, the weather was beautiful; a little overcast today, but almost 70 degrees--so beautiful nonetheless. The red bud trees have already popped a Eastery purple, clumps of yellow daffodils and pink/purple hyacinths have opened, and yellow forsythia will soon catch up. I placed a few sprigs of forsythia in this vase along with some daffodils from the yard, back at the old house. I used them in an equinox ceremony (more about that later).

Til then, I hope this brightens your day, along with a poem about spring that I found. It captures that brief moment when spring can still be chilly (like this morning, in fact), but you know the sun will soon warm up the earth and every living thing:

"Very Early Spring" by Katherine Mansifield

The field are snowbound no longer;

There are little blue lakes and flags of tenderest green.

The snow has been caught up into the sky--

So many white clouds--and the blue of the sky is cold.

Now the sun walks in the forest, 

He touches the bows and stems with his golden fingers; 

They shiver, and wake from slumber.

Over the barren branches he shakes his yellow curls.

Yet is the forest full of the sound of tears...

A wind dances over the fields.

Shrill and clear the sound of her waking laughter,

Yet the little blue lakes tremble

And the flags of tenderest green bend and shiver.

Welcome Spring!

I hope you've enjoyed these first few days of spring. Here, the weather was beautiful; a little overcast today, but almost 70 degrees--so beautiful nonetheless. The red bud trees have already popped a Eastery purple, clumps of yellow daffodils and pink/purple hyacinths have opened, and yellow forsythia will soon catch up. I placed a few sprigs of forsythia in this vase along with some daffodils from the yard, back at the old house. I used them in an equinox ceremony (more about that later).

Til then, I hope this brightens your day, along with a poem about spring that I found. It captures that brief moment when spring can still be chilly (like this morning, in fact), but you know the sun will soon warm up the earth and every living thing:

"Very Early Spring" by Katherine Mansifield

The field are snowbound no longer;

There are little blue lakes and flags of tenderest green.

The snow has been caught up into the sky--

So many white clouds--and the blue of the sky is cold.

Now the sun walks in the forest, 

He touches the bows and stems with his golden fingers; 

They shiver, and wake from slumber.

Over the barren branches he shakes his yellow curls.

Yet is the forest full of the sound of tears...

A wind dances over the fields.

Shrill and clear the sound of her waking laughter,

Yet the little blue lakes tremble

And the flags of tenderest green bend and shiver.

Look Ma--I'm Praying on TV!

Can't believe I hadn't posted about this yet, but with being sick and all, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So last night, yours truly delivered the invocation for a meeting of our esteemed local county commissioners! And I slipped in a little shamanic juju without anyone realizing it!

One of the administrators said she found my minister web site, therefore the invitation. Unlike some places around the country, we still open each county meeting with prayer (this is the Bible belt, after all). Now, there are some neighboring counties where this practice is under challenge, but locally, no such problems. Naturally, I worried about what to say. Do I shake my rattle and dance a jig around the podium while invoking nature spirits? Do I blow my conch horn and really freak everyone out? Will something I say set off the Christians on yet another "witch hunt?" And--most important--what do I wear?

As an interfaith minister, these aren't easy questions to answer. I knew I wanted some sort of reference to nature and I wanted some form of shamanic elements, too. After researching online, I found part of a prayer that I liked, and then I added my own touches. So instead of praying to Jesus, I invoked the "eternal and unseen spirit of the universe." I thought that was nonspecific enough while also expressing my own opinion that spirit does not take the form of a bearded man in the sky.

I also used the words "sacred circle" to hint at Native American and pagan influences. To honor the 4 directions, I talked about drawing a great circle around the county, mentioning real towns that roughly corresponded to east, south, west, north. The commissioners and visitors might not realize it, but they had just been included in a magickal circle--so let the positive energy flow!

Also, with the spring equinox only a few days away, I mentioned balance and harmony, and tied this into the business of the county. I added a few more nods to taxes, bonds and other such glamour; after all, it's a county meeting, which is what the prayer is supposed to focus on.

What did I wear? Well, my teacher likes to say that one way shamans can "shape shift" is by understanding which mask to wear in which situation. In other words, a kilt and face paint may not be appropriate at the county courthouse! So I decided to rock the suit and bow tie. See, I think that if you sneak up on people with some of this alternative spiritual stuff because you present a more familiar image, then they're likely to get your message. And besides, it was on TV! Only the local cable access channel, but hey--who knows who was watching and may have been touched by something I said. Sure, the fundies may have been puzzled by the lack of "Jesus" every 5 words, but my hope is that my focus on what unites us rather than what divides us got past all that.

