ALBERTO V ILLOLDO

COLETTE. BARO N-RELD

MARCELA LOBOS , •·
"'

MYSTLCAL SHAMAN

0 GU I DEBOOK
CLE
fi H AY HOUSE, INC.
HAY C1rl,h.1d, C:.1liforni.1
• l'1,·York City
IIOUSI Ln11do11 • Svdncy • Nlw Oelhi
Copyright © 2018 by Alberto Villoldo, Colette Baron-Reid, and Marcela Lobos

Published ill rhe Ullired Stares by: Hay House, Inc.: www.hayhouse.com® • Published ill
Australia by: Hay House Australia Pry. Ltd.: www.hayhouse.com.au • Published ill the
United Kingdom by: Hay House UK, Ltd.: www.hayhouse.co.uk • Published ill India
by: Hay House Publishers India: www.hayhouse.co.in

All artwork is copyrighted by the artist and may not be reproduced by any means,
electronic or otherwise, without first obtaining the pcrrnission of the artist.

Imerior design: Riann Bender • Imerior illusrrario11s: Jena DellaGrottaglia

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Printed in China

:
 A LSO BY A LBERTO V! LLOLDO , PH.D.

Courageous Dreaming Power Up Your Brain

The Four Insights (with David Perlmutter, Ph.D.)
Illumination One Spirit Medicine
The Ilfumination Process Soul journeying
Mending the Past and Healing rhe Yoga, Power & Spirit
Future with Soul Retrieval

ALSO By C OLETTE B ARON- R EID

Books
The Map
Messages from Spirit
Uncharted

Card Decks
The Enchanted Map Orade Caids The Wisdom of Avalon
The Good Tarot Oracle Cards
The Oracle of E Wisdom of the Hidden Realms
(with Pam Grout) Oracle Cards
Postcards from Spirit Wisdom ofthe Oracle
Divination Cards

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 CONTENTS

A Message f rom the Authors ......... ... .... ........... .... ................ . v11
lntroduction .. ... .... ....... .................. ... .... ............... .... ... ....... .... ... .. ix
How rn Work with T his Deck .. ...... .. ................. ....... ....... ........ xii

TH E CARDS
..::-..-
1. T he Ancient Ones ....................... ........... ................................. 2
2. The Andean Cross ... ..... ... .... .............. ... ........ ....... .... .............. .4
3. The Arrow ........ .... ........... .......... ........... ................................ .. 6
4. Beauty Way .... ... ... ......... ... ................. .... ........ .... ...... ..... ........... 8
5. The Beloved .............. ..... ... ................. ... .. ....... ................... .... 10
6. T he Blade .. .... ..................... ..................................... .............. n
7. The Child ... .......... ............ .... ............. ................................ .... 14
8. The C irc le ..... ... ........... ... .... ............................. ................. .... 16
9. Completion .... .......... ............. ...... ... .... ... ........ ..................... .... 18
10. The Corn ........ ................... .................... ........................ ...... 20
11. The Council ..................................... ................ ................ .... 22
12. T he Coyote ... ............................................ ........ ............. .... 24
13. The Crow .... ........................... ......... ... .... ............. ...... ... ........ 26
14. The Curse ... ............................. .... ... ... .... ..... ... .............. ........ 28
15. The Drum ......................... ..................... ............... .............. . 30
16. Eagle .................. ............... ........... ................................ ... .... . 32
17. Earth ........ .... ....... ... ...... ...... ................. ... ............ ........... ... .... . 34
18. T he Earthkeeper................ .... ...... .......... ............. ................ .. 36
19. Fire ................. ................... .......... ... .... ... ............. ...... ... .... ..... 38
20. Flow .... .......................... .......... ....... .... ........... ........... ... ... .. .. .. 40
21. T he Gatherer .... ......... ... .......... .... ... .................. .... .......... .... .. 42
22. T he Chose D ance ................... ... .... .................. .............. .... .. 44
23. The G iveaway ..... .... .. ................. .. ..... ....... ....... .... .......... .... .. 46
24. T he Heare of Sky ... ............ .......................... ... .............. ... ... 48
25. The H o ly Mou ntai n ............................................... ... .... ...... 50
26. T he Humming b ird .. ......................... ......... ............. .............. 52
27. The Hu nter ....... .. ...................... ....... ....... ..... .......... ... ........... 54
28. Jaguar .............. ....... ............ ....... ....... ... .... ..... ... ..................... 56
29. The Journey .. .. ....... ................ ................................ ....... ....... 58
30. Ligh tning ..... .. .. .... ........... .... ....... ....... ... ........ ........ .......... ...... 60
31. The Lower World .............. ....... .... ................... .... ...... .......... 62
32. Lum inous Warrior .. ......... ... .... ... .......... .. ..................... .......... 64
33. Magic............... ... .... ............... ... .... ............... ....... ....... .......... 66
34. Many Paths .... .. .. .... ........ ... ....... .... ...... ......... ... .... .......... ..... .. 68
35. The Medicine Wheel .................... .................. ..................... 70
36. Middle Wo rld .................... ............................. ................. .. .. 72
37. The Moon .................... ............. .......... ..... ........... ................. 74
38. The Mystical S haman ........................ ............. ... ............. .. .. 76
39. T he Owl .. ... .. .. ... .. .. ... ... ......... ...................... .... ... ..... ...... .... ... 80
40. Pachamama .. .. ... .... ..... .............. .................. ....... ... .. ......... .... 82
41. T he Rainbow ................................ .. ..................................... 84
42. The Rainmaker ............. .... ............. ....................... .............. 86
43. The Rattle ................... ... ................................................... 88
44. The Sacrifice .......................... ....... .... ................................. 90
45. T he Seer ......... ..... ...... ........ .... ... .... ... .... ... ..... ..................... ... . 92
46. T he Serpenc ....... ....... ..... ... .... ... ........... ... ............................. . 94
47. The Smoky Mirror ............ ............. .... ................................. 96
48. The Sorcerer ... ... ....... ..... .............. ...... .... ..... ....... .............. ... . 98
49. Soul Retrieval ... ................ ......... .. .............. .......... ............. 100
50. T he Spiral ... .. .......................... ... .. .......................... ............ 102
51. The Scaff ..................... .... .......... .. ...... .................. ............. 104
52. Standstill .............................. ........ ..................................... 106
53. T he Sun .............. .................. .............. ... ............................ 108
54. The Sweat Lodge .. .... ....... .... .............. ................................ 110
55. Taming the Wi nd ................................................................ I l l
56. Thunde r .. .. ......... ... ............ .... ... ..... .. .... ........ ................. .... ... 11 4
57. The Time Mascer ........... ....... ... ... .... .... ...... .. ................. ....... 116
58. The Tree of Life .......................... .. ............................... ....... u8
59. Upper Wo rld ...... ........ .................. ...................................... no
60. The Vision Quest.. .................. .... ......................... .............. 122
61. Water ... ... .... ... ....... .... .... .... .... ...... ....... .... .... ........ ... ....... ...... 124
62. Wild Woman .. ... .... ...................... ....... .... ... ............ ... .... ....... 126
63. W ind ........ ...... ........... .... .... .......... .... .... ...... .......................... 128
64. The Witness ........................ ... ...... ..................................... 132

A bout the Artist ....... ............. .... ... ...... ............... ...................... 135
About cheAuchors ........... ......... ................. ........ .... ....... ... .... .... 137
.
 AM ESSAGE FROM THE A UTHORS

X
The sacred symbols in this deck are shared by all peoples. They can
be found in the ancient rock carvings in the Mongolian steppes and in
the pictographs of the American Southwest. They are the centerpiece of
African, Aboriginal, and Andean petroglyphs. They are the heart of the
collective wisdom of humanity.
The three of us have dedicated our lives to studying ancient wis-
dom traditions and divination practices. These teachings have allowed
us to heal ourselves and find love and compassion for others. They have
helped us understand the inner workings of destiny, and how the future
unfolds through each and every one of us.
One day, while sharing a pot of fragrant jasmine tea at the Omega
Institute in ew York, we discovered that we shared a longing to bring
the ancient shamanic art of divination into a practical guide, an oracle
for the modern world. We wanted to create a sacred oracle that could
help everyone using it to craft a rich and meaningful destiny in these
times of great change.
Because the deck is a blend of mystical and shamanic wisdom we
decided to call it Mystical Shaman Oracle to honor all our spiritual ideas
and to be reminded that Oneness is the true nature of all things.
The stunning artwork is by Jena DellaGrottaglia, who reached into
her heart to capture and bring forth the essence of the ancient symbols
we selected. Through her art, the timeless symbols have been brought
to life-to speak to you.
We hope you receive rich and meaningful messages from the Mystical
Shaman Oracle. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of its birth.

In Spirit,
AV, CBR,ML
VII
 l NTRODUCTlON

X
The furure enters imo us, in order to transform
irse!fin 11s, long before it happens.
- R AINE R MARI A RI LK E

For millennia, men and women of wisdom sought to understand

the workings of destiny. Those who were able to peer into the past and
glimpse the future, to see beauty and purpose in the illusory randomness
of nature, were considered prophets and seers.
Today the task of reading the signs of destiny falls upon every
one of us. If you do not discern the dangers and opportunities waiting
for you, then you could be caught in the tidal surge that drags most
people toward an unconscious destiny- what we call fate. And fate can
be deadly. It is preordained by the past and can hold you captive to a life
of ever-narrowing choices.
The good news is we can become our own prophets and vision-
aries. We can converse directly with Spirit, dialogue with the forces
of nature, speak with the great archetypes-the ancient gods- without
intermediaries. No one needs to stand between the Creator and vou, or
between you and the great powers of nature.
Legends say that before there was time, before there was language,
there were the sacred symbols. The Medicine Wheel, the Curse, the
Eagle, the Jaguar, and others spoke to us intimately. In their count-
less manifestations, they offered hope, expressed caution, illuminated
opportunity, inspired creation, courted power, and shared knowledge.
The sacred symbols belong to the realm of archetypes and the collective

ix
unconscious, the spiritual common ground shared by peoples modern
and ancient.
Mystical Shaman Orade offers a doorway into this realm of the sacred
symbols. When you consult the oracle, you summon power and wisdom
that can help you understand the present, heal the past, and influence
the course of your future.
While our modern culture tends to look for meaning in the vis-
ible, in the realm of things, people in ancient times looked for meaning
beyond the visible. Shamans today still communicate with the invisible
world of Spirit through the use of symbols. Inherent in the world of
symbols is the understanding that things are not merely as they appear
to be; there is a hidden dimension, and all things have two aspects:
essence and matter.
As you use this oracle, you will learn to integrate its symbols with
ordinary reality, and in doing so, your world can be transformed. In this
way, an eagle in a card is not merely an eagle, but a numinous eagle, a
form suffused with sacredness, holiness, and light. As you shuffle the
cards, the images-the eagle, the sun, the fire, and all the others-can
emerge from the sea of possibilities to convey a message or a warning to
you. The more you get to know them, the more clarity the cards inspire
in you via your intuition. Then each symbol will begin to shed its light
upon your life stage and illuminate your topic of inquiry.
Lame Deer, the Sioux shaman, describes it this way: "We Indi-
ans live in a world of symbols and images where the spiritual and the
commonplace are one. . . . We try to understand them not with the
head but with the heart, and we need no more than a hint to give us
the meaning."
 The Law of Synchronicity
An oracle operates by the Law of Synchronicity. The moment when
you have a question or need help, the world of symbols is available to
provide that help. With a moment's clear request for guidance, you will
choose the symbol that can best shed light on the current situation. Syn-
chronicity is the noncausal manifestation of events, and can allow the
moment to be influenced not only by the past, through the law of cause
and effect, but by the future.
Symbols have the power to represent reality and the power to
engage in the process of transformation-to change reality. In their cer-
emonies, shamans recognize a duty to co-create the world by the use of
symbols, and we see the evidence of this in the sacred art from all parts
of the planet where shamans have lived.

