Rose De Dan and Puma, Schmitz Park ©Rhonda Hanley 2011

It’s time once again for About.com’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards for Holistic Healing!

They are looking for the best holistic healing resources, most inspirational person, favorite intuitive healers, and the best and most innovative healing products on the market.

And Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing has been nominated for four categories!

Only five contenders with the most nominations will be selected for each category, so we need your help if we’re going to make it to the finals.

Here are the four categories:

CATEGORY #2
Best in Reiki Nominations

• Best Reiki Book: Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism

• Best Reiki Facebook Page: Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC

• Best Twitter Profile/Personality: Rose De Dan, WildReikiShaman

CATEGORY #6
Best in Holistic Healer Tools: Animal Totem Pendulums

You can make more than one nomination for each category, so help your favorite holistic healers, books or trusted healing tools gain the recognition they deserve!

To see all the categories and make your nominations visit 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards for Holistic Healing.

And thanks in advance for your support!

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Think Outside the Cage
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About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a Reiki Master/Teacher, shamanic practitioner, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

To receive notice of future articles and events, sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Yellow Rose and Fly in Garden ©Rose De Dan 2012

Current shifts in geopolitical, economic and global climates, and wildly varying interpretations of the Mayan calendar have created a lot of speculation and concern over what will happen in 2012.

On New Year’s I conducted a public Peruvian despacho ceremony, and as is usual I received guidance beforehand on the types of items that were to be included. Most notable was an insistence on a particular bunch of roses. They were a lovely creamy yellow-orange color, however they were not looking well – they were dying. Spirit insisted, so I brought them and three beautiful yellow Fiji mums (also requested) to the register. The roses looked so bedraggled the florist did not want to sell them to me. Fortunately she knows what I do, so when I explained that they were required for ceremony she gave me a steep discount and thanked me for the work that I did.

On the way home I was told why Spirit wanted those particular roses, “That which has become faded can be transformed and bloom again.” So, I trimmed the stems, fed them love and Reiki and trusted that they were exactly right for the ceremony whatever their appearance might be. And lo, and behold, by the time of ceremony some of the faded and dying roses had perked up and begun to open, others were drying out, but all radiated energy.

And I was also given a message to share with the participants: There was too much fear around the coming year. We needed to let go of fear, embrace transformation with joy, and have fun during ceremony.

During the ceremony senior cat Kiya helped a great deal, inspiring us to laughter. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears she went round the circle, trying out one lap after another to find just the right one until she decided that the best vantage point with the most opportunity was mine. And she settled in just as I was getting ready to add the animal crackers that represent All Our Relations. As I would speak the message of that particular animal Kiya’s paw would shoot out and try to snatch the cracker from my hand and into her open mouth en route to its placement in the despacho. She wanted to eat them, not only because they are tasty, but also because they were highly energized. She was particularly interested in the cougar, naturally!

When the despacho was almost complete some of the roses that had revived were placed in it. With the addition of candy confetti and shiny purple “Happy New Year” paper cutouts the despacho looked very festive, and the two beautiful and large yellow Fiji mums looked like fireworks of light pouring out of it. Energetically it felt much the same, and my semi-feral cat Sand agreed. She walked through the group of people, and jumped up on a chair in order to be cleared with the despacho, something she had never done before!

And then yesterday I was guided to the discovery of an article written by Mayan Elder Carlos Barrios which affirmed in greater detail the message I had received. Here is an excerpt from What the Mayan Elders are Saying About 2012:

“The world will not end. It will be transformed.”

“We are no longer in the World of the Fourth Sun, but we are not yet in the World of the Fifth Sun. This is the time in-between, the time of transition. As we pass through transition there is a colossal, global convergence of environmental destruction, social chaos, war, and ongoing Earth Changes.”