Oh yeah, and I included a nod to "Battlestar Galactica," too! Wonder if any one caught that? "So say we all!"

Look Ma--I'm Praying on TV!

Can't believe I hadn't posted about this yet, but with being sick and all, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So last night, yours truly delivered the invocation for a meeting of our esteemed local county commissioners! And I slipped in a little shamanic juju without anyone realizing it!

One of the administrators said she found my minister web site, therefore the invitation. Unlike some places around the country, we still open each county meeting with prayer (this is the Bible belt, after all). Now, there are some neighboring counties where this practice is under challenge, but locally, no such problems. Naturally, I worried about what to say. Do I shake my rattle and dance a jig around the podium while invoking nature spirits? Do I blow my conch horn and really freak everyone out? Will something I say set off the Christians on yet another "witch hunt?" And--most important--what do I wear?

As an interfaith minister, these aren't easy questions to answer. I knew I wanted some sort of reference to nature and I wanted some form of shamanic elements, too. After researching online, I found part of a prayer that I liked, and then I added my own touches. So instead of praying to Jesus, I invoked the "eternal and unseen spirit of the universe." I thought that was nonspecific enough while also expressing my own opinion that spirit does not take the form of a bearded man in the sky.

I also used the words "sacred circle" to hint at Native American and pagan influences. To honor the 4 directions, I talked about drawing a great circle around the county, mentioning real towns that roughly corresponded to east, south, west, north. The commissioners and visitors might not realize it, but they had just been included in a magickal circle--so let the positive energy flow!

Also, with the spring equinox only a few days away, I mentioned balance and harmony, and tied this into the business of the county. I added a few more nods to taxes, bonds and other such glamour; after all, it's a county meeting, which is what the prayer is supposed to focus on.

What did I wear? Well, my teacher likes to say that one way shamans can "shape shift" is by understanding which mask to wear in which situation. In other words, a kilt and face paint may not be appropriate at the county courthouse! So I decided to rock the suit and bow tie. See, I think that if you sneak up on people with some of this alternative spiritual stuff because you present a more familiar image, then they're likely to get your message. And besides, it was on TV! Only the local cable access channel, but hey--who knows who was watching and may have been touched by something I said. Sure, the fundies may have been puzzled by the lack of "Jesus" every 5 words, but my hope is that my focus on what unites us rather than what divides us got past all that.

Oh yeah, and I included a nod to "Battlestar Galactica," too! Wonder if any one caught that? "So say we all!"

My Mom's Valentines Day Card: Colorblindness or Alzheimers?

I know Valentines Day was last month, however, I only received a sweet card (shown) from my mom last weekend. Seems the postal service delivered my card to the wrong address, and then it was sent back to my mom, who finally hand-delivered it to me this past weekend when I visited. And she had the correct address, so looks like the mail carrier can't read, but whatever.

My mom is so sweet to still give me cards when I'm 42 years old. The message was basically, "I sometimes wish you could be a kid again, but I'm so proud of the adult you've become." Awwwww, thanks, mom! But the odd part was what was on the card, and this is where my concern comes in because I'm not quite sure how to take it.

Like most cards, this one had generic images of 2 kids and an adult, except--they're black! All of them. Clearly, this is a card marketed for black families. Now, I wasn't offended by any means; I just found it strange. And when I said something to my mom and pointed out the pictures, she gazed at the card and just laughed as if to say, "Oh well, silly me!" Again, sweet card, sweet mom--and gosh darn it, I thought, she doesn't even SEE race! Wow. If only we all lived in a world like that. And how lucky am I to have a mom that doesn't even notice skin color!

Except I wonder if there's more to it. She'll be 72 this year. My sister has confided in me that our mom is starting to forget things and drop random bits into conversations. Plus, I have 1 uncle and 1 aunt who already have Alzheimers! I'm not sure how to take it. I don't want to press too much and make her self-conscious and sound ungrateful, but I also don't want to ignore clear warning signs that something's wrong. Colorblind or Alzheimers--which do you think it is?

My Mom's Valentines Day Card: Colorblindness or Alzheimers?

I know Valentines Day was last month, however, I only received a sweet card (shown) from my mom last weekend. Seems the postal service delivered my card to the wrong address, and then it was sent back to my mom, who finally hand-delivered it to me this past weekend when I visited. And she had the correct address, so looks like the mail carrier can't read, but whatever.

My mom is so sweet to still give me cards when I'm 42 years old. The message was basically, "I sometimes wish you could be a kid again, but I'm so proud of the adult you've become." Awwwww, thanks, mom! But the odd part was what was on the card, and this is where my concern comes in because I'm not quite sure how to take it.