The Double Motion of the Oracle

An oracle is, by nature, in motion. The symbols are alive, and
reading them is like following the jaguar tracking a scent in the rain-
forest, leading us through the thick brush into the clearing. Each card
represents something that is known, while simultaneously pointing the
way wward something that is not known-but that toward which they
are reaching is also in motion. As everything in the cosmos is in flux,
the dynamic communion with the symbol, where you invite the image
into your heart, has a transforming effect on this moment of your life.
Simple answers do not transform our spirit. In consulting this ora-
cle, you will be disappointed if you expect definitive answers such as,
"Yes, you should take the job offer." An oracle only does service when
you claim your individual responsibility. It is meant to assist you in the
process of making a decision, or to clarify an issue when you feel the
need for guidance.

XI
 H ow TO W ORK WITH T HLS D ECK

X
T his deck has 64 cards, each one depicting a sacred symbol.
Remember that nature speaks in symbols and not in the language of
facts. Stay with the image of the card or cards that you choose during
a reading. Savor it; let it speak to the depths of your psyche. You will
discover that a very primal part of your soul recognizes and responds to
these timeless symbols.
Every card is a dynamic snapshot of a situation or a moment,
and shows you how the moment can transform from one condition to
another. The symbols present the forces and influences at play and the
direction that the energy is moving toward. After you meditate on the
image and the power that it holds, consult the text in this guidebook.
Each card has three important messages: the Essence, the Invita-
tion, and the Medicine.

• THE ESSENCE tells you the timeless message of the

card. It expands the symbol until you grasp its message,
without your needing to analyze it. Alwavs read the
Essence first.
• TH E INVITATION tells you the gifts that Spirit is
extending to you at this moment. It is a call to action. Read
the Invitation only if your card is upright.
• THE MEDICINE tells you the aspect or area of your
life or relationships that you need to bring into balance and
repair. Read the Medicine only if your card is reversed.
(Remember there are no "bad" cards, so reversed cards
should not be avoided. In fact you might want to see this as
extra help from the unseen world to guide and protect you.)

Xlll
 Mystical Shaman Oracle is a system of divination. The cards give you
a bird's-eye view of a situation. They show the evolution of events and
reveal both probable and possible outcomes. The probable outcomes are
the ones most likely to occur if you do nothing; the possible outcomes
are ones available to you when you participate in selecting a destiny that
is for your highest good.
Working with this deck will give you a deeper understanding of
the web of life, how everything is connected, and how your place in the
world is not random but deliberate and divine.
Make this deck your friend, get to know its symbols and mysteri-
ous language, and you will see that as your awareness grows so does
your relationship to Spirit. You will go from being a passive observer,
reacting to the workings of fate and complaining about your lot in life,
to becoming a conscious co-creator, shaping your destiny in partner-
ship with a Higher Power. The mundane world will reveal its mystical
underpinnings and the power of synchronicity will actively surprise and
delight you.
Be courageous and authentic as you dream the world into being, for
it is only with awareness and respect for the laws of the universe that mir-
acles can and will be discovered, like many treasures hidden in plain sight.

How to Ask a Question

The best questions ask for details, deeper understanding of situa-
tions, or knowledge as to how to take a "next right step." Questions that
require ,vesfi10 answers should be avoided, as they foster passivity instead
of inspired action, awareness, or empowered understanding.
It is best to ask open-ended questions such as the following:

• What do I need to know about [describe the simarion] for

my highest good?
• What will be the result if I take this action?
• What do I need to change in order to improve things?

XIV
 Sample Readings

One-Card Reading
A one-card reading is like opening a window into a new direction,
new understanding, or confirmation about what you may already feel
you know but need more certainty about. It's the simplest way to get to
know your Mystical Shaman Oracle. We like to pick one card daily to get a
sense of what the synchronicity holds for us today, and help us be more
conscious of opportunities we might otherwise miss.
All you need to do is ask your question, then pull a single card.
Allow your re<1ding to percolate before you decide you know exactly
what it's about. Oracles have an uncanny way of tracking your energy,
your state of mind, what is now or has been influencing you. Give it
time if the meaning doesn't immediately resonate. If, after a while, you're
still puzzled by it, choose another card or two for more information.
Example: We fanned the cards out in front of us and asked, "What
impact will this deck have on helping people be more powerful, authen-
tic, courageous, and prosperous?"
We chose the card The Giveaway, which is about generosity and
paying it forward. It essentially says, "You are the one you've been wait-
ing for. The wisdom is not yours until you can give it away to another."
We were moved by this card because all three of us have commit-
ted our lives to gather knowledge and experience in the mystical and
shamanic traditions. We do feel that we are called at this crucial time of
chaos and change to bring all we know and give it away to others.

Three-Card Reading: The Source and Outcome

A three-card reading will give you a picture of the past, present,
and future of the topic or situation at hand. This reading is particularly
useful 111 finding the source of blocks and obstacles in matters relating to
Work/Wealth, Relationships, Personal and Spiritual Growth, and Health
and Well-Being.

xv
 Draw three cards, placing them face up in front of you, from left
to right. The forthest ard to the )el, represems 1he past, tbe card in the
center represents the present, and the card farthest to the right represents
the possible fuwre. Sit with each card and gaze at the image, before you
read the name. As you hold each card in your hand, you wiU find a
message from the past and the present, and the dangers and opportuni-
ties that the future holds.
The present moment is the product of events that have their origin
in the past, just like the fruit is the product of the seed that then grew
into the tree. When you understand the causes-the forces, beliefs, and
persons-that define your situation in the present, you can set these
energies free. When you become conscious of the moment, you begin
to break free of karma- the unconscious tendencies from the past. And
remember that karma can be good, bad, and indifferent. Do not be
seduced by good karma, because it is still karma after all.

Four-Card Reading:
The Hidden Treasures in the Medicine Wheel
When you need to dream your world newly into being, you have to
discover hidden resources, the deeply buried treasures. When you have
already harvested the gems and precious stones from the surface, you
are ready to explore the depths with all its beauty and creative chaos. To
that end, a four-card reading will reveal the hidden influences to your
situation and show you things you might not be aware of.
The layout of a four-card reading follows the four directions of the
medicine wheel. Draw four cards, placing them in front of you in the
four cardinal directions, in this order:

xvi
 North
3

West East
2 4

South
I

1. The card in the south represents that which you need to let
go off, what needs to be shed. It is an old wound that you
no longer need to define yourself by.
2. The card in the west represents a part of you that needs
10 die. It is an old story that needs to be let go so that you
may find a new meaningful story for your life.
3. The card in the north represents the wisdom that you need
to acquire. You have learned the lessons from the south and
west cards. What wisdom is ready to mature within you?
What is your great medicine that you are ready to embrace?
What are the deeply buried treasures that have become
available to you?
4. T he card in the east represents your possible destiny, the
way that you will share your treasures and gifts with others.

X:Vll
 T - · H --· E
CARDs
2
T H E ESSENC E

The Ancient Ones are the shamans of old who defeated death and
escaped from the tyranny of time. The Ancient Ones once walked the
earth like us, in flesh and bone. Now they reside in infinity and can
counsel us after we say yes to our calling. They are available to help us
attain our full realization.

THE I NV ITATION

The Ancient Ones are inviting you to reach to the future to help birth
a new destiny for the Earth. Go ahead; find out who you are becoming
10,000 years from now. If you accept the invitation, great power and
blessings will come your way and allow you to craft a new destiny for
yourself. Do not hesitate to bite off more than you can chew, because
you have unlimited spiritual resources available right now.

T H E M EDI C IN E

The Ancient Ones beseech you to examine your attitudes and actions,
and be sure that they are of the highest integrity. Iot forgiving an ances-
tor (or yourself) is keeping you from the freedom you seek. Remember
this is no longer your karma. You can break the chains that once bound
you to the family drama and be free of your generational curses. Forgive
the ones you need to release. Honor your biological ancestors by light-
ing a candle to them tonight.

3
·-->s
..·---· --~-- ·-----==-::::.-

4
TH E ESSENC E

The Andean Cross represents the cosmology of the shaman. It depicts

the four cardinal directions, the upper and lower worlds, and the steps
to reach these realms. The hole in the center is a gateway to interdimen-
sional travel, the proverbial eye of the needle we can all go through to
experience higher states of awareness and wisdom and to break free of
linear time.

THE I NVITATION

The Andean Cross announces the start to a great journey. It's time
to raise your gaze from the mundane day-to-day to that which, until
now, has seemed beyond your grasp. Allow new wisdom to guide
you and stop trying to make sense of it all before you respond with a
resounding yes.

THE MEDICINE

The time has passed and the window of opportunity has closed. Now
is not the moment to take that leap you have been overpreparing for.
It is best to wait until conditions in heaven line up again to offer you a
more propitious moment. Any bold action you take now will require
tremendous effort on your part. Just as important as knowing when to
act is knowing when to return to your inner stillness and wait for more
favorable times.

5
---~
>-- < --
.• v•. -----
A.

6
THE ESSENCE

Receiving this symbol reminds yoll that when you are in alignment with
your heart and soul, you are on target and will soon be hitting your
mark. Be true to your calling, release attachments, and free yourself from
the bondage of unbridled ambition. Now is revealed to be a moment of
contact in which your intention meets the material world.
The Arrow also symbolizes the need to set your creativity free.

THE INVITATION

When the Arrow zings through the air, it is inviting you to pay attention
and signifying that you are about to make your mark in some aspect
of your life. It illuminates the moment of contact when you know that
your desires and intentions have traveled on the wind and landed in the
perfect place for your highest good.
Trust that your job is to be relaxed yet focused, keeping your eye
on the prize yet releasing your intention with full expectation that it will
land as it is supposed to. Don't worry about the "how" or the exact
form. This is not a time to interfere with the manner in which the arrow
flies. It will make its mark, and you will have cause to celebrate!

THE MEDICINE

This is a time to admit that by continuing on the path you are on, you
might be shooting yourself in the foot. Could it be that you have become
so attached to winning this game that you have missed the true mark?
What if your arrow was never meant to land where you wanted it?
Now is the time to regroup and ask yourself if what you desire is
really worth your energy. This is a sign that something better is waiting.
Consider the wisdom in not getting what you want. Suffering in this
case is a pathway to heal the parts of you that feel unworthy, the parts
that worry there isn't enough. Make peace with those voices. What is
truly yours will be waiting for you.

7
-----· ·-~-·-----=--::;_
>s,

8
THE ESSENCE

The Beauty Way is both a path that you travel on and a daily practice.
The path is where you choose to perceive only beauty before you, behind
you, and all around you as you journey through life. The practice is
where you take action to bring beauty to every situation you are in.
When things get ugly, you act to bring integrity and peace to the dif-
ficult encounter. When everyone else perceives only darkness, you point
out the light and help uncover the hidden treasures.

THE I NV ITATION

The Beauty Way invites you to create beauty in your life and to recog-
nize the beauty inside yourself and in others. Stop to smell the roses,
take a deep breath, look up at the stars, and recognize the splendor that
surrounds you. See the beauty in whatever situation you find yourself
in, and you will receive the lesson that life is teaching you in a kind and
gentle way.

THE MEDICINE

Stop trying to fix relationships that you believe are broken. Recognize
that things are exactly as they need to be in this moment, and acknowl-
edge the inherent beauty in that. When you understand this, you will
be able to bring about the change you want. Do not engage in gossip
about the darkness and flaws of others. Be careful not to be seduced by
the superficial beauty of a project or relationship you are toying with,
unless you are willing to pay a price for it later.

9
---

\
THE ESSENCE

The Beloved is the recognition of Spirit in another, and moving toward

Spirit through the other. It is when the divine appears to us in the form
of our child, our partner, our friend, and we experience being in love.
As we grow, we start to recognize the Beloved in everyone, not confus-
ing their personality with their divine nature.

THE INVITATION

Accept the invitation to learn through the path of love. Expand your
being through union with another. When you recognize the Beloved
in another, you call forth their highest and purest nature. Follow the
path of love.