He continues: “Humanity will continue, but in a different way. Material structures will change. From this we will have the opportunity to be more human. We are living in the most important era of the Mayan calendars and prophecies. All the prophecies of the world, all the traditions are converging now. There is no time for games. The spiritual ideal of this era is action.”

And in the article Elder Barrios goes on to speak of the need for unity, which reminded me of the shamanic journey that Windwalker took me on in Windwalker’s Message for the World.

During the journey I was told, “What has been sundered must be made whole again or all will die.” And I realized that a similar message had been offered in the symbolism of the roses, that which has become faded — nay, may even seem to be dying — can bloom again through joy, love and ceremony.

Happy New Year!

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©2012 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

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Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

The Connection 2010: Cucumber the Timber Wolf and Rose De Dan ©2010

Landmark event brings native wildlife and people together in dialogue and ceremony to co-create a sustainable vision for the future.

A Walk on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild was created so that people and animals could meet in ceremony with the intention of rebuilding the bridge between species. Personal change has a ripple effect; when it takes place within sacred ceremony what we heal in ourselves can create shifts worldwide.

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Last year’s A Walk on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild event was so powerful that the full story can only be told in book form, something I am working on. However, I can tell you this, everyone who attended left changed, forever.

Here’s what one participant had to say about her experience in 2011:

“If I were to take and try to boil the entire weekend down into just a few words—if possible–I really think that the weekend has shown me that not only can we heal personally, but that we can universally heal that rend—that tear—between animals, plants and humans.

“I received a strong message during A Walk on the Wild Side 2011 that I was worthy, “You have a lot to teach. You have a lot to give. You have a lot to offer,” and that I needed to step up to the plate. That I had the ability now to actually teach others about animals [and herbs], realizing that I could talk to my cats at home, and that animal communication worked when I worked with the cow [after the event].

“That particular issue of worthiness is really, really old and the willingness to let it shift and change in the past has been almost non-existent because it has been so ingrained in my personality. And this time around being able to let it shift and change and let it go is mind-altering, life-altering. Your demeanor changes. The way you see things changes.

“Figuring out who I am right now is challenging and yet it feels so dog-gone good. It does! It feels awesome!”

—2010 and 2011 participant Charolette Anderson, Juneau, AK

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Powerful as it was, during the three-day event we did not manage to accomplish all that we wished and that the animals wanted. We had to cut some of our visits with the Animal Ambassadors short, and in the case of Pimpernel the coyote, she is still giving me the cold shoulder about that!

That is why this year’s event has been expanded an additional day. Now participants will be able to spend four days in dialogue and ceremony with the Animal Ambassadors for even greater shift and change!

Two preparatory teleclasses have been added as well, offering participants further support in building community and confidence before we meet with the Animal Ambassadors. Teleclasses include daily practice exercises to help strengthen awareness and the ability to foster connection, and are a requirement for attendance.

And we now offer two options for easier registration: a six-month payment plan or a two-part investment plan. Both have built in cost-savings, but don’t delay, they are only available through January 31, 2012!

Click here to register or learn more.

After the first event in 2010 event one participant asked me, “How are you going to top this next year?” And I can recall replying, “I didn’t have anything to do with all the Holy Wow things. I just held space and listened. It will be whatever it needs to be next year.”

Before the 2011 event those of us who were returning said, “Wow, last year was just so wonderful. How can that possibly be improved on?” And then Spirit and the animals took us all to another level…

From my current perspective it feels like the first year we built the foundation, and last year we framed the structure. This year…well, I guess we’ll just have to see what Spirit and the animals have in mind. I hope to see you there!

Rose De Dan
Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing

Don’t delay, space is limited and early registration savings are only available through January 31! Register now to secure your spot.

Click here to register or learn more about a Walk on the Wild Side 2012.

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More articles about the event and animals at Earthfire Institute:

Return of the Buffalo: Visions and Ceremonies explores the ancient relationship of Bison with the People and the Land and their role in A Walk on the Wild Side.

Answering the Call of Windwalker the