Like most cards, this one had generic images of 2 kids and an adult, except--they're black! All of them. Clearly, this is a card marketed for black families. Now, I wasn't offended by any means; I just found it strange. And when I said something to my mom and pointed out the pictures, she gazed at the card and just laughed as if to say, "Oh well, silly me!" Again, sweet card, sweet mom--and gosh darn it, I thought, she doesn't even SEE race! Wow. If only we all lived in a world like that. And how lucky am I to have a mom that doesn't even notice skin color!

Except I wonder if there's more to it. She'll be 72 this year. My sister has confided in me that our mom is starting to forget things and drop random bits into conversations. Plus, I have 1 uncle and 1 aunt who already have Alzheimers! I'm not sure how to take it. I don't want to press too much and make her self-conscious and sound ungrateful, but I also don't want to ignore clear warning signs that something's wrong. Colorblind or Alzheimers--which do you think it is?

Critters Living in Icy, Dark Antarctic Challenge Our Concept of "Life"

Scientists pulling ice cores in the Antarctic just discovered a jellyfish and a shrimp in one of their samples, showing that life can thrive in very hostile conditions (meaning, bone-ass cold and black as pitch). Reminds me of other recent news about microbes living next to sizzlin' volcanic vents. And so the scientists wonder, as scientists do, whether we might one day find life on a frozen, icy moon like Europa.

That got me to thinking more about this. Sure, some icy-cold moon shrimp isn't exactly Little Green Men, but it is life. And that's amazing, don't you think? Who knows, there could be some form of life right now on humid ol' Venus. There's still so much we don't know about our own solar system. Just because we haven't had a response yet from all our attempts at conversation, doesn't mean something isn't out there somewhere. And frankly, I'll take moon shrimp over Aliens any day!

Critters Living in Icy, Dark Antarctic Challenge Our Concept of "Life"

Scientists pulling ice cores in the Antarctic just discovered a jellyfish and a shrimp in one of their samples, showing that life can thrive in very hostile conditions (meaning, bone-ass cold and black as pitch). Reminds me of other recent news about microbes living next to sizzlin' volcanic vents. And so the scientists wonder, as scientists do, whether we might one day find life on a frozen, icy moon like Europa.

That got me to thinking more about this. Sure, some icy-cold moon shrimp isn't exactly Little Green Men, but it is life. And that's amazing, don't you think? Who knows, there could be some form of life right now on humid ol' Venus. There's still so much we don't know about our own solar system. Just because we haven't had a response yet from all our attempts at conversation, doesn't mean something isn't out there somewhere. And frankly, I'll take moon shrimp over Aliens any day!

No More Shaman Mentor

Back in January, you may remember that I had been approached by a local student who asked me to serve as her mentor on a graduation project about shamanism. Well, she's changed her mind! Which, now that I've known the girl for a while, seems to be a trend. Shamanism was her second project idea, after her first didn't turn out--and now she's onto a third, with less than a month to complete everything! Ah, to be a teenager again (not really).

I'm disappointed, certainly, since I was looking forward to how this would turn out. Plus I thought she was pretty bold for choosing this topic. She had already begun work on a ritual tool kit, but it appears her research paper turned her off. Which is a shame--she never did take me up on my multiple offers to help her refine the topic and figure out what to write about. But, as they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink!

But she's on this particular path for a reason, as am I, and so I hope we can both learn what small or big lessons were here in this situation for us to learn. Hmmm, that's always the trick!

No More Shaman Mentor

Back in January, you may remember that I had been approached by a local student who asked me to serve as her mentor on a graduation project about shamanism. Well, she's changed her mind! Which, now that I've known the girl for a while, seems to be a trend. Shamanism was her second project idea, after her first didn't turn out--and now she's onto a third, with less than a month to complete everything! Ah, to be a teenager again (not really).

I'm disappointed, certainly, since I was looking forward to how this would turn out. Plus I thought she was pretty bold for choosing this topic. She had already begun work on a ritual tool kit, but it appears her research paper turned her off. Which is a shame--she never did take me up on my multiple offers to help her refine the topic and figure out what to write about. But, as they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink!

But she's on this particular path for a reason, as am I, and so I hope we can both learn what small or big lessons were here in this situation for us to learn. Hmmm, that's always the trick!

Motorcycle Is Sold!

*Le sigh* Well, I did it! Found a serious buyer on Craigslist, and he drove--not kidding--almost 2 hours to buy the bike for his wife, and he brought cash! Got a good price for it, too. But it all happened so fast, that I barely had time to think about it. Which is probably a good thing, given my attachment to it. Now that it's gone, there's no going back. And yes, the extra cash will come in handy. Hmmm, now maybe I'll get that tattoo....

