Hello everyone!
Times are changing….
I am happy to say that I now have a new website and blog!
If you are subscribed to this site, I will no longer be posting on here, but on my new blog attached to my site.
The address for that is: www.earthskyjourneys.org
You can sign up for the blog (and newsletter) by filling the form for my mailing list.
Much gratitude to all my readers, for the many years I have had this blog….
Jodie Cara Lindley
October 2017 Energies
“We are born of love; Love is our mother.” ~ Rumi ~
October brings us fully into the fall season, and the West Direction on the universal medicine wheel. We are called to prepare for the hibernation, the going within time. Nature is teaching us all about letting go, about surrender. We are asked to get grounded into our bodies and bring the energy down for a change, to the roots. It is a good time to connect to the Mother Earth …. well anytime is good in my opinion, but the Earth and nature itself carries the whispers of our past lessons from the year more strongly now. Get quiet and listen.
We are getting used to change once again. Autumn represents a huge change for nature, and for us. I am hearing of many people becoming ill lately, of being tired, of just wanting to sleep. Our bodies change hormonally at this time (for women and men) and we notice the faster surrender of the days light to the darkness of night. Slow down. Tend to your body, mind and spirit. Whatever piece or part of you is speaking now, get quiet and listen. Take some time for yourself. Surrender to your roots, and listen to your soul very carefully.
On October 5 there is a Full Moon in Aries, and there seems to be a lot of movement and busyness at this time! Moon ruler Mars in Virgo calls us to pay attention to details, get disciplined and engage your power. But make sure to do so in a way that honours the balance and fairness that the Sun-Libra time calls for. Do things in a “relational” way (for the good of all).
On October 19 there is a New Moon in Libra, and the relational theme continues. Libra is all about relating in a balanced manner. You may be confronted with changes at this time, but try to look at the bigger picture. If something changes, or requires you to adjust, know that this transformation was intended to occur.
The Sun shines its light into the sign of Scorpio on October 23. Death and rebirth themes enter our cosmic consciousness, as Scorpio teaches us all about dying in order to be reborn.
If you want to know how to proceed at this time, watch nature. She will show you all that is needed to know. 🙂
©Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
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“Ottawa Sunset” © Jodie Cara Lindley
September 2017 Energies
“Old age and the passage of time teach all things.” ~ Sophocles ~
We made it! Through the eclipses that is. I witnessed many different types of passages during the month of August. Tragedy and gain. Love and loss. Water and fire. It was truly a time of deepening into compassion and growth, as individuals and as a collective. Remember that we are all connected. We can’t watch what happens in the world and not be moved by it. We are it, and it is us.
September to me is another month of transition. We are getting used to a new way of being again, especially after these rather potent eclipses. Life may seem totally new for you. I know I am getting used to walking in new shoes. But it is all okay. Whatever happened was meant to happen. I still keep hearing these words in my head: eclipses always put you where you need to be. September is a month to really anchor into what and where that is, and make adjustments as necessary.
The two lunations (full and new moons) are in mutable signs: all about transition and preparation for the next initiation.
September 6 – Full Moon in Pisces – This is a lovely and soulful water moon, and doubly so as the Moon is nestled up to oceanic Neptune. There is potential for release and healing at this moon, so go with the flow!
September 20 – New Moon in Virgo – With 5 planets in Virgo, this new moon is all about practicalities. As an earth moon, this is a good time to plant seeds that are realistic and grounded in substance.
September 22 – Fall Equinox – Sun into Libra – We move to the West Direction of the Medicine Wheel, a time for going within and purifying our intentions. Get ready to hibernate, let go of what no longer works that was tested by the eclipses, and anchor into the new energies. Nothing seems the same now.
Have a good month everyone. Just continue to breathe and follow the path that is being shown to you at this time. ❤
© Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
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July/August 2017 Energies
“…revolutions always mean the breakdown of old authority.” Â ~Hu Shih~
There has been a lot of talk about this summer, as August brings eclipse season back to the forefront. Eclipses always inspire some anxiety, and for good reason…they really shift energy! Which can be de-stabilizing for people, because that always means something has to change. Eclipses are heralds of patterns breaking apart to reveal a new path. And August’s eclipses are in fixed signs, which means that what changes, possibly changes for the long haul. The quote above expresses the potential nicely: in order for something to revolutionize (meaning to evolve) something old has to break down first.