THE MEDICINE

Be careful with romantic love, the kind of love you "fall" in and out
of. Own all the projections you have placed upon the person you are
dreaming of. Remember that they are only mirroring back your own
deep longings rather than revealing their true selves. If you fail to notice
this, be prepared to walk through the fire of strong emotions once again.

11
. . >n-----.-
. ·•t•· ----s<.-:::.....

12
TH E ESSENCE

The Blade represents sharpness of the mind, body, and spirit. Pointing
upward, it summons the power of heaven. When aimed down to the
ground, it anchors the power of the heavens on Earth. The blade can be
a healing tool or a weapon. Wield it wisely, and it will transmit power,
bestow initiations, cut energetic cords from the past, or sever toxic rela-
tionships. Use it with anger, and it will slash, stab, and kill.

THE I NV ITATION

You are invited to draw your blade and use it. It is not auspicious to
hesitate, to waste time in idle talk, or to hide from the inevitable. Heaven
and Earth are aligned to support you in claiming your power, so take
decisive action. Overcome your fear of hurting others, unsheathe the
blade, and use it wisely!

THE MEDICINE

It's time to put down the sword and place it back in its scabbard. Do
not offer your blade in service to toxic emotions! You will be faced with
an even more disagreeable future with the people or situations you
are attempting to banish. Put the blade to rest until your inner fire has
mellowed. Then use your blade with impeccable intention to cut the
energetic cords that are tying you to the drama at hand. Set yourself free!

13
>,,

14
THE ESSENCE

The Child knows the way to joy and happiness. The Child offers the
return of a second innocence, a time born of wisdom and not of naivete.
This card a!Jows you to correct your course and offers you a second
chance. It brings you the possibility of redemption and entering heaven
while on Earth.

THE INVITATION

The Child is here to release you from the habit of being yourself, and to
help you acquire a beginner's mind so that you can see life as if for the
first time. Remain open to learning and discovery. Who is your spouse
or partner today? Can you see them with fresh eyes? Who is looking
back at you in the mirror this morning? Become a mystery unto your-
self, and reconnect with a sense of childlike wonder.

T H E MEDICIN E

The Child comes to show you how you can correct the course of your
life without being punished. Set yourself free from your conditioning
for suffering; you were born unfettered and happy, and can be so again
if you make the choice right now1 The Child will help you climb out of
the hole you may have dug yourself into, to recover your sense of play.

15
->------~ ·-~•··---■-=---·
16
THE ESSENCE

Unification, interconnectedness, and a sense of continuum is what this

card implies. The Circle reminds us we are all One-dancers in a uni-
fied continuous inclusive circle. This card reminds us of the cycles of
life and the evolving self, ever changing, and always connected: human,
Spirit, Nature, the cosmos, all intrinsically connected.

THE I NV ITAT ION

When the Circle appears, it reminds you that you are connected to
everything and everyone, including to Spirit. Spirit's essence beats in
your heart and inspires you to co-create your world, knowing that you
count, that you have purpose in this world. Imagine even a smile to a
stranger can change the course of a life. When the Circle invites vou to
dance in the sacred steps of life, know that your work, your love, your
service brings greater value than you can know. Stay the course; keep
dancing, and all will be well.

THE MEDICINE

When the Circle comes as your medicine, you're meant to come to an

understanding of the importance of decay and letting go, the importance
of dying to an old form and being reborn anew. If you are faced with
the challenge of loss or disappointment, remember this: in the Circle of
Life, nothing is ever wasted. Love will seek itself again, prosperity will
come from a new idea or opportunity, and Spirit always waits for you
to find your place in the dance again.

17
->z•----·•~·· ------.-:;._-

18
THE ESSENCE

All things have a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is the nature
of life- the seed, the flower, and the fruit-and of all human relation-
ships. Completion suggests the fullness of the moment and the need to
transform an old form into a new one.

THE INVITATION

You have finished a cycle, and there is no more growth or benefit from
hanging on to the old. In regard to relationships, it is time to honor what
has been and find a new form for the future. In your ventures, it is time
to reap your harvest. Completion is a time for celebration. It is the end
of summer when the fruit is ripe.

THE MED I CINE

Clinging to the old form will bring only decay. When fruit is left too
long on the vine, it rots. You know that it is time to move on, vet are
reluctant. Do not be afraid of hurting anyone's feelings. Remember that
vou are responsible for your actions, not the actions of others. Mourn
what is lost so you can move on. Do not be sad; be like the sun
at midday who shines brightly, neither longing for sunrise nor dread-
ing the dusk.

19
>,-

20
THE ESSENCE

Corn represents the mother of sustenance and tangible abundance. This

symbol represents material prosperity in the world of form that provides
stability and sustenance to many. There is more than enough.

THE INVITATION

You planted a beautiful field of dreams and worked hard. Even in

moments when you were losing faith, you continued. Now the spirit of
the Corn comes to honor this and show you a bountiful harvest. This
is the time to reap the rewards of hard work and trust, whether those
rewards are financial or the kind of prosperity measured in quality rather
than quantity.
You are so blessed when this symbol appears. Don't forget to share
your good fortune.

THE MEDICINE

Beware of shortcuts to your dreams or a fast track being offered to

you now. Be especially mindful of your feelings of entitlement or an
expectation to get something for nothing. This is a time for gratitude,
perseverance, and humility.
Be prepared to work toward your goals, and plant the seeds of your
intentions consciously and respectfully. Release any insecure thoughts
of scarcity, feeling that there is not enough, or worry that someone else
could take what is yours. Know that the universe will always provide,
but you must be in a relationship with it in order to receive. You wilJ
reap what you sow. Take heart; even if you didn't plant well and have
conjured up the illusion of a drought, there is always a new season to
begin again.

21
\

22
THE ES SENC E

The Council are the luminous beings who hold the collective wisdom of
humanity. They are the ones before whom you will do your life review
when you cross into the world of Spirit. (A life review is when we place
our good and our bad deeds on a divine scale and attempt to explain
why we did not love, or forgive, or dare as greatly as we might have.)
Know that their wisdom is available 10 you at all times when you live
in a state of yes, in an unconditional relationship with life. They remind
you of your place around a sacred fire, which has been reserved for
you since the beginning of time. You will claim it when you own your
inner wisdom.

T H E INV ITATION

The Council has a message for you: "Listen with your inner senses!"
The handwriting is already on the wall, so look about you and you
will discern its meaning. Do not wait for further signs; embark on the
journey to love deeply, forgive sincerely, and dare greatly. Take the leap
without requiring life to assure you of success.

THE MEDI C I NE

You are never alone. Turn to the Council to find the guidance you seek,
and listen to the voice that arises spontaneously. Turn a deaf ear to that
nagging voice from your ego that tells you that you are not up for the
task before you. Create a spiritual feast for the Council; invite them to
your altar every time you meditate or pray.

23
>-- ,<

24
THE ESSENCE

The Coyote is the symbol of the sacred trickster, the one who provides
detours for growth and understanding by ensuring that things don't go
as planned. The Coyote brings the energy of divine deception to set
you free from the shackles of that which doesn't serve you. Sometimes it
appears that you will get everything you want, only to find that Coyote
brings you the opposite of what you hoped for. The lessons offered
by Coyote may at first appear confusing, but they are most sacred and
always for your highest good.

THE INVITATION

If Coyote calls to you, this is a time to pay special attention to detours and
disappointment, as they are true tests of faith. You have set your intentions
and turned them over to the Great Spirit, yet you may find yourself lost
and confused when it appears you are being led off course, off the path
leading to your most cherished dreams and desires. Remember this: Coy-
ote is a sacred trickster and may be leading you into challenges to ensure
that you are ready to handle what you've set in motion. Great growth and
understanding come to you when Coyote calls your name.

THE MEDICINE

Are you being seduced by what you think you desire? Could it be that
the more superficial, sparkly, shiny aspects of your ambition led you in
this moment? Perhaps you feel that in order to get what you desire, you
have to compromise yourself, control others, or manipulate situations to
ensure your goal is met? Coyote howls in the shadows to remind you
that this mav be a lesson too painful to learn.
Beware the shallow waters right now. Something or someone might
pretend to be deep, but that doesn't make them so, no matter how
seductive their superficial traits and how beautiful or sparkly they appear.
All that glitters there will not turn up gold, no matter how many wishes
you make to change that.

25
...;>;a
____.. · •~•· "'lll---r<-....
T H E ESSENCE

Crow is the keeper of universal law, the law of truth. Crow teaches us to
walk our talk, to find congruence between who we say we are and who
we really know ourselves to be. This winged one insists that we speak
truth, that we create truth instead of searching for it, and that we bring
truth to every situation we find ourselves in.

THE INVITATION

When you speak the truth and practice truth, eventually everything you
say becomes true. Your power to co-create with the truth is the universal
law. Correct what is untrue in your life without judgment. Let the truth
set you free'

TH E MEDI CINE

Be true to your word! Crow arrives just as we have convinced ourselves

that what we are doing is right and justified. And while this may be the
case in the realm of relative truth, in the higher realm of absolute truth it
is not. Look deeply into your heart and remain alert, lest you convince
yourself of something that isn't deeply true for you, or perhaps is not the
highest truth. Do not seduce yourself with illusions.

27
 ..----• ·• t•· ----s<:1111::._
->--

28
THE ES SENCE

The Curse refers to the limiting stories of our ancestors, and the karma
from former lifetimes that preordains the events of our lives. It is the
source of negative patterns, and it can show up as a disease, a destructive
force, or a blockage on our creative energy. The curse holds us hostage
to a false story that we confuse for reality. Recognizing the original
wound that is playing out in our life can heal it.

T H E I NV I TATION

It is time to recognize the source of your limitations. Did your grand-

parents live with a mind-set of scarcity? Did you inherit genes for heart
disease? Were you a slave or a master in a past life? This karmic legacy
is ready and waiting to be seen, to be untangled, and to be released.
Honor the players and their stories. Forgive everyone and every-
thing. Craft a new life course for yourself!

T H E M ED IC I N E

Be aware of your actions! Act with impeccable intention so as not to

create a debt or karma that, sooner or later, someone has to pay. What
you do to others, you also do to yourself and to the people you love the
most. Now you have the opportunity to clean it up!

29
30
THE ESSENCE

The rhythm of the drum tunes you to the beating heart of the universe.
Its wood frame links you to the trees and helps you journey to the
lower world via the roots and the upper world through its branches.
The drumskin gives the shaman the powers of the animal kingdom.
Striking the drum calls forth the power of the thunder and the rumbling
of the earthquake. The drum invites a trance state where healing and
prophecy happen.

THE INVITATION

The Drum invites you to take the next bold step in vour journey. The
forces of heaven and earth are aligned behind you, supporting effort-
less action. This is not a time to push against the river- the current will
take you exactly where you want to go, once you jump in! Collect your
power tools and summon your courage, because it is going to be a wild
and glorious journey. Allow yourself to be carried by the rhythm of
what is really essential in your life.

THE MEDICINE
You travel to the beat of a different drum. It's time to acknowledge you
do not fit a mold or role or relationship that is not in tune with you.
Find your rhythm; respond to the heartbeat of the distant drum. The
price you pay for lingering becomes higher with each passing day. Now
is the time to move on!

31
>a

32
T H E ESSEN C E

Eagle comes from the east, the place of the rising sun, of new begin-
nings. She soars high in the sky, sees the smallest detail with clarity
without losing track of the bigger picture, and nests in the high moun-
tains. For Eagle, there are no obstacles, only opportunities. She calls
you to ascend, to acquire perspective, so you can fly wing to wing with
Great Spirit.

THE I NV ITATION

Have you become trapped in your daily routine and feel you do not
know where to go and what to do next? Have you lost your sense of
purpose? Eagle invites you to take a deep breath and spread your wings.
When was the last time you opened them? Eagle reminds you that your
spirit was born to soar to the heavens. As you contemplate choices, ask
yourself: "Do l want to live in a chicken coup, sheltered from life, count-
ing the regular feedings, or do I want to soar like an eagle?" If your
answer is the latter, then you must accept Eagle's invitation and embrace
the courage that will help you choose freedom.