Motorcycle Is Sold!

*Le sigh* Well, I did it! Found a serious buyer on Craigslist, and he drove--not kidding--almost 2 hours to buy the bike for his wife, and he brought cash! Got a good price for it, too. But it all happened so fast, that I barely had time to think about it. Which is probably a good thing, given my attachment to it. Now that it's gone, there's no going back. And yes, the extra cash will come in handy. Hmmm, now maybe I'll get that tattoo....

Official "Telephone" Video by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Is Out!

And it is off the hook! It's really a mini-movie: think "Kill Bill" meets "Thelma & Louise." Click here to view it on YouTube.

Gaga has some fierce phone fashion for the gays, a lesbian prison fantasy for, well, the lesbians, and plenty of g-string dancing for the fellas. In one scene, she's wearing only strips of "crime scene" tape!

She also sports some sunglasses made out of--get this--cigarettes! And they're actually lit! Plus, the "Kill Bill" Pussy Wagon is back! Girl is crazy.

Gaga and "Honey-B"

Official "Telephone" Video by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Is Out!

And it is off the hook! It's really a mini-movie: think "Kill Bill" meets "Thelma & Louise." Click here to view it on YouTube.

Gaga has some fierce phone fashion for the gays, a lesbian prison fantasy for, well, the lesbians, and plenty of g-string dancing for the fellas. In one scene, she's wearing only strips of "crime scene" tape!

She also sports some sunglasses made out of--get this--cigarettes! And they're actually lit! Plus, the "Kill Bill" Pussy Wagon is back! Girl is crazy.

Gaga and "Honey-B"

I'm Selling My Motorcycle!

Lordy, this is like giving up a child--it's like "Sophie's Choice!" Well, maybe not--but it feels that way!

So why am I doing this? Well, I haven't ridden it much lately, only twice since last November. True, the weather hasn't exactly cooperated, but it seems my energy is going in other directions. And yet, I still have to maintain the bike, keep it all lubed up (*wink*) and running, and I just don't have the motivation--or the cash--to do so right now. And then I just felt like I should try and sell it. Since I'm trying to listen to my intuition more these days, I decided to give it a shot. I can always buy another some day.

I've had a lot of fun on the bike, but it is weird how "things" become an extension of your ego--which isn't necessarily bad but then again, not necessarily good either. I am not my bike! In a way, it feels freeing to sell it, to unburden myself from 1 more responsibility. Feels like I'm traveling lighter already!

Now, excuse me while I go bawl my eyes out!

I'm Selling My Motorcycle!

Lordy, this is like giving up a child--it's like "Sophie's Choice!" Well, maybe not--but it feels that way!

So why am I doing this? Well, I haven't ridden it much lately, only twice since last November. True, the weather hasn't exactly cooperated, but it seems my energy is going in other directions. And yet, I still have to maintain the bike, keep it all lubed up (*wink*) and running, and I just don't have the motivation--or the cash--to do so right now. And then I just felt like I should try and sell it. Since I'm trying to listen to my intuition more these days, I decided to give it a shot. I can always buy another some day.

I've had a lot of fun on the bike, but it is weird how "things" become an extension of your ego--which isn't necessarily bad but then again, not necessarily good either. I am not my bike! In a way, it feels freeing to sell it, to unburden myself from 1 more responsibility. Feels like I'm traveling lighter already!

Now, excuse me while I go bawl my eyes out!

Last Night's Dream: Who Are These People in My Attic and Why Am I Performing Shamanic Voodoo to Get Rid of Them?

Yes, it was one of those dreams where you can barely wake up and, once you do, you're convinced it was real. So vivid! (And no--there really isn't anything called "shamanic voodoo" so don't get all PC on me.) I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on what it might symbolize.

So here's how it went down:

I was in my house (didn't look like my real house, of course, but that's dreams for you) and somehow was aware there were people in my attic (like "Flowers in the Attic?"). I'm talking, like, a whole extended family or something. Don't know how they got there, but they had to go. Not sure why I didn't just charge rent, but whatever. They all looked like refugees from "La Boheme" (go figure). As I approached, they recoiled in fear, as if I was going to beat them senseless. I would never do that, of course, but I did have some kind of plan.

The attic had these wooden vertical support columns, sort of like stripper poles (ouch--splinters!). For some reason, I walked over and touched the pole, and when I did, it appeared in my hand but much smaller, almost like a tree limb or branch. Somehow, I knew this stick held the answer to my attic refugee dilemma.