What this brings to mind is growth. It is clear that our world is being pushed up against some tough “basement content”…what I mean by that, is that our darkest feelings, fears and thoughts are being stirred by what is in our faces. We have to deal with the unconscious, our projections, or that very matter will destroy us. We have to take ownership and responsibility for ourselves and our choices. In a nutshell, we are being called to grow beyond our egos, by being shown just how destructive an unchecked ego can be. Can we rise up in love? What the cosmos are asking of us, is can we? Perhaps the summer will answer this question…especially around what we are attached to.
July 2017
July begins with a lot of activity, in the First 1/4 Moon Phase, and with Canada’s 150th celebration! People will be busy socializing and celebrating, in a big way, so this is a good time to just enjoy yourself with those you love!
The Full Moon on July 9 in Capricorn is more serious and intense in tone, perhaps bringing us down to reality from the party celebrations. Watch anger issues and power struggles, as your will and what you want might be tested right now.
The New Moon on July 23 in Leo is a wonderful time to get creative and express your desires. This new moon is one for action and initiative and expressing that which comes from your heart and soul.
August 2017
The Lunar Eclipse occurs on August 7 in Aquarius, and being a South Node eclipse will feature issues from the past coming to light. It is said this eclipse will bring up “unexpected events with respect to friends or groups, placing pressure on personal relationships” (B. Brady). There is no doubt with the Moon in Aquarius themes around “evolving” and “detaching” will come up, so watch how engaged you get with any drama that surfaces, even your own! Watch jumping to conclusions or decisions now.
The Solar Eclipse occurs on August 21 in Leo, and being a North Node eclipse will bring us forward in some way. However, this eclipse will have an element of surprise and unpredictability due to the strong influence of Uranus, the planet all about breakthrough and breakdown. Again, watch how engaged you get in the drama! There is an incredible amount of fiery energy with this eclipse, so seek more earth and water to ground and calm.
Well, this all should be very interesting! I have no doubt that once we are on the other side of these eclipses, we will not be the same. Good luck everyone and stay calm!
© Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
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June 2017 Energies“The soul always knows what to do to heal itself.” ~Caroline Myss~
June represents a transition month, as we say good bye to spring and move into summer. Things we planted have either taken root and are growing fiercely, or went back to the earth. Because of all the rain we have had this spring, everything is incredibly lush and green. Green to me is a colour of healing, and in observing the state of our world, we most certainly need it. And this is my message for June: allow yourself to heal.
I have experienced many repeating messages for my clients as of late: clear/cleanse yourself. To me, this is allowing yourself to be healed. To let go of energy that no longer serves. To address, confront, feel and let go of all the darkness that may be coming up. Surrender! However, we seem to be so afraid of our own emptiness. When we let go of what we know, even if it hurts us, what then? But when we let go and empty, something more wonderful can arrive to fill the space. But it is the uncertainty and insecurity that keeps us attached.
To me, June is a perfect month to receive healing (especially prior to the Solstice on June 21). On the Medicine Wheel of Life, we move directionally from the East to the South: the South Direction is all about the full expression of our bodies and our hearts. It is time to embrace creativity, warmth, activity, and the truth and trust that lies deep within the most vulnerable self. It is time to step forward and shine. Allowing what blocks the full expression of our light to go is the key to healing, and embracing our truth.
The Full Moon on June 9 in Sagittarius challenges our freedom and faith in ourselves. Something to commit to will become clearer under the light of this moon…..perhaps it is a vision for your life? Take time to get clear, then make the moves that are sensible and inspiring.
The Summer Solstice is on June 21st, as the Sun moves into Cancer. We are under the light of the Balsamic Moon Phase however, which is one of rest, retreat and reflection. Our energy may reflect this, so wait until we move into the new cycle (new moon) to feel more energetic. Â For now, just heal.
The New Moon on June 24 in Cancer takes us into the new cycle and season. Cancer energy is all about nurturing, family and home. Take time with loved ones. Take time for you. Relationships need attention and can be powerful presences in your life right now. Follow your intuition and your feelings.
Heal well everyone! ❤
© Jodie Cara Lindley, earthskyjourneys.org
The Energies of May 2017
“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.” ~J. R. R. Tolkien~
It is said that April showers bring May flowers, and indeed May is an intense time of growth. Life that began to root in April will either continue to rise with intensity, or simply fall away back to the Earth. Read that last sentence again, as it contains a message for you! May is a month to achieve stability and growth, and let go what isn’t rooting. While April might have been a frenzy of energy (with the Sun in action-oriented Aries), May offers us some continuity (with the Sun in earthy Taurus). This is a month to continue moving towards what you started in April, that seems to have held its ground.