THE M EDIC I NE

It is time to see through the eyes of Eagle. Let your vision of the whole
and of its parts become laser-like, and set your priorities straight. What
did you come to do in this life? Did you come to climb up the ladder of
financial or social success? Did you come to become a better person, to
heal your heart, and to realize your essential self? What is your divine
mission here on Earth?
No more excuses. Of course, you do not have enough time, enough
money, or enough sleep ... Yet the time is now to fly to your chosen
purpose. If you postpone it, you are betraying yourself. Look through
the eyes of Eagle and consider every obstacle an opportunity. Where you
set your intention is where you'll end up. Free yourself and live your
highest destiny. Fly1

33
_>-,-
______., • • t•· ------==-:::..

34
THE ESSENCE

Earth represents the gift of life. The symbol on this card refers to the
body of the planet Earth, the human body, and Nature herself. We're
reminded by this symbol that all creatures are born of the Earth and
human beings are the stewards of all life on this planet. It refers to what
we make of it: our health, wealth, security, grounding, solidity, and
stability. It reminds us that the world of form is a gift from Spirit and
needs to be treated with respect.

T H E INV I TATI O N

When the Earth symbol appears, it represents a need to focus on rever-

ence and appreciation for the natural gifts that are coming to you now
and always. The concrete world you inhabit is there by the grace of
Spirit, and you are part of it. Much can be accomplished now when you
focus on compassionate, reverent service to the world. If you act with
integrity, gratitude, and humility, you will find yourself more prosper-
ous than you can imagine. Success is assured when the Earth appears
as an invitation.

THE MEDICINE

Do you feel ungrounded or easily thrown off your path lately? It is

time 10 focus on what nurtures you, to open yourself to the healing of
Mother Earth and see the abundant world around you. Perhaps you
have lost the ability to trust that your needs will be met and have fallen
prey to poverty consciousness. Perhaps you have not been eating well,
been overworked and stressed, and forgotten to breathe in the beauty of
vour surroundings. When the spirit of Earth comes as your medicine,
you're being reminded that when you practice self-care, take a walk in
nature, and focus on the consciousness of abundance, miracles can and
do happen.

35
>,--

36
THE ESSENCE

Just as you're involved in co-creating your world, you are also respon-
sible for its well-being. The Earthkeepers are dedicated to the steward-
ship of the Earth and all life. They choose to hold the sacred dream of
a planet where all beings live in peace and where the rivers and the air
are dean. Remember that everything you do has an impact for seven
generations.

THE INVITATION

You have outgrown your small dream of success and achievement and
are ready to dream big, with possibilities beyond your wildest expecta-
tions. Take on the mantle of the Earthkeeper, and reach out to a friend
in need whom you may not have been in touch with for some time.
Take care of your pets, and feed the strays that come by. Clean up your
yard, as this is a reflection of your relationship to the Earth. Grow the
sacred dream, and your personal life will flourish. Remember, it's not
about "me" any longer.

THE MEDICINE

As you care for your body, you show your care for Mother Earth, so
begin with the stewardship of your health. What are you putting in your
mouth? Are you feeding on foods and thoughts that are not good for
you? Start doing what you know will be good for you today.

37
..,;>,;:a.____ ·•t•· -----==---

38
THE ESSENCE

Fire consumes anything that it touches. The flames remind us of the

impermanent nature of reality, and how situations can quickly transform
into beauty or chaos. Fire is passion, and its dancing flames invite us
to reach to the sky. Warmth and light are heavenly, yet too much heat
can scorch us. To fully step into the energy of fire is to be utterly trans-
formed, like the Phoenix rising from the ashes.

THE INVITATION

Warm your hands and your heart by your inner fire. Let it burn away
your hardships; let it consume your pain and your sorrow. Has life
become too rigid, too cold, or too superficial? Light a candle or make
a bonfire, and toss into the flames everything that has become stiff
and painful. Give it all to the fire for rapid transformation. Set your
life on fire!

THE MEDICINE

Are you feeling too fiery? Have you been reactive and short-tempered
toward others? This card has come to tell you that all fiery emotions
directed at others can "backfire" at you. It is not a good idea to play
with fire when you are out of balance or angry. Now is not the time
to act or react. It is time to tame and befriend your inner fire so it does
not scorch you.

39
40
TH E ESSENC E
There is a natural movement of events in the world. You can see it in
phenomena such as the tide, the ebb and flow of oceans and rivers that
rise up from the earth then flow to the sea. The symbol of Flow repre-
sents the effortless and natural movement toward a certain destination. It
signifies an ability to gracefully move around obstacles and reminds you
of the sense of allowing.

THE IN V ITATION

When Flow comes to visit, it's a sign that your intentions have been in
motion. Now is the time to allow nature to run its course; you are being
called to effortless movements and the path of least resistance. It's like
being within music, flowing within partnership. Think of the artist who
creates without guile or craft, calling creativity up from the soul and
bringing it to life without effort. You are called to be like a river, know-
ing the fulfillment of destiny is assured. Enjoy the ride.

TH E M ED I C INE

Don't try to push against the river or swim upstream right now. You can
trust that when the time is right, your dreams will begin to take shape,
and you will be invited to dance with destiny. Right now, however, you
must relax. This is not the time to bang on doors that refuse to open.
Whatever obstacle is in front of you right now, trust this is for the high-
est good. It is an opportunity to regroup and reconsider your choices,
and you must trust that your intentions will take form in good time.
Consider this time a gift.

41
---
>z -=
·-~-· - - -

42
ESSENCE

Before we cultivated grains, we collected the wild bounty of nature. The

Gatherer finds abundant seeds, nuts, berries, and wild greens where the
ordinary person sees only barren soil. The gatherer is the provider, the
forager, and the gardener who collects roots and vegetables for the long
winter when game is scarce. She does not hoard, trusting the bounty
around her.

THE INVITATION

Look at the resources you already have close at hand. This is a time of
abundance. Everything around you is ripe and ready for harvest. Banish
the notions of scarcity that have limited your choices and colored your
destiny. Pack your food for the winter, and start ,,·ith the low-hanging
fruit that is all around you!

THE MEDI CINE

Do not wander too far afield in search for what Spirit has already pro-
vided. Practice paying it forward, being thankful in advance of receiving.
If you are in a scarcity mind-set, open your heart to look beyond current
conditions, and you will find the bounty being offered to you. Practice
sharing, not hoarding.

43
44
THE ESSENCE

The Ghost Dance of the American Plains Indians united the spirits
of the living with those of the ancestors to bring peace to the world.
\ Vhen the ancestors are honored, they bring harmony to us. When we
hold them responsible for all that is wrong with us today, they haunt
us. Honor the spirits of the ancestors and receive their lessons and gifts.
This includes honoring your own past lives!

THE INV I TATION

The ancestors have a message of healing and a powerful medicine 10

offer you. Create a sacred moment at your altar, light a candle to them,
and let their wisdom infuse you. At this stage in your life, you are done
repeating their tragic stories. Step into the abundance that is offered to
you, receive the gifts of those that have come before you, and write a
new story for your life.

TH E MEDICINE

If you are trapped in a vicious cycle of nostalgia, mourning a lost youth

or opportunities missed, it is time to make an altar for the ancestors.
Collect a few photos, light some incense, offer sage, and open the win-
dows of your house to release them to their destiny and to the wind.
Be wary of being snared in a relationship with someone from a past
lifetime, as the people we loved or hurt have a way of reappearing in our
lives. There is no learning for you there anymore.

45
_::i>,-
. . ._ _ · •••· ---z<-
46
THE ESSENCE

The Giveaway is the gift you offer to life, without attachment, without
expecting anything back. You can only give what is truly yours: a smile,
a nod of encouragement, a gentle touch, and a kind word. This is not
giving to others what you no longer want, like the sweater that no longer
fits, but gifting that which is most precious-your authentic love and
genuine feelings.

THE INVITATION

Make a list of 10 people and things for which you are grateful. Connect
with the feeling of gratitude. The giveaway comes to ask you to feel the
same gratitude without needing anything or anyone to inspire it, and to
share this gratitude with those you meet.
As you offer thanks, your heart opens and you start realizing how
much life has given you. You heal your feelings of scarcity and open
yourself to the abundance that surrounds you. The giveaway invites you
to be in the flow of life, as you give freely and receive freely.

THE MEDIC INE

Is it difficult for you to set limits on how much of yourself you give? If
you give more than is healthy, then you will not be able to give for long.
You'll feel resentful with your partner or associates, or you'll feel like the
world owes you something in return.
Notice if you give for any reason other than pure generosity. Are you
trying to be liked or accepted? Are you hoping to heal an old wound?
Start giving to yourself first and foremost. Offer yourself the care,
the love, the time, and the acceptance that you are longing for. Once you
experience plenty, then you can truly give to others.

47
48
TH E ES S E N CE

The Heart of Sky is the love force that made all creation possible. This
same force is present when you create with originality, when you bring
formlessness to form or inspired ideas to expression. This primeval force
does not know good or bad; it is up to us to provide the clear intention
that will guide it to manifest. The Heart of Sky helps us call in beautv
from the invisible world-and birth it in the world of matter.

THE INVITATION

The Heart of Sky brings you a sacred reminder. You are a channel for
the original energy of creation. Become the paintbrush, the canvas, and
the artist, all guided by the Heart of Sky. Set your intention, ethically
and clearly, and allow the universe to take care of the details.

T H E ME DICINE

You may feel responsible for everything and everyone. Perhaps you
think you have to do it all alone. This takes you into a dark hole where
you lose trust in the natural order of the cosmos. Shed your lofty sense
of duty, and recognize that this is a false prison of your own making.
You can open the door and set yourself free in an instant.

49
---~
>z ·•v•·
A. ..,_____
~
_

50
THE ESSENCE

Native peoples around the Earth recognize mountains as places of great

power where one encounters Spirit or where the gods or goddesses
reside. In ancient Greece, Mount Olympus was the home of the 12 main
Gods and Goddesses. In Tibet, pilgrims circumambulate Mount Kailash
to bring prosperity. In Per(1, pilgrims climb the ice-capped Mount Aus-
angate to receive the starlight and bring fire to the Earth.

THE INVITATION

The Holy Mountain invites you to go on a sacred pilgrimage to acquire

vision and perspective. First you must accept the present situation as an
opportunity to discover higher understanding. Find a sacred altar where
others who came before you have prayed and found wisdom, and make
your offering there. Make a commitment to walk with courage, love,
and compassion until you see with clarity the perfection of all.

THE MEDICINE

When the Holy Mountain shows up, it is time to be active. Do not let
your doubts deter you and keep you bound. This is a time to leap over
challenges and to remember that from the top of the moumain there are
no obstacles, only beauty and an unobstructed view of the entire Earth.
And there's no need to go shopping for the right hiking boots or camp-
ing equipment to climb the holy mountain; you already have all the gear
you need. Overcome any lethargy, indolence, and laziness, as these are
the real obstacles.

51
_>,,_.____• ·-~-· ------=---..

52
THE ESSENCE

Despite being so little, hummingbirds are great journeyers, migrating

between North and Central or South America to feed from the sum•
mer nectar. This gentle creature can be fiercely territorial to protect its
home. Hummingbird teaches us to be gentle to ourselves and protect
our personal space.
Hummingbird invites you to embark on your epic quest, bypass the
dung pile of old pain and hurts, head for the flowers, and learn to trust
the calling you hear ever so softly.

THE INVITATION

The buzzing you feel is the sound of your hummingbird wings prepar·
ing you to say yes to a new advenmre. This is not the time to linger on
what has gone wrong, but to trust in the rightness of the moment and
take bold action. Trust that success is assured, even if you must face tests
and challenges to reach your destination. Know that all will be well
because the All is in the small.