Then *poof*, I'm with friends in an abandoned warehouse. It was mostly empty except for some litter, cardboard--and lots of water and mud. I'm not sure why, but we had to clean it all out, and this had some connection to those people in my attic. It felt like a test or challenge, like they have on reality shows where you only get the prize if you first eat mealworms or something gross.

With that done, I'm back in my attic and now I must choose who can stay and who must go, just like "RuPaul's Drag Race," just without the sequins! You'd think I'd want all those people out of my attic, but for some reason this all made sense to me. I remember deliberating about it carefully and for a long time, and then narrowed it down to 5 people who had to leave.

But when I pulled those 5 people out of the crowd, it was like they transformed into something I can only describe like voodoo dolls--very tiny, except they could still talk and move! And they kept going back and forth from regular human size to voodoo doll size. Then I had to put each person in this container of mud (mud, again!) and then insert those sticks (formerly known as stripper poles) into the mud. Freaky. It was like some weird cleansing ritual, I guess. Of course, this all seemed perfectly natural and rational during the dream.

As I'm doing this, a woman appears in the attic out of thin air. Light surrounds her, she has wings and a flowing dress, sort of like an angel but I knew she was a goddess. She doesn't speak but her presence lets me know that, at least, I'm not pissing off the deities with my attic eviction! In fact, I get the understanding that she is their patron saint, of sorts, and she is offering her blessing. Then, right before my eyes, she transforms into a large bird! Hmmm, wonder which goddesses have bird totems?

So I turn back to my ritual, placing the sticks or branches into the mud around these people/voodoo dolls--and this is really where the dream ends. I never see the people actually leave the attic. But I remember coming in and out of sleep, feeling I had to be very specific about my actions to get it just right. It was very important that I do it correctly, not just for me but also for those people. And, oddly, this didn't feel constraining at all but the emotion I recall was something like being "in the zone," when I'm writing or working on one of my shaman rituals in the waking world. A communion with spirit!

An epic dream, certainly, one of the most detailed and cohesive I've had in a long while. If you have any interpretations, fire away!

Last Night's Dream: Who Are These People in My Attic and Why Am I Performing Shamanic Voodoo to Get Rid of Them?

Yes, it was one of those dreams where you can barely wake up and, once you do, you're convinced it was real. So vivid! (And no--there really isn't anything called "shamanic voodoo" so don't get all PC on me.) I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on what it might symbolize.

So here's how it went down:

I was in my house (didn't look like my real house, of course, but that's dreams for you) and somehow was aware there were people in my attic (like "Flowers in the Attic?"). I'm talking, like, a whole extended family or something. Don't know how they got there, but they had to go. Not sure why I didn't just charge rent, but whatever. They all looked like refugees from "La Boheme" (go figure). As I approached, they recoiled in fear, as if I was going to beat them senseless. I would never do that, of course, but I did have some kind of plan.

The attic had these wooden vertical support columns, sort of like stripper poles (ouch--splinters!). For some reason, I walked over and touched the pole, and when I did, it appeared in my hand but much smaller, almost like a tree limb or branch. Somehow, I knew this stick held the answer to my attic refugee dilemma.

Then *poof*, I'm with friends in an abandoned warehouse. It was mostly empty except for some litter, cardboard--and lots of water and mud. I'm not sure why, but we had to clean it all out, and this had some connection to those people in my attic. It felt like a test or challenge, like they have on reality shows where you only get the prize if you first eat mealworms or something gross.

With that done, I'm back in my attic and now I must choose who can stay and who must go, just like "RuPaul's Drag Race," just without the sequins! You'd think I'd want all those people out of my attic, but for some reason this all made sense to me. I remember deliberating about it carefully and for a long time, and then narrowed it down to 5 people who had to leave.

But when I pulled those 5 people out of the crowd, it was like they transformed into something I can only describe like voodoo dolls--very tiny, except they could still talk and move! And they kept going back and forth from regular human size to voodoo doll size. Then I had to put each person in this container of mud (mud, again!) and then insert those sticks (formerly known as stripper poles) into the mud. Freaky. It was like some weird cleansing ritual, I guess. Of course, this all seemed perfectly natural and rational during the dream.

As I'm doing this, a woman appears in the attic out of thin air. Light surrounds her, she has wings and a flowing dress, sort of like an angel but I knew she was a goddess. She doesn't speak but her presence lets me know that, at least, I'm not pissing off the deities with my attic eviction! In fact, I get the understanding that she is their patron saint, of sorts, and she is offering her blessing. Then, right before my eyes, she transforms into a large bird! Hmmm, wonder which goddesses have bird totems?