Keywords for Taurus Sun time: comfort, security, grounding, perseverance, practicality, go slow, nurture yourself, stick to your plans.
We have on May 10 a Full Moon in Scorpio, a sign that is all about getting to the roots, digging down, and welcoming transformation. Continue to see what has taken root in your life, and all that hasn’t, just let it go. Or, in Scorpio fashion, rip it out, cut it down, and get rid of it! Be willing to transform and grow, and pay attention to all “enlightening” information.
The Sun moves into Gemini on May 21st, which speeds up the pace again! Gemini is busy, buzzy energy, so follow your curiosity and be willing to be flexible!
On May 25 there is a New Moon in Gemini, welcoming a new cycle that encourages us to move steadily forward with the information we have gathered over the past month. It will definitely seem like a whole different time right now! You may not even recognize yourself. Watch frustration and keep your ego in check!
Allow yourself to shake off the past in May. We had a long hard winter here in Ontario, Canada, and we deserve a bit of peace and grounding. The world just doesn’t seem the same anymore, especially when taking the global happenings over the past few months into consideration. Come back to yourself. Come back to the Earth. Nurture whatever it is you have left and find value in it.
Happy May Days!
© Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
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Monthly Energies for April 2017
Ah April. At this point in our yearly cycle we begin to wake up again. We remember the warmth of the Sun, the call of the birds, and the Earth. The Earth wakes up again, after its dormant sleep. Life begins again. We can begin again. Energy begins to move and expand. The time of awakening has come. April is a month to honour the Earth, and your Earth. Your Earth is your body, your physical presence here. It is time to become more visible, more grounded, and more embodied. We have been gifted with a new beginning, and now is the time to awaken within yourself just what that is, and bring it out into the world.
April begins fresh as a Crescent Moon, with the Moon in Gemini squaring Neptune. This is a time to connect, gently push outwards, and follow your intuition. Things may not be clear, but follow your feelings, impressions and ideas.
There is a Full Moon in Libra on April 11, bringing with it transition, adjustments and shifts. Anything can happen now. Honour the dynamic of self versus other that arises, and make changes accordingly. Relationships will be a key theme.
On April 19 the Sun moves into earth sign Taurus, followed by our honouring of Earth Day on April 22. If you haven’t been acting on your guidance, now is the time. A practical and realistic approach is encouraged.
April 26 brings a New Moon in Taurus, shifting us into a new cycle. A great time to set solid and earthly intentions. However, old relationship issues may rear up at this time to be resolved, through a crisis point. New information may come your way, so be willing to act on it. Don’t get stuck!
All in all, this is a very Venus-themed month, due to the fact that both lunations are ruled by Venus. Relationship dynamics, what you value and magnetize to you, and any creative activity will be on the cosmic agenda.
This is a “doing” month. Wake and do something! As we have recently reached the spring season, East on the Universal Medicine Wheel, it is a time of rebirth, re-awakening and starting again. The past is gone. Let it go with dignity and gratitude and get on with making your presence known. The world needs you in it.
© Jodie Cara Lindley, earthskyjourneys.org
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I am excited to announce that soon I will be joining the Daylyn Wellness Team, offering CranioSacral Therapy/Reiki sessions!
My first painting “Tiger” ©Jodie Cara Lindley
About a year ago I felt inspired to start painting. I wanted to paint my favourite subject matter, spirit animals. Animals come to me in visions and in dreams. I feel and see them around me. I teach people how to connect with their spirit, totem and power animals through shamanic journeying and meditation. They are important in my life and I believe strongly in their value and truth.
I have had no formal training at all. I just started painting. Call that whatever it is, but to me, it is about expression. It is about letting what is within you out, in whatever form that takes. There is a very powerful quote about this:
“If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” ~Gospel of Thomas~
I now believe that this art needs to be out in the world, for whatever reason. This is not coming from ego, but from a spirited place. I believe art work and creative expressions have imprints within them: these imprints communicate or pass on something to the observer that is needed. What that is, is personal. I believe this imprint comes through the eyes of the animal, or some other attribute that comes through in the painting. That is for the observer to decide.
The world needs more light, love and peace. It needs inspiration and empowerment. My hope is that my art lifts many hearts, and enlightens, empowers and engages people to touch the deeper aspects of their Being.