THE ME DI C I NE

This mighty being comes to teach you stillness in motion and to trust
your inner knowing that the sweetest nectar is assured. Failing to act
when the moment is right can spoil your journey. If you feel your safety,
comfort, or day-to-day survival are more important than saying yes to
the invitation to explore the unknown, you will have to work much
harder to achieve what is being offered to you freely now. Still your
mind, even in the midst of your very hectic schedule, and heed the
gentle voice that calls to you to test new wings.

53
 -<

54
THE ESSENCE

Before the dawn of agriculture, we hunted in the forests to feed our kin.
The Hunter never takes more than what the village needs to survive,
often taking only one creature-the "good kill." He is a master tracker
who knows which path to follow to find success.

THE INVITATION

Rely on your own skills to traverse the thick forest you are in to reach
your destination. You need to follow the tracks left by Spirit to claim
your bounty, which is already prepared and being offered to you. Do
not follow the maps drawn by others, as they will not lead you true.
Instead, become the mapmaker, find your internal compass, and use all
your senses-including your common sense.

THE MEDICINE

Don't settle for the roadkill; it could be poison. Be careful that you do
not become the prey of your desires and fantasies. Remember to not
want more than you need, so you are not guided by unbridled ambition.
It is okay to come home empty-handed.

55
56
THE ESSENCE

The Jaguar is the protector of all life in the Amazon, and in times of fear
she brings courage and certainty. Jaguar is at the top of the food chain
and never becomes prey. With great stealth, she can track her mark from
a distance and not be seen or heard. She moves gracefully through the
jungle, relishing the abundance of the rainforest, fearless and at ease.
Jaguar knows the ways beyond death and is the master of the shadows,
blending invisibly between light and dark, night and day.

T HE INVITATION

Jaguar calls you to explore beyond the walls that confine you, to go
outside your normal routine, to push your limits and boundaries.
She is delivering an invitation from your own future to investigate the
unknown, to venture into the mystery and the dark places you have been
reluctant to explore. Toss all caution to the wind! Know that your Jaguar
instinct will serve you well.

T HE MEDICINE

What in your life needs to be released? What have you carried around
with you far too long, which is ready to be let go of once and for all?
Jaguar medicine is available to heal the fear so you can allow it to go.
It's time to come out of the shadows and end the shadow games that you
may have unconsciously agreed to play. Call on Jaguar to unfetter you
from toxic relationships and recover your natural instinct for the right
people and situations.

57
----

58
THE ESSENCE

The Journey is an invitation to step outside the boundaries of your life

as you know it. The journey is not a holiday; it is a call to be hermit-like
and to go on a pilgrimage into the unknown. There are no maps to the
territory you will be exploring, no marked paths or road signs.

THE INVITATION

The time to embark on the great journey is here. Do not linger in the
port when distant shores are calling. Fearlessly draw your own naviga-
tional charts as you discover the route. When the time is right, as it is
now, you will be led true, even when you are not sure of where you are
going. It is the departure that is most important. If you miss the boat,
a great opportunity will be lost, and another ship may not arrive for a
very long time.

THE MEDICINE

The journey is calling you, but the timing is premature. Collecting

postcards or fantasies of where you want to go may take over your focus
and make you miss your destiny. Other things must be completed first,
or you may still be attached to knowing the destination. Remember that
the point of the journey is not the destination; it's who you will become
as you are transformed along the way. Do not confuse the inner and the
outer journey.

59
 --- --~-- ·----
·----- ,<

60
T HE ES SEN C E

The formidable electrical discharge of a lightning bolt brightens the sky

and strikes the Earth, accompanied by the mighty sound of thunder.
This phenomenon has a positive aspect-the light illuminates the
Earth and the psyche. But there is a destructive side as well; the bolt can
burn, and even kill, if it's too strong.

THE INV ITATION

The forces of the upper world are investing their gathered energies to
ignite you with new inspiration and creativity. Allow this divine gift of
awakening to take root in your being, and enjoy a renewed sense of
clarity, passion, and vision.

THE ME DIC I NE

Life has gifted you with a destiny that is in alignment with your passion
and in harmony with all existence on Earth. Now lightning has come to
jolt you into accepting your destiny. Let this initiation release what is in
the way of your fulfilling your life purpose. Otherwise, you'll be bound
to your karmic fate. This is a time to be courageous and daring.

61
62
THE ESSENCE

The lower world holds the hidden treasures of humanity. It is a place

of rich and fruitful darkness where we can find the disowned parts of
ourselves and the abandoned aspects of our psyches. The lower world
is the place of our ancesto rs, where we discover the gifts and lessons
from the past; it is the realm of the collective unconscious. Here we can
meet our demons and transform them into pure energy, our source of
personal power.

THE INVITATION

It is time to unearth your hidden treasures. Do not make yourself small

in order for others to like or accept you. Bring o ut the gems and pre-
cious stones that you have kept inside your heart, hidden even from
yourself.
It's time to honor your past a nd recast your life as a heroic quest.
As you journey into the lower world, you will be offered all the gifts of
your ancestors. Their struggles-the way they hurt, the way they lived,
and the way they died-will become blessings.

THE MEDICINE

Are you one of those people who do not like to face the past? Now your
past is calling to be acknowledged, to be heard, and to be embraced.
The only way to become unstuck is 10 honor everything that has trans-
pired in your life, reflect on the lessons learned, and move on. If you
bear witness to your past and learn its lessons, it will stop haunting you.
As you embrace its gifts, you will recover a missing part of your soul.

63
---->----"' ··••·----s<--~

64
THE ESSENCE

The Luminous Warrior has no enemies in this world or the next. He

is impeccable in word and deed. He focuses on his light rather than on
what hides in the dark. Since he casts no shadow, he is as radiant as the
sun and can transform his most terrible enemy into his ally. His power
comes not from the sword but from speaking his truth at all costs.

T HE INVITATION

The Luminous Warrior reminds you it is important to focus on your

power, wisdom, and beauty. Do not be seduced by what seems wrong
with you or with the world. Remember that intention follows attention,
so focus on your positive traits; feed your light with more light, until you
feel truly empowered. Then there will be little need for action, as you
resolve all situations from within.

THE MEDICINE
Are you being tempted by your emotions to follow your lower instincts?
Are you being invited to enter into a quarrel with someone? Put your
sword away; this is not the time for battle. Your enemy is not who you
think it is. Do not act from a place of anger that will damage your rela-
tionships and hurt the ones you care for. Find the truth hiding in your
heart that will affirm your instinct for peace rather than for war.

65
66
THE ESSENCE

This symbol represents the infinite intelligence of Great Spirit that makes
up the fundamental fabric of the universe. We experience the evidence of
this magic through synchronicity, or meaningful coincidence.

THE INVITATION

When Magic appears, you're invited to see the world through the eyes of
wonder and awe, taking on the innocence of a child who knows that all
things are possible. Infinite potential exists in the Great Mind, and you
are being invited to call it in and recognize the dance in synchronistic
events, signs, symbols, and omens given to you through the oracle of
the ordinarv world. This is a sign that Spirit is reminding you that you
co-create your world in a sacred partnership. Your part is to dream, to
intend, and to watch for the signs that show you what next action to
take. Right now it appears that you are on the right track to make your
dreams come true. Great Spirit is listening and acting on your behalf!
Pay attention. Magic gives birth to miracles.

THE MEDICINE

Have you forgotten that you live in a world that is infused with magic?
Perhaps you've become cynical and think you have to create your life all
by yourself with no help from others. It's time to remember your rela-
tionship to Source, for you are a part of the story of the world, a living
spark of Spirit living on earth for this short time as an emissary of light.
If you look back over your life, you will find many instances in
which your actions alone were not the cause of "out of the blue" coin-
cidences that led you to that new relationship, job, or other important
moment on your journey. So how do you stay in this awareness? The
answer is simple. If you can be as a little child and cultivate that won-
drous curiosity, you will see the magic again and be amazed. Remember,
magic is real and in everything.

67
->=----- ·•t•· -------=---

68
THE ESSENCE

ALI paths lead to Spirit. What you bring to your journey is what will
determine if yours is a path of suffering, a path of wisdom, a path of
bliss, or a path of loss.
Consider the traveler who met two stonemasons. He asks one what
he is doing, and the mason replies, "I am squaring out this stone." He
asks the other, who is doing the exact same thing, and gets the reply,
"I am building a cathedral." One man has a job; the other man has
found his work and calling. He is part of an endeavor much greater
than himself.
Be sure you pick a path with a heart.

THE INVITATION

Your call now is to take a big, bold step and leave the beaten path.
Heaven and Earth are conspiring on your behalf to support you in this
move. Do not dally lest you miss the moment! It's time to sail into the
uncharted. Be sure you attend to both your path through this earth, as
well as your journey through the stars.

T HE MEDICINE

You have outgrown your current situation and risk losing your way in
your own backyard. You are being called to step out of your comfort
zone. Respond now, while the call is still a gentle whisper. Even though
the woods look thick and impenetrable, venture in and let nature guide
your steps through the dark until you reach your destination. Remember,
if you do not know where you are going, any path will take you there.

69
---------..--

->----- ·•v•·------
A --<:

70
THE ESSENCE

The medicine wheel is a sacred hoop with the four cardinal directions
well marked. It represents the cycle of life, the cycles of nature, and
the circular pattern of our cosmos. It has been used for millennia in
indigenous cultures to bring harmony and well-being to the village. Its
directions symbolize the four steps the shaman takes to become a person
of power and wisdom.

THE INV ITAT ION

To manifest clear blue skies in your life, it is important that you take a
look at certain aspects of your being. Enter the medicine wheel from the
south and reflect on how you are still clinging to events from the past.
Continue to the west and notice which relationships are toxic and drain
your energy. Step into the north and ask yourself: "Do I know my pas-
sion and show it?" End at the east direction, visualizing how you want
to live the next chapter of your life.
It is up to you how much time you spend in each direction-
minutes, days, or months. But when you are done, make sure to step
outside the wheel and contemplate your journey.

THE MEDICINE

You must not postpone your healing journey any longer. It can be
difficult to start, but you must find the inner strength to step into the
medicine wheel or you may lose your opportunity. There are many ways
and many paths; choose the one you resonate most with. Once you have
found it, the only mistake you can make is not to follow it. Go boldly!

71
---
>,-
-<
·• • •· · - - - -

72
THE ESSENCE

The middle world is the realm of day-to-day reality, and the playground
of the living. It is the present moment, where everything is happening.
Yet the middle world is created by the future, not only the past, and it
is a mirror of the invisible realms. When things are right in the middle
world, heaven and Earth support everything. When they are not right,
heaven and Earth must be brought into order as well.

THE I NVITATION

The Middle World shows up when conditions are favorable to your

undertaking. Do not hesitate. Move forward, as heaven and earth are
smiling upon you. The time is right, so be expedient, but mindful of not
being reckless. The world is your playground, and what would require
great effort at any other time can be accomplished with ease right now.

THE MEDICINE

Do not try to correct in the earth what needs to be corrected in the

heavens. The resources to support the change or endeavor you are con-
sidering are not readily available to you yet, so it's important to ask for
help from the invisible realms, from helpers in the upper world. For
now, wait.

73
>z

74
THE ESSENCE

Every 28 days, the moon manifests a steady progression from darkness

to light, and then back again. This phenomenon in our skies has a pow-
erful impact on our human psyches. It offers us the certainty that after
periods of emptiness and darkness, there is a light waiting so we can be
reborn into a new phase. This calls to mind a native African prayer to
the moon: "May our lives be renewed as yours is."
The moon also has a strong influence on the ebb and flow of
waters on the Earth. This same power, in turn, affects human feelings
and emotions and mirrors their rising from or hiding back into the
unconscious.

THE INVITATION

The moon spends equal time in the dark as it does in the light of the
sun, and now it comes to remind you of this balance. Have you been
too focused on outer achievements, productivity, or social engagements?
Or have you spent too much time hidden from the outer world, not
wanting to interact or show your face? Meditate on the significance of
the moon's cycle, and let it gently guide you out of your bottomless
depths. Head back to the world of outer expression and connection with
others. Let it help you make time for yourself, your feelings, and your
essential human and spiritual needs.