So I turn back to my ritual, placing the sticks or branches into the mud around these people/voodoo dolls--and this is really where the dream ends. I never see the people actually leave the attic. But I remember coming in and out of sleep, feeling I had to be very specific about my actions to get it just right. It was very important that I do it correctly, not just for me but also for those people. And, oddly, this didn't feel constraining at all but the emotion I recall was something like being "in the zone," when I'm writing or working on one of my shaman rituals in the waking world. A communion with spirit!

An epic dream, certainly, one of the most detailed and cohesive I've had in a long while. If you have any interpretations, fire away!

Pneumonia, Taxes, Art, Home Repair--and Aliens--All in About a Week!

Wow, has it already been a week since I last posted?! It's a blur, really. Somehow in the last week (or so), I've managed to complete my taxes, take in a new local art exhibition, sand the walls of the bathrooms in my house in preparation for painting, see "District 9" (surprising!)--and recover from what my doctor says was the beginnings of pneumonia!

I'm tired! So today, with the weather irresistibly beautiful in that teasing way of an approaching spring, I blew off the afternoon and had a cocktail with a friend, sitting outdoors at a local hotel. VERY fancy, thank you.

Don't forget to grab life while you can!

Pneumonia, Taxes, Art, Home Repair--and Aliens--All in About a Week!

Wow, has it already been a week since I last posted?! It's a blur, really. Somehow in the last week (or so), I've managed to complete my taxes, take in a new local art exhibition, sand the walls of the bathrooms in my house in preparation for painting, see "District 9" (surprising!)--and recover from what my doctor says was the beginnings of pneumonia!

I'm tired! So today, with the weather irresistibly beautiful in that teasing way of an approaching spring, I blew off the afternoon and had a cocktail with a friend, sitting outdoors at a local hotel. VERY fancy, thank you.

Don't forget to grab life while you can!

Earthquake in Chile Leads to Pole Shift!

I saw "2012"--oh, why didn't I pay attention?!

In keeping with my posts on natural disasters and the futility of it all, here's something more. No, the Chilean earthquake didn't cause a complete pole shift (we're all still here, after all), but apparently it did mess with the Earth's rotation. Wow, that's freakin' scary! I mean, if a little ol' earthquake can throw off the entire dang planet, hell, anything's possible!

Earthquake in Chile Leads to Pole Shift!

I saw "2012"--oh, why didn't I pay attention?!

In keeping with my posts on natural disasters and the futility of it all, here's something more. No, the Chilean earthquake didn't cause a complete pole shift (we're all still here, after all), but apparently it did mess with the Earth's rotation. Wow, that's freakin' scary! I mean, if a little ol' earthquake can throw off the entire dang planet, hell, anything's possible!

Hawaii Saved from Tsunami by Waves of Shamanic Energy!

It's almost like "Wonder Twin Powers--Activate!" Well, not exactly. But launching from my last post, here's something else that's stuck in my craw.

Right after the earthquake struck Chile this past weekend, I was watching the unfolding news while also checking my email (I'm such the multitasker). News reports were predicting a possible major tsunami headed across the Pacific, potentially hitting Hawaii. Given my skepticism about praying or otherwise affecting the outcome of things like this, I could only watch. That may sound harsh, but--well, that is the nature of life. We may not like it, but we humans are often powerless, especially in the face of nature, whether it takes the form of major storms or some virus taking over our bodies. We like to think it doesn't work that way--but when has it ever been any different? Of course, all our religions and spiritual traditions teach that if you pray just right or dance in a circle or sacrifice the prettiest virgin, then *poof!* all is well!

Shamanic traditions are full of this sort of thing, too. Contrary to what you might think, I don't believe that shaking a bone is going to halt a hurricane any more than praying to Jesus. I'm attracted to shamanism because I think it has wisdom that can help us powerless humans learn to live with things as they are. Instead of resisting snowstorms and hurricanes and illnesses, how can we adapt, learn from these natural occurrences--and survive? I think most of how we interact with the wider world is based on illusion, and I think shamanism can help shatter those illusions. This means, unfortunately, that floods will come, people will get sick and die, earthquakes will rattle our homes and brains--why should it be any different? The expectation that it should be different is what drives our panic, our suffering, and I think if we can let that go, we can live happier lives, for as long as we have them.

But back to my story. So I opened an email message from the man who led the shamanic mystery school I attended recently--and I was truly disappointed. In the message, he asked us to send "shamanic energy" out to stop the tsunami from striking Hawaii. I respect this man on many levels, but I think he's wrong on this. It bothered me for several reasons. First, if it's possible to do this, then we're really no different than Pat Robertson when he talks of moving hurricanes away from a city--or when he says God sent another storm to punish America for homosexuality. Second, there are lots of other little islands out there in the Pacific, most not as prepared as Hawaii would be. Hawaii is one of my teacher's favorite spots, but it would have been more, I don't know, "loving" of him to include the entire Pacific. And besides, even if we could "protect" Hawaii, wouldn't it just deflect the waves to neighboring islands, endangering them even more? I mean, I at least believe that energy has to GO somewhere.