Here are some of my favourite pieces. If you feel you would like a personal art piece, please contact me directly. Many thanks. ♥
~~~
“face & embrace” Jaguar ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Jaguar Medicine – this reflects the call of the jaguar, this most ferocious wild cat.
Jaguar calls us to “face and embrace”: face our fears, the darkness, what we see (that we don’t want to see), and calls us to find our power and embrace it.
Sometimes the hardest challenge we have is to believe in ourselves. Jaguar is here to help.
~~~
“Go Within” Bear ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Bear Medicine – the mighty bear is not lazy, like you might think. Bear will come into your dreams and look you dead in the eyes, staring you down.
Bear asks, are you willing to “go within”? What are you avoiding by not looking inside of yourself? Are you paying attention to your dreams at night, and during the day? Bear will not give you the answers, but will guide you into you SELF.
He teaches that what you need to know is right there, within you. Go there.
~~~
“be wise” Screech Owl ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Owl Medicine – this is the silent stalker of the woods, who watches and waits. Be careful, this creature will call you out on your lies and deceptions.
“Be wise”, says Owl. Don’t try to fool yourself or others, because the truth will come to light at some point. These eyes can see through anything and can assist with the gift of second sight and knowing.
Being wise isn’t being smart. It is knowing the truth.
~~~
“Seek A Vision” Golden Eagle ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Eagle Medicine – fly high with this mighty bird, the one who is said to be the closest to God or Great Spirit. When one sees an Eagle in the sky, Spirit is close.
To “seek a vision” is eagle’s gift. Eagle teaches us to ascend our perspective to see from a greater view, a more spiritual and big picture view. See from Spirit’s eyes and you will be enlightened.
Eagle can teach us to be connected to land and sky: grounded in the world but connected to spirit. This is the way of balance.
~~~
“Rise” Phoenix ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Phoenix Medicine – this is a mythological creature with a stunning and powerful energy and force. Phoenix coming to you means get ready for a transformation.
The Phoenix urges us to “Rise”…rise up, out and beyond. This creature was reborn from the ashes, after being burned up by the sun.
Phoenix speaks of allowing yourself to let go, to die, to surrender the old, and be reborn again into a new and glorious form.
~~~
“Freedom” Horse ©Jodie Cara Lindley
Horse Medicine – hear that stomping? That is horse getting your attention. Horse can feel, smell and know you…before you even know yourself.
Horse brings the medicine of freedom, travel and adventure. Horse asks that we be authentic in our dealings with self and others, and that we allow ourselves to be free, be who we are.
Look into the eyes of a horse, and you will see yourself. Your beauty, your Spirit and your freedom.
©Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
“Someone who has experienced trauma also has gifts to offer all of us – in their depth, their knowledge of our universal vulnerability, and their experience of the power of compassion.” Â ~ Sharon Salzburg ~
Trauma and Transition.
Now, these are not the only T’s of life worth mentioning (far from it!). There is also truth, talent, tenacity, tenderness…and the list goes on. But trauma and transition are aspects of life I deal with daily, so I want to write about them here. I deal with them, because I work with people. People come to me for healing, for guidance, and for an experience. What I have learned both personally and professionally, is that we all deal with the two T’s at some point or another in the journey of life. Trauma and transition just happen.
Trauma: what is it? Trauma is defined as an injury or wound caused by an “extrinsic agent” (Merriam-Webster). It is essentially a disruption in our “system”… by that I mean something has invaded our being, causing some kind of chaos and turmoil. Trauma can happen from anything and can impact us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. More on this later.
Transition: what is it? Transition is defined as “the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another” (google online). Transition is change, and we all change. We go through both big and little transitions: being born, going to school, hitting puberty, getting our first job, getting married, having children, changing careers, losing or gaining loved ones, death and dying, etc. And just like trauma, transition can affect us on all levels of our being.
To me trauma is transition, and transition is trauma. They both involve a changing state and have varying effects (and affects). Let’s go over the effects of the T’s on our whole entire being.
Physical Effects
Trauma and transition can create disorganization in the body. Often, we feel different. We may move different, react different, and express ourself physically in a different way. Trauma goes deep into the body. It rests in our nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Remember that our nervous system is the core of us: everything stems from this system. So, trauma and transition can create physical changes and happenings that seem to baffle us. I could list them, but this list is endless. Just know that the body has a unique way of processing and handling the T’s. When your body starts speaking, you must listen…it is alerting you to the T’s.