THE MEDICINE

This card calls you to go on a journey of renewal, just like the moon
does every month, so you can get unstuck, whether from a specific situa-
tion or life in general. For this you need to make time to be with yourself
without the distractions of modern society, and have the courage to look
at the unwanted or unembraced parts of your being until you arrive at
a place of resolution. Shamanic lore explains that the finest treasures of
humanity are hidden where people are most afraid to go.

75
>,--

76
T H E ESSENC E

This is the symbol of the mythmaker and storyteller who is neither made
of nor defined by the story. Instead he observes it, evolves through it,
perceives all aspects of it. In so doing, the Mystical Shaman represents
the ability to dream a new story, a new myth, into being. He dances
between worlds, wearing the cloak of the world loosely around his
shoulders, and sings the world into being. He reminds us to be in the
world and travel through it, but not to be defined by it or become too
attached to the experience.
This is the symbol of true alchemy, for all elements of life have a
spiritual aspect and a material one. When we remember this, all manner
of miracles and manifestations are possible.

T H E I NV ITATION

When the Mystical Shaman appears, you're invited to consider the

ability to live without attachment. You are called to create and dream
your life, to act on inspiration and divine impulse without fixating on a
known story of success or achievement. Can you impartially observe the
stories you tell yourself and others? What if you could become a mystery
to yourself? Who would you become if you stopped telling the tales
that have defined you up until now? You do not have to live in a story
that has roots in the past. What if there were no need to explain you to
anyone, not even to yourself? The way to your most extraordinary life is
to become a blank slate and allow the form of your dreams and desires
to show up, as it will. This is a sign of manifesting a life beyond your
wildest dreams.

77
THE M E DIC I NE

Be careful what you pray for. The Mystical Shaman cautions you against
relentless attachment to a certain form that you think will make you
happy, prosperous, famous, loved, etc. However, in seeing your dream
come into being, had you considered what you were willing to sacri-
fice for it? Perhaps you have been telling yourself a certain story for so
long-the story that only when you reach this particular goal will you be
happy, that you will arrive-you didn't even notice you're no longer the
person who wanted those outcomes. You may have moved beyond those
stories. Perhaps it's time to admit to yourself that you need to imagine a
new story that is more in alignment with who you have become. This
is just one moment in millions of moments in the continuum of a life.
Let it go. Let it be just a story, and move on. Beller tales are waiting
to be told.

78
_,;>,-;a____ ·•t•· ------=11111:;;,__

80
THE ESSEN CE

Owl is the master of the night. She can see situations with perfect clarity,
more so when it is dark, and is able to discern truth when others are
sightless. She helps you find your light and your lightness in the darkest
moments of your life, and to embrace the night as your ally.
Owl can bring you messages from the invisible world. She opens
your ears, so that you may hear the voices of the ancestors, and you may
acquire their wisdom and make it your own.

T H E I NV ITATION

Look around you, notice every detail, and find the hidden messages
brought to you by Owl. Do not shoot the messenger; be grateful to
the friend who shows you what you have not wanted to see until now.
Observe all the facets of the diamond without judgment. Remember that
the facets you dislike are often mirrors of the parts of you that you do
not want to recognize. Do not be afraid of the truth, as it will become
your compass.

THE MEDICINE

Owl guards against self-deception and insists that your motives be pure
and transparent to all. What is the message that you are not hearing,
the situation you are not seeing with clarity? Owl invites you to wait
patiently. Bide your time until it is right to act. Then do so decisively,
with no hesitation or remorse.

81
82
THE ESSENCE

Pachamama represents the unconditional love that the Earth has for all
her children, including the stones, the plants, the animals, and humans.
She is the Goddess of Earth, also known as Gaia, who pervades all
creation in our planet. Thanks to Pachamama, our timeless soul can
experience life in a biological body. The joy and pain we taste during
our brief time on Earth are invitations to discover the boundless love
of Pachamama.

T HE INVITATION

You are a child of the Earth. Now is the time to eat right, love right, and
be joyous, regardless of the circumstances you may find yourself in. Be
grateful for your life, your body, and all that nourishes you. Pachamama
invites you to relish each breath, embrace your joy and your pain equally,
and discover love through both. Let Pachamama know how much you
appreciate all her blessings with an act of service such as planting a tree,
helping save an endangered species, or protecting the ocean.

THE MEDICINE

You still believe that you have been cast out of the Garden of Eden, that
you are Motherless and homeless. You suppose that you need to work
very hard to survive or thrive. It is time to stop suffering- let go of that
old myth- and realize you were given the Garden to rejoice in and to
become its steward. Your melancholy is really a longing to return to the
heart of Pachamama. Listen deeply to the Mother who is always there
for you. Walk in beauty, and honor all life!

83
84
THE ESSENCE

The rainbow symbolizes the seven steps of a true spiritual path, which
manifest as the colors of the seven chakras. In the Himalayas, the rain-
bow body is seen as the full realization of our essence. The rainbow
also represents the bridge between the physical and the spiritual worlds.
At the end of our lives, we can journey across the rainbow bridge to the
highest heavenly realms. When the rainbow appears, it is an affirmation
that all is well and that you are in right relationship with Spirit.

THE INVITATION

The rainbow tells you that the end of the storm is near. Persevere, and
remember that it is darkest just before the dawn. Do not give up hope;
things are about to take a positive turn. Listen for the morning rooster
that announces the coming of the dawn even while the night is still dark-
est. But do not claim victory yet or let your guard down fully.

THE MEDICINE

Don't get caught in pursuit of the illusion of the pot of gold at end of
the rainbow. Find the treasure now, in the moment, by coming into
right relationship with those around you. All your gifts are at hand, so
obvious you may have missed them. Be true with your intentions, and
do not be led astray by daydreams.

85
86
THE ESSENCE

The Rainmaker is the master of manifestation, who can call on the ele-
ments of nature to serve the greater good. When the power to co-create
is used with integrity, great beauty and benefit flow to all. When this
power is used for personal gain only, everyone suffers. When the earth
is parched, the Rainmaker calls the waters from the heavens, and all
that is dormant in the fields and in people's hearts springs to life again.

THE INVITATION

The Rainmaker is calling you to create something new from the ele-
ments that are already in your life. Be sure you work with what is, and
not with what might be or could have been. The seeds that have been
silently germinating in your heart will burst forth ready for the sunlight.
Do not hold back; put all your chips on the next roll of the divine dice!

THE MEDICINE

Recognize how you are co-creating your world-nothing is happen-

ing "out there" without your involvement Remember that the world is
only mirroring back to you the condition of your love and your intent,
so change these within before you take any action. Do not take life
personally.

87
--- ··•··------
s<

88
THE ESSENCE

The rattle is the Spirit-caller, carrying the shaman's prayer to the four
directions. The body of the rattle is like the Earth spinning on it~ axis.
With the aid of the rattle, the medicine woman instills a desired destiny
in her future, dosing with the prayer, "Great Spirit, may your will be
done!" The rattle guides us to pray for all the Earth, not just for our
personal needs. When we offer our prayers for the highest good of all,
everything we need is provided for us.

THE INVITATION

The Rattle comes to invite you to work with the tools of Spirit, but be
careful-they are very sharp and can hurt you and others if they are not
used mindfully. Set your old tools aside, and take up the drawing instru-
ments of Spirit. You are consciously stepping into partnership with the
divine. This is the time for courageous deeds. Do not let your hesitation
get in the way of your expression.

THE MEDICINE

You want to catch God on the whisper, not on the shout. What you
are trying to craft to your own desires and expectations is already there,
standing before you. Do not spin the world to your own benefit. You
are being offered the Creator's tools, which must be put to use to serve
a divine purpose.

89
90
TH E ESS E NCE

To sacrifice means "to make sacred." The sacrifice is an offering of grati•

tude made from the heart, a feast of love prepared for Spirit. In olden
days, sacrifices sometimes involved rituals in which blood was offered to
the gods. For example, in the Bible, Yahweh preferred Abel's sacrifice of
one of his lambs to Cain's offering of vegetables and fruits. In Middle
America, however, Q uetzalcoatl, the Lord of the Dawn, came to teach
that Spirit preferred our songs and our prayers to the blood of humans
or animals.

T H E INV I TATION

The Sacrifice asks that you offer to Spirit that which is most precious
to you. Your offering will be sanctified and returned tenfold 1 You will
be elevated to the altar at which you have been praying and meet the
divine at the table with the heavenly feast. You are a welcome guest in
this banquet.
Your heart is the only worthy offering you can bring. Life has been
generous with you in so many ways!

THE M E DI C I NE

What is the one person or thing that you feel you cannot live without?
It is time to offer it all to Spirit so that it may unfold, as it will. Do not
cling to the old form or allow your sacrifice to weigh heavily upon you.
You have sacrificed yourself and your dreams for too long. Now is the
time to rededicate yourself to your journey. When you "make sacred,"
you open the doors to infinite wealth! Do not delay.

91
----
92
TH E ESS ENCE

The Seer represents the capacity to reach beyond the obvious details
of life, into the Hidden Realms where information is available to those
with the discernment to perceive it. This symbol represents psychic per-
ception, intuition, and the capacity to know something without prior
exposure. The Seer knows truth, always seeks truth beyond all else, and
sees reality as it truly is without judgment.
The Seer can read between the lines and understand what is not
being said. He represents the power of clarity and being able to recog-
nize patterns.

THE INVI TATION

The Seer invites you to trust your intuition and follov.1 it as it leads you
forward. You may feel lost when it appears that your hunch is taking
you in circles, or even through a maze, but the Hidden Realms don't
follow the rules of a two-dimensional map. Trust your gut, and allow
your perception of your circumstances to widen to include the nuances
and subtle cues that you normally miss if you take things at face value.
The Seer has gifted you with his magic. You are exactly where you're
supposed to be. Your vision is clear.

THE MEDICIN E

The Seer has arrived now to challenge you to get out of denial and
begin telling yourself the truth about your situation. Wishful thinking
will not make what you desire happen when you're refusing to see
things as they are. The truth may hurt, but it will set you free to claim
the bounty that is waiting for you to notice it.
This is a moment of true power. The Seer offers you his medicine.
When you are ready, surrender your vision to Spirit and ask to be shown
the truth-no matter the price. Once you do so, your eyes will open,
and you will receive a powerful gift.

93
--

94
THE ESSENCE

The Serpent is the life force of Mother Earth. The coiled serpent of the
Kundalini brings passion, healing, and renewal. She offars us the fruit of
the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden, and reminds us to shed
the past the way she sheds her tired, old skin. Serpent comes to offer you
the forbidden fruit that will set your passion and creativity free.

TH E IN VITAT ION

The Serpent power of the Kundalini is stirring within your chakras,

gently asking you to embrace its mystery. Shed the old skin that you have
been so attached to, and welcome the vulnerable pink underbelly that
will bring you a fresh experience of your life. Your passion and sexuality
are awakening, and this can be scary. Trust the wisdom of Serpent to
transform your sensual energies into beautiful, original manifestation.

THE MEDIC INE

When you shed the past gracefully, life will not strip it away with great
drama-indeed, that is something you want to avoid. Do not use your
energies to seduce others, or allow yourself to be seduced, even by your
own ideas!

95
·-----
--- A.
·•v•· ------<

96
THE ESSENC E

The Smoky Mirror represents the aspects of what is implied yet cannot
be immediately known in the world, the mystery of how things come
together and how they fall apart without obvious causality. This symbol
also represents the shadow of the human psyche, the parts of the self that
one disowns. The Smoky Mirror can also represent a state of denial, or
the inability or refusal to see the truth.