Then, once the threat had passed, another email went out, thanking us all for protecting Hawaii. Seriously? How about an email asking us to send some kind of help to those poor people in Chile? You'd think if shamanism really works in this way, then some kind of sixth sense would have awakened us in the middle of the night--just like dogs often bark before a quake--so that we could all synchronize our energy fields and shut that quake down. But no, that didn't happen. Chile split open. What's the point of preventing a tsunami if you can't stop an 8.8 earthquake? And it's so simple-minded to say, when things go as we hope, "Look, we saved Hawaii!" But what if it had turned out differently? What would we say then?

I'm glad a tsunami didn't inundate Hawaii or Tahitit or the Marquesas or Easter Island--but I think it had more to do with tectonic plates and ocean floors and waves and even the tug of our own moon than a handful of people having nice thoughts. I'd like to believe things like this are possible. It's just that I've never seen it happen. Not as a Christian way back when and not as a shaman now. The problem here, again, is power. I don't believe being a Christian makes you God's favorite, who then works powerful things on your behalf. I don't believe shamanism gives you special powers, either, over nature or people or things. The only power we can ever achieve, regardless of our belief system, is power over ourselves.

When empowered, we can help those injured in the Chilean earthquake rebuild their lives, or we might work together to improve seismic monitoring technology in the Pacific. We might be empowered to improve building codes and construction technology or evacuation procedures. And we might comfort someone who lost a relative or their home, helping them grieve and helping them find closure. We might also help them to remember that all of this is part of life, part of the world we live in--and it's still good. Shaking our fists makes no difference, nor do futile displays of invoking gods, chanting or praying, or beaming thoughts. Yet, this does not fill me with despair. That's what I want--to see the truth, to shatter all the illusions and still be filled with joy. That is freedom. That is spirit. And that makes life worth living no matter what happens to us.

Hawaii Saved from Tsunami by Waves of Shamanic Energy!

It's almost like "Wonder Twin Powers--Activate!" Well, not exactly. But launching from my last post, here's something else that's stuck in my craw.

Right after the earthquake struck Chile this past weekend, I was watching the unfolding news while also checking my email (I'm such the multitasker). News reports were predicting a possible major tsunami headed across the Pacific, potentially hitting Hawaii. Given my skepticism about praying or otherwise affecting the outcome of things like this, I could only watch. That may sound harsh, but--well, that is the nature of life. We may not like it, but we humans are often powerless, especially in the face of nature, whether it takes the form of major storms or some virus taking over our bodies. We like to think it doesn't work that way--but when has it ever been any different? Of course, all our religions and spiritual traditions teach that if you pray just right or dance in a circle or sacrifice the prettiest virgin, then *poof!* all is well!

Shamanic traditions are full of this sort of thing, too. Contrary to what you might think, I don't believe that shaking a bone is going to halt a hurricane any more than praying to Jesus. I'm attracted to shamanism because I think it has wisdom that can help us powerless humans learn to live with things as they are. Instead of resisting snowstorms and hurricanes and illnesses, how can we adapt, learn from these natural occurrences--and survive? I think most of how we interact with the wider world is based on illusion, and I think shamanism can help shatter those illusions. This means, unfortunately, that floods will come, people will get sick and die, earthquakes will rattle our homes and brains--why should it be any different? The expectation that it should be different is what drives our panic, our suffering, and I think if we can let that go, we can live happier lives, for as long as we have them.

But back to my story. So I opened an email message from the man who led the shamanic mystery school I attended recently--and I was truly disappointed. In the message, he asked us to send "shamanic energy" out to stop the tsunami from striking Hawaii. I respect this man on many levels, but I think he's wrong on this. It bothered me for several reasons. First, if it's possible to do this, then we're really no different than Pat Robertson when he talks of moving hurricanes away from a city--or when he says God sent another storm to punish America for homosexuality. Second, there are lots of other little islands out there in the Pacific, most not as prepared as Hawaii would be. Hawaii is one of my teacher's favorite spots, but it would have been more, I don't know, "loving" of him to include the entire Pacific. And besides, even if we could "protect" Hawaii, wouldn't it just deflect the waves to neighboring islands, endangering them even more? I mean, I at least believe that energy has to GO somewhere.

Then, once the threat had passed, another email went out, thanking us all for protecting Hawaii. Seriously? How about an email asking us to send some kind of help to those poor people in Chile? You'd think if shamanism really works in this way, then some kind of sixth sense would have awakened us in the middle of the night--just like dogs often bark before a quake--so that we could all synchronize our energy fields and shut that quake down. But no, that didn't happen. Chile split open. What's the point of preventing a tsunami if you can't stop an 8.8 earthquake? And it's so simple-minded to say, when things go as we hope, "Look, we saved Hawaii!" But what if it had turned out differently? What would we say then?

I'm glad a tsunami didn't inundate Hawaii or Tahitit or the Marquesas or Easter Island--but I think it had more to do with tectonic plates and ocean floors and waves and even the tug of our own moon than a handful of people having nice thoughts. I'd like to believe things like this are possible. It's just that I've never seen it happen. Not as a Christian way back when and not as a shaman now. The problem here, again, is power. I don't believe being a Christian makes you God's favorite, who then works powerful things on your behalf. I don't believe shamanism gives you special powers, either, over nature or people or things. The only power we can ever achieve, regardless of our belief system, is power over ourselves.

When empowered, we can help those injured in the Chilean earthquake rebuild their lives, or we might work together to improve seismic monitoring technology in the Pacific. We might be empowered to improve building codes and construction technology or evacuation procedures. And we might comfort someone who lost a relative or their home, helping them grieve and helping them find closure. We might also help them to remember that all of this is part of life, part of the world we live in--and it's still good. Shaking our fists makes no difference, nor do futile displays of invoking gods, chanting or praying, or beaming thoughts. Yet, this does not fill me with despair. That's what I want--to see the truth, to shatter all the illusions and still be filled with joy. That is freedom. That is spirit. And that makes life worth living no matter what happens to us.

Reiki, Prayer, Energy Work: Just Whistling in the Wind?

Been sick the last several days, coughing til my head hurts, blowing my nose raw and so on. No fever, fortunately--so I think I'll live. But this little physical ailment has got me thinking again, which we all know is dangerous.

Several of my friends have said they would send "healing energy" my way (some are Reiki practitioners), or that they would pray for me, or hold me in "the light" or even break out the crystal bowls and tone for my recovery. It's great to have friends--but does any of this shit work? I mean, it's been almost a week and I'm still sick!

Now, this could indicate any number of things. One, I'm impatient. Two, my symptoms would've been much, much worse without all that healing energy. Or three, no, none of that crap works but it makes us puny humans feel like we can make a difference when the big, bad world unleashes itself on us.

Truth is, you can't tell. No way, no how. Maybe things like prayer help, but there isn't any way to know. You gotta take it on faith. And maybe, faith in and of itself, makes a difference and can actually contribute toward you simply feeling better, which is certainly part of any recovery process. There are even people researching the effects of these methods.

But call me skeptical. It was this sort of thing that caused me to wave bye-bye to Christianity about 6 years ago. I had prayed for all kinds of things but realized I could never say for sure if anyone was listening or acting on my behalf. And really, this is the same thing. So yes, you gotta have faith. But having faith still doesn't make something true. Because if faith alone is enough--then WHY hasn't this guy below knocked on my door yet??

Reiki, Prayer, Energy Work: Just Whistling in the Wind?

Been sick the last several days, coughing til my head hurts, blowing my nose raw and so on. No fever, fortunately--so I think I'll live. But this little physical ailment has got me thinking again, which we all know is dangerous.

Several of my friends have said they would send "healing energy" my way (some are Reiki practitioners), or that they would pray for me, or hold me in "the light" or even break out the crystal bowls and tone for my recovery. It's great to have friends--but does any of this shit work? I mean, it's been almost a week and I'm still sick!

Now, this could indicate any number of things. One, I'm impatient. Two, my symptoms would've been much, much worse without all that healing energy. Or three, no, none of that crap works but it makes us puny humans feel like we can make a difference when the big, bad world unleashes itself on us.

Truth is, you can't tell. No way, no how. Maybe things like prayer help, but there isn't any way to know. You gotta take it on faith. And maybe, faith in and of itself, makes a difference and can actually contribute toward you simply feeling better, which is certainly part of any recovery process. There are even people researching the effects of these methods.

But call me skeptical. It was this sort of thing that caused me to wave bye-bye to Christianity about 6 years ago. I had prayed for all kinds of things but realized I could never say for sure if anyone was listening or acting on my behalf. And really, this is the same thing. So yes, you gotta have faith. But having faith still doesn't make something true. Because if faith alone is enough--then WHY hasn't this guy below knocked on my door yet??