Mental Effects
Trauma and transition can affect how and why we process information. They can colour our perspective, and therefore our experience of reality. Remember again that the T’s impact the nervous system…the brain! When our system has experienced the T’s, our brain does its best to restore equilibrium. But often part of our process is to mentally re-view, re-work and re-member our experiences. This can create problems: flashbacks, nightmares, and negative mental thought loops are common trauma and transition companions. This is quite normal, but extremely challenging.
Emotional Effects
Our emotional state during or after the T’s goes hand in hand with our mental state. Emotions often attach themselves to thoughts: meaning certain thoughts create emotional states within us. In comes anxiety and depression, amongst many other states. The T’s can put us into the fight, flight or freeze modes. Again, we come back to the nervous system. The whole complex of trauma and transition emotionally taxes our system. And we feel like quite the mess.
Spiritual Effects
This is a less known effect of trauma and transition, but it is probably the most important. The T’s effect our souls, our spirits. We can become dispirited, feel powerless and lose ourselves. We become lost souls wandering. This is hands down the most destructive part of trauma and transition. Our souls energize our body and give it life. The T’s, when not dealt with, can erode this very fabric of our being. This then filters down into every level of our life.
Now What?
I believe that you are your best gauge as to how you feel and what you need. The effects of the T’s can be insidious, but when certain things in your life start breaking down, it is time to pay attention. Pain is a messenger (any pain remember). We tend to push away pain, but when the T’s are knocking, our best approach is to open the door…even just a little bit (safety first of course). Admitting that somehow your system is off balance is a good first step.
What you need to know, is that you are not flawed or broken…even though you may just feel flawed and broken. This is life. The T’s happen.
How To Help Yourself
Have Self-Compassion. Listen. Honour. Receive. When experiencing trauma and transition, it is a signal. It is time to attend to the Self (YOU!). You are the only one who can give yourself what you need. However, that often means seeking help from professionals. Do this, absolutely. Seek comfort in your community of trauma and transition support people. Give yourself that honour, and get the assistance you need.
I believe strongly that we need a team of people to help us through the T’s. Here are some suggestions:
I believe the T’s can be healed and resolved, but IT TAKES TIME AND EFFORT. Sometimes it won’t feel good. Some days will be better than others. But if you are willing to engage in the process, some light will come. I will leave you with my favourite quote by Rumi…
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you”
You have to do the work, but it is worth it. You are worth it.
© Jodie Cara Lindley, www.earthskyjourneys.org
The Energies of March 2017
“Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” ~Rumi~
You must think I jest when I say happy new year as the title of this post! I am not! To astrologers, the Spring Equinox (March 20) is truly the shift into a new year. That is because the Sun, the King of the cosmos, changes signs into Aries. Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, the herald of spring, and the initiating point into a new cycle. The Sun is the center of our solar system, and is classically viewed as “Spirit” itself. The ancients believed that the Sun was the Spirit in charge of “the care of the soul”. When the Sun reaches Aries in the cycle, we are awakened, and can begin again. Our souls are gifted with the spark of a new dawn.
That brings me back to last month. As eclipse month, February was quite chaotic. Maybe not for everyone, but most I have spoken to in fact! The above words by Rumi bring me some comfort. Eclipses quite literally break things apart and shift things away. Maybe you are dealing with some life changes that you didn’t count on. Or maybe you made some life changes that shook things up. No matter, take heed to Rumi’s words…anything you lose comes round in another form. That brings us to March.
The Full Moon on March 12 in Virgo can help us further “clean house”. Now is a good time to get things in order, especially any post-eclipse fall-out! Get busy, get organized, and create a working system that encompasses the details AND the big picture. This is a good time to let go and purge prior to the Spring Equinox shift.
The Spring Equinox on March 20 heralds our Aries and spring season! The moon phase present under this equinox is the “Disseminating Phase” which encourages the energies of sharing, dissemination and expression. A Moon-Saturn conjunction in fiery Sagittarius can focus our efforts. A great time to follow your dreams!
The New Moon on March 28 in Aries is a true new beginning time. As the first New Moon of this solar new year, it is the time to plant your seeds! The Moon ruler Mars in Taurus may be a little slow out of the gate (and confused due to Neptune’s influence), however, this speaks to a grounded way forward. Neptune will help juice the wheels and encourage following feelings and intuition. There is opportunity here, so take it!
We are truly now in a whole new cycle, as the equinox comes. Especially as 2017 is a number one year, we are officially in this new energy. Take the initiative and follow your dreams forward, one step at a time. You are worth it!
© Jodie Cara Lindley, http://www.earthskyjourneys.org
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