T H E I NV ITATION

When the symbol of the Smoky Mirror appears, you're invited to see
beyond your own self. Acknowledge that, past the limits of your current
ability to perceive, there is a vast interconnected world where events are
orchestrated in divine order but challenging to fully grasp. ow is the
time to trust that no matter what the current conditions of your world
reflect, in the Hidden Realms all aspects of the human journey are
celebrated: the beauty and the darkness, the misery and the courage.
No matter where you are on your journey, know that some things are
meant to be a mystery, which you are meant to understand only through
experience. Take heart, for the Smoky Mirror will ultimately show you
beauty and wonder once the fog lifts the distortion you see now.

T H E M E DI C IN E

Understanding the shadow of the human journey requires that you go

deep into your story to discover the wound that prevents you from see-
ing the truth of your current situation. Your fears and expectations of
disappointment and unworthiness may be clouding your capacity to see
the potential in yourself and others.
The Smoky Mirror may be showing you things you don't want as a
result of your conditioning. These can become even more real, but only
because you are making it so. The choice is yours. The world will hold
you accountable for what you see and create. Can you see through the
eyes of truth and faith instead?

97
->-------·••·· ~-----
s<

98
T HE E S SE NCE

This is the source of dark power. The Sorcerer represents the destructive
aspect of the human psyche and the self-centered behavior that harms
others. It symbolizes the unconscious beliefs and ideas that foster separa-
tion, conflict, and scarcity.

THE IN VITATION

When the Sorcerer enters your circle, you're being called to look at
how your beliefs around scarcity and self-centered fear manifest in your
world. Examine the destructive part of your psyche that misuses power
or harbors feeli ngs of resentment, vengeance, lust, greed, bigotry, or
hatred. Perhaps you've harmed someone because of these dark tenden-
cies. lf so, all is not lost. You have only forgotten that all beings are
interconnected and the universe is abundant. The Sorcerer arrives to
challenge you to change your thinking. You're given a second chance.
Correct your course and and practice not blaming others for the dark-
ness that lives inside you. Make peace with it and choose another wav.

THE MEDICINE

Have you been feeling out of sorts because you've been faced with your
own character flaws and the pain that you inflict on others when you
are out of alignment? Radical self-acceptance is called for now. You must
reconcile these darker aspects of your nature so you don't behave irre-
sponsibly and cause more harm to yourself and the ones you love. It's
time to come mn of denial and accept responsibility for your words and
deeds. When you meet the energy of the Sorcerer with humility, this
destructive power transforms into grace, which you can use in service
to the highest good. Perhaps it's time to make amends. Do it. It will set
you free from the shadows and let you step into the Light.

99
----
>-,-
s<
· •••· - - - - - -

100
THE ESSENCE

Soul Retrieval is a practice that helps you recover a part of your self-
your energy, your enthusiasm , or your innocence-that you have lost.
At first, we'll use soul retrieval to recover from our hurts and heal our
childhood wounds. Later, we learn to journey to recover our original
nature-that self that never left the Garden of Eden, who still speaks to
the rivers, to the trees, and to God. 'vVhen we return to Eden, we are
whole again.

T HE INVITATION

You are no longer fragmented; you are one with Creation. You have
healed the cause of the pain you feel, so you do not need to dwell on it
any longer. Really, it's true! If you are still hovering over an old wound,
find a new flight path. Don't be distracted with the little stuff you've
already mastered. Go for the big one, the journey back to Eden.

THE MEDICINE

W hen did you compromise what you truly believed in to be loved or

accepted by someone? Think back over your life and find the time or
times when this happened. Vow never to compromise your integrity
again. What have you agreed to in the name of love that you know is
deeply wrong? Make it right this instant.

IOl
102
THE ESSENCE

From galaxies in the sky to diminutive shells at the beach, the spiral is
found extensively in the natural world. Its shape in the form of a coiled
serpent has been used since ancient times as a tool for growth and
transformation.
The spiral is a guide for entering deep into one's consciousness and
the unknown, and then extending far out into the heavens. It is crucial
to surrender to this journey until the exhausted paradigm dissolves in
the depths of the psyche and its energy is released to give birth to a
new reality.

T H E INVITATION

To renew yourself, you must shed your old skin. You have already done
this, so do not keep scraping away at the old, but welcome the soft new
skin that is starting to grow. Break the habit of working on your faults all
the time, and let nature take its course. Know that a new skin feels vul-
nerable and scary at times. Trust the medicine of the spiral as it guides
your journey of renewal.

THE MEDICINE

The spiral announces a descent to the depths and a rebirth. Allow noth-
ing to get in the way of this process, as the time is right and the forces of
nature are supporting you in this endeavor. Using stones, twigs, or yarn
build a spiral on the ground that is large enough to walk through with at
least three turns. Enter the spiral slowly. Once in the center, offer to the
earth the feelings or situations that you no longer want in your life. As
you walk back the way you entered, feel recharged for your new journey.

103
->z-- ---=-
·•♦•·

104
T H E E SSENC E

The staff is the symbol of authority. It holds the power to temper

extremes. The staff helps you find the right course of action, the "way
of the middle," and aids you to maintain your balance after you begin
walking in that direction. Moses carried a serpent staff through the
desert, and with it he could summon the power of nature to heal or
call plagues.
The staff reminds you of the impermanence of all things, and that
your authority must come from your deep longing to serve.

THE INVITATI ON

You know how to flow easily between polarities, how to weigh all pos-
sibilities and instinctively select the right path. Trust your inner wisdom
and take the first step on a journey that your heart has already embarked
on. Use the power of the staff to unite what appears to be divided, to
find that delicate balance between will and surrender.

T H E MEDIC I NE

You are caught in the delicate balance between opposing forces, between
masculine and feminine, between action and nonaction. Use this to
your advantage, as there can be no day without night, no low without
high, no wrong without right. This is the time to take corrective action,
beginning with your beliefs about what needs to be fixed or repaired.
Let destiny take its course, nudging it slightly along.

105
---
>z ·•v•· < -
.&. ----

106
THE ESSENCE

\ Vhen Standstill appears, it is a symbol of pausing, the act of observa-

tion, and breathing space. It represents the benefits of temporary nonac-
tion as well as what happens when one is stuck.

THE I NVITATION

When things seem to stall or stagnate, or when you feel stuck, this
symbol appears as a reminder that constant action isn't going to get you
where you want to go. Perhaps it's time to gather more information or
just wait until the universe makes the next move. Jo matter what, this
moment is a beautiful gift orchestrated in your favor. Enjoy it. Let the
universe bring all the parts together for the highest good. Go and play,
recharge, and rake the focus off whatever has stalled. Life will get busy
again for you sooner than you think.

T HE MEDICINE

Time to get out of "analysis paralysis." Standstill invites you to turn

within, breathe, and recognize this is the condition of the moment;
it allows you the opportunity to bear witness to whatever is going on
before movement resumes. This is also an opportunity to abort a proj-
ect, to exit before damage! And it may also be time to relieve you of
an unnecessary burden that you took on without considering the cost.
Which one it is depends on your stopping, taking a deep breath, quiet-
ing your mind, and removing all your distractions. Then you can make
your next move in a grounded, relaxed, detached way.
When something doesn't go the way you think it should, remember
the following: what is yours cannot be taken awar-

107
>- ·••·---s<~
108
THE ESSENCE

The sun is acknowledged by many cultures as the foremost masculine

force. In other traditions, it is seen as the feminine in her full power.
Either way, it is the most brilliant light for all beings and allows life to
sprout from the dark, feminine Earth. It can be gentle and warming
close to sunrise or sunset, fall or winter-or it can be destructive, as in
its zenith during a scorching summer.

THE INVITATION

Have you been hibernating? Have you been introspective?

It is time to come out of your cave and savor the life-giving light of
our star. The sun rekindles your passion and your creative energy. Life
is calling you to shine your light and to add your lightness and humor
to the seriousness around you. Get out and play!

THE MEDICINE

Have you been shining your light for too long? Remember that daylight
is only one half of the day. The night must have her equal time, and she
offers us her gifts as well. Be careful not to be blinded by your light or
the light of others. Do not become enamored with yourself, or worship
others-beware your shadow! Revel in your midday glory, but do not
be afraid of the waning of the light at dusk.

109
110
THE ESSENCE

The sweat lodge represents the womb of Mother Earth. Volcanic stones
are heated in a fire outside, then brought into the lodge and placed in a
shallow hole in the center. Participants sit in complete darkness around
the red-hot stones to sweat away old habits and beliefs, and heal disease.
When you return humbly to the womb of the Mother, you are offered
second chances.

THE INVITATION

This is a time to journey inward into the dark and hidden places of your
soul to reconnect with the ancient earth wisdom. You can also create a
sacred and intimate space in the dark by lighting a candle. Observe what
emerges and, without judging it, invite it to bring you its gifts. You are
being offered an opportunity to shed and heal from the aspects of your
life you have outgrown. Do not worry that you will be consumed by
the process.

THE MED ICINE

Life is offering you a second chance. Take it, since this chance may not
come your way again for a while! Mother Earth is calling you into her
womb and inviting you to incubate as long as needed for a spiritual
rebirth. Gift yourself time to be with your darkness- your fears, your
pain, and your seeds of beautiful potential- until you come out the
other side free, wise, and full of creativity.

lll
'ti

lU
TH E ESSENCE

Here the feather, a symbol that is used in clearing ceremonies, for

smudging, reminds you of the sacred commitment you make to your
life. This is the symbol of consciously bringing the spiritual into the
material, infusing the world with reverence and an acknowledgment of
the higher planes of existence that influence and animate all life. The
feather is a symbolic reminder of deliberately entering into a partnership
with the Great Spirit to co-create for the highest good for all.

THE INVITATIO N

It's time to clear your energy, be present, and become conscious of how
you communicate. This is a good time to write in a journal and put
your thoughts into a cohesive form. Perhaps you need to actually do a
smudging ceremony in your home or office, creating a sacred space to
write about your dreams and desires. Just remember that when Taming
the Wind appears as a symbol, it is time to honor the Great Spirit with
reverence and respect.

T H E MED ICINE

It's time to dean up any misunderstandings with others. Clear the air
after disagreements, and allow others 10 share their side of things. You
are called now to be a good listener. This is not a time to be right. It's
a time for you to understand rather than be understood. Good things
come out of this restraint of tongue and pen. You will be surprised at
how things get resolved when you allow for all sides to have value.

113
->z.a---- ·•t•· -----<llllli:;,_

114
THE ESSENCE

Legends speak of great Thunder Beings who live in the sky and call for
your attention when great occurrences are meant to happen in the world.
They warn when tensions in a situation are called upon to be released.
Their presence in your reading reminds you of the dramatic moments in
life that change everything. Both awesome and frightening when Thun-
der arrives, it is also a wake-up call, one that you will not soon forget.

THE IN V ITAT ION

When Thunder comes into your reading, it refers to a big dramatic

change that feels like a herd of wild bison on the run. You feel it right
through your bones, and you know that you are powerless to influence
whatever events have been set in motion. This is a time to be prepared
for anything. Your life is an adventure, and wonderful opportunities are
arriving now. The trick is to learn to run with them. Qualities that you'll
need now more than ever are flexibility, dexterity, and a willingness to
experience it all without dictating from where or in what form opportu-
nities will come. Your destiny is arriving. Be ready!

THE MEDIC INE

Do you feel like unnecessary drama is waylaying your life? Could you
be exhausted from listening to others tell you their never-ending victim
story, or could you be telling yourself a version of the same? It's time
for an about-face; you're being warned that to continue on this path will
cause you to regret your choices, even if they appear benign or familiar.
It's time to say no to drama, both yours and others'. Focus on solutions
rather than problems. You are worthy of a drama-free life.

115
->------· ·•♦•· -----<....:;_

116
THE ESSENCE
Time is a construct of the human mind through which life events are
seen to flow in a straight line, from past to future. This, however, is
an illusion. Time moves in patterns, fractals, sometimes turning like a
wheel and others moving straight as an arrow.
Humans see time like a ticking clock, and this image reminds us
that there is only so much of it to spend in a life, like a kind of currency.
At any given moment, you can see time in all its infinite potential: at
once vast and all encompassing, then shrunken and finite. It all depends
on perspective.

THE INVITATION
When the Time Master visits you, he asks a most important question:
"Will you break free from limited cause-and-effect thinking by moving
beyond the linear illusion, and welcoming the cyclic quality of time?"
You find yourself in a moment when the wheel of time turns, and
you're able to influence the past, thus changing the present and future
simultaneously! This is the true test of the Time Master. You're being
invited to take back your power, so let go of the past and choose to step
into your life. In this moment you are all-powerful. You are the Time
Master. Anything is possible now.

THE MEDICINE

Sometimes it appears that you are running out of time. You worry you
won't get what you need or want. Everythinit gets stuck like a logjam.
This is only in your mind. Time expands and contracts according to
your ability to be mindful and observant. Fully engaged in your "now,"
it's time to release the story of your past. Equally, it's time to release your
need to know the details of the future.
All the treasure magically reveals itself when you remain relaxed and
present to what is directly in front of you and nothing else. Then you
realize you have all the time in the world. You will never run out of it1

117
->s·----~ ·•••·------=---.
118
THE ESSENCE
The tree of life is a sacred symbol throughout the Americas. Its deep
roots reach into the lower world, the unconscious, while its branches
reach to the heavens, the source of destiny. To be whole in your life's
journey, it is important to have deep roots and high branches. A tall tree
with shallow roots falls in the first wind, but a tree with deep roots can
weather any storm.

THE INVITATION

To find health and balance in your life, reflect on how you dance with
your actions, your thoughts, and your feelings. If you are too much in
your thinking head, or in a world of fantasies and daydreaming, connect
more with your roots and physical body. If you are caught in mechani-
cal doing and you are feeling stuck, not able to imagine a better life for
yourself, open yourself to be inspired by the heavens. Let your roots and
branches be aligned with your heart's longings.

THE MEDICINE

What nutrients do you need to add to your soil to grow strong? The
seed of the oak will not grow on barren ground or without the light
of the sun. What dreams do you want to awaken to create a mind-
ful destiny?
Reflect on how you want to blossom, the kind of fruit you want
to produce, and where you want to sow your new seeds. Be a con-
scious creator'

119
...,;>,--.,.,._ _~ ·· • ·· ----=~-
120
TH E ES SENCE

Angels, divine helpers, the Ancient Ones, and all varieties of luminous
beings populate the upµer world. It is the place where you go to retrieve
your destiny and find out who you will become, discover your great
potentials and undreamt-of possibilities. It is also the place where the
spirits of the dead arrive when they complete their journey to the light.

THE IN VITATION

The upper world is calling you to step into yom fully realized self. Clear
distractions so that you can move into a higher destiny. Do not fall to the
temptation to craft a slightly more improved version of yourself.
What you perceive as a problem or an obstacle is in fact the irrita-
tion you need to take the great leap. Remember you cannot cross the
Grand Canyon in two small jumps.

THE MEDICINE

Ask your divine helpers for guidance. If the oracle has already spoken
to you, do not ask for more guidance; take what has been offered.
Iow you must deal with the lethargy and idleness. While support for
a new destiny is not yet in place, a new destination is available to you
if you act now.

121
122
T H E ESSENCE

In the vision quest, you face your fear, embrace your mortality, and
then meet face-to-face with Spirit. When we feel stagnant, a vision quest
brings our lives into perspective. We realize our flaws, our potential,
and the opportunities life is now offering us. We remain on a vision
quest until we find the key to open a new door or write a new chapter
in our lives.

THE INVITATION

Find clarity by spending time alone in nature. If you live in a city, go for
walks in a park. ff you live in the country, make sure that you spend time
outside, in comemplation. Get off the couch, get away from your desk,
go outside! Spirit helps those who help themselves, so set your intention
and ask nature for a guiding vision for your life.

THE MEDICINE

Spirit has been trying to contact you but received no answer. You are too
busy with your life, and there is too much noise inside your head. Do
not miss the call again! Make room for quiet time this evening, allow
yourself to become bored for a little while, and you'll be able to hear the
important message trying to get through.

123
124
THE ESSENCE

Water symbolizes purification, regeneration, birth, revival, and cleans-

ing. It signifies an evolutionary shift from former self to new self
Many myths around the world speak of a "great flood" and the
new life that is revealed after a deluge. Water begins without boundaries.
Then, as soon as form has separated itself from water, it comes under
the laws of time and life, thus acquiring limitations.

THE INVITATION

When Water arrives, you're invited to watch your emotions; know they
are going to be changeable, and do not settle on a conclusion at this
time. Tf you feel joy, feel that fully; if you feel sad, allow sadness to move
through you. Water invites you to see the ebb and flow of events and
trust you can ride the wave of opportunity when it arises. Natural flow
is here. Go with it.

THE MEDICINE

This is a time for cleansing unwanted energy and sticky feelings. Con-
sider this: what water does to the flesh, it does in sacred ritual to the
spirit. The spiritual cleansing, like baptism, is the opportunity to get an
instantaneous experience of the timeless, nonordinary reality in which
all true creation takes place.
Now is also a time that is pregnant with potential for you. Carl Jung
talked about the maternal, womblike significance of water as a universal
symbol. Water represents the potentiality of existence. It precedes and
sustains every creation. Emergence from it is manifestation; immersion
in it is dissolution of form. Because of this, it symbolizes regeneration.
Make way for the process. You can expect it to be messy but
worth it.

125
126
THE ESSENCE

When the Wild Woman dances into your reading, she reminds you of
the essence of authenticity and freedom. Divested of all social constraints
and cultural conformity, the Wild Woman holds up a mirror to your
essential self- the true essence of who you are and who you're meant
to become. She is a reminder of the bright light within each of us that
gets dimmed by the restrictions imposed upon us by the expectations of
society. She reminds us that in order to be fully present to life, we must
uncover that light and let it shine brightly, regardless of the perceived
consequences.

T HE I NV ITATION

When the Wild Woman comes to dance in your reading, you're invited
to shine brightly and to know that your true self is being called out to
engage the world. This is a symbol that your long-held dream is begin-
ning to take root and wants to be expressed. Your authentic self doesn't
fit in a box; it needs the freedom to shine. It's time to have courage and
step into the light. The Wild Woman says: "Shine brightly, dance with
abandon, be yourself, and let the Great Spirit decide what happens."
You'll be happy you did.

T H E M EDICI NE

Excess for its own sake is a sign of imbalance. This is a warning that you
may be trapped in obsessive thinking or behavior, looking for release in
places that will never provide it. Let go, lest you become like the Hun-
gry Ghosts of Chinese Buddhist lore that can never be fulfilled. True
release comes from trusting the fluidity of life- understanding that just
as a river needs its banks to flow through, so too do you need boundar-
ies around your thinking and behavior. Now is the time to simplify, be
mindful, and connect to that light within.

127
128
THE ESSENCE

The symbol of the Wind represents the element of air; it rules com-
munication, thought, song, and inspired ideas. It also signifies change
with qualities both positive and negative. The wind blows from each of
the four directions, and there are different qualities bestowed by each:

• South: carrying a new sense of trust, helping you gently

begin to discard habits and parts of you that are no
longer needed
• West: calling you to more introspection, to a willingness
to make final decisions, to let go of attachment and
ego desires
• North: moving to bring you wisdom and strength
• East: carrying clarity of vi~ion and purpose

Whichever way the wind is blowing for you, the message, which
the wind whispers or shouts, is a challenge. It may take courage at first
to turn and face the wind, but you will find exultation in moving toward
it and receiving its lessons.

THE IN VITATION

When the spirit of the Wind comes calling, it's a sign of change. Perhaps
you need to change your mind about something. Perhaps an old way of
doing things has become automatic, and now that you've gained greater
clarity, you can make a new choice. Regard less of what the change is,
you can expect to be understood and to have clear communication with
others at this time. Ideas are solid, and the shift that is being called for
is in the highest good of all.

129
 I

THE MEDIC INE

When Wind comes as medicine, you're being invited to recognize the

value of chaos. Windstorms provide necessary chaos to clear the air
and spread seeds so plants and trees can take root in new fields. Right
now it may seem as if your world has been turned upside down, but
this is a temporary storm that will blow over. Perhaps communication
has broken down between you and another, or your many to-do lists
are overwhelming you. The medicine is to simplify, slow down, course
correct if you need to, and wait out the storm to clean things up. Just
know that all storms have great value if you can remain neutral dur-
ing their course. Greater clarity and good things will come from it all.
Remember, this 100 shall pass.

130
 A. s<
_,;>,-;::a,---•·•v•·------

132
T H E ESSENCE

The witness observes without engaging in anv action. By cultivating

inner stillness, we are able to assess any situation from a higher perspec-
tive and make better decisions.
When we can be present for someone else's difficulties with still-
ness, then we are able to truly hear them and give better advice. Some-
times we can be so still that we are a mirror for the other. Then, through
our presence, they receive their own answers.

THE INV I TATION

The witness that has been by your side all along is now ready to become
your ally. You thought you were the doer, but today you discover that
things happen when you get out of the way. Witness creation unfold-
ing before you. Change reality by finding stillness and letting your true
intent reveal itself.

THE MED ICINE

Acknowledge your preconceptions, ideas, and feelings about the situa-

tion you are in, bm resist the urge to change any of it. Do not fall back
into your controlling patterns. Instead, take a few breaths, and connect
with the joy of not having to perform. Hold space for the world to keep
spinning on its own.

133
 A BO U T THE A RTIST

X
Jena DellaGrottaglia is a native New Yorker who now lives m Los
Angeles with her husband, soul mate, and best friend , Daniel. She also
has an affinity for animals, as her adopted four cats would attest to
wholeheartedly. She is a self-taught artist who believes in being eclectic
and unique in her styles, hoping to always evolve and create new and
wondrous art. Her influences range from Michael Parkes and Gil Bruvel
to the amazing Terese Nielsen and many more.
\ Vebsite: autumnsgoddess.com

135
 ABOUT THE AUTHORS

X
Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., is a medical anthropologist who has studied
the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and Andes for more than
25 years. He is the founder of the Four Winds Society, an organization
dedicated to the bridging of ancient shamanic traditions with modern
medicine and psychology. The Four Winds Society Light Body School
is internationally recognized as the Gold Standard in shamanic educa-
tion, preparing wise and ethical energy-medicine practitioners.
Alberto is the author of Shaman, Healer, Sage; The Four Insights;
Courageous Dreaming; One Spirit Medicine; A Shaman's Miraculous Tools
for Healing; Soul Journeying; and The Jllwnination Process.
Websites: thefourwinds.com and albertovilloldophd.com

·t·

137
Colette Baron-Reid is an internationally respected spiritual intuitive,
psychic medium, educator, and oracle expert. Her best-selling books and
oracle cards are published worldwide in 27 languages. She is the founder
of Oracle School, a global online learning platform with students in
26 countries, where self-empowerment, co-creation, and ancient oracles
meet in a modern contemporary way. Colette is also the creator of the
energy psychology technique the Tnvision Process®. She spends her time
between Canada and the USA with her husband and two Pomeranians.
Colette is the author of Remembering the Fim,re, Messages from Spirit,
The Map, Uncharted, and the best-selling oracle decks and apps Wisdom
of Avalon, Wisdom of the Hidden Realms, The Enchamed Map Oracle, Wis-
dom of the Oracle, Postcards from Spirit, and more.
Website: colettebaronreid.com

138
Marcela Lobos has been initiated in the healing and spiritual traditions
of the Amazon and the Andes. She was born and raised in Chile, where
she leads expeditions, working with women shamans who belong to a
matriarchal society that still holds the wisdom and passion of Mother
Earth. She is senior staff member at the Four Winds Society and is mar-
ried to its founder, Alberto Villoldo. Together they travel throughout the
United States and Europe, teaching the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel.
They founded Los Cuatro Camino-s in South America to share the same
wisdom in Spanish. Marcela is passionate about taking women through
rites of passage that allow them to find their power, grace, and wisdom.
Website: www.marcelalobos.com

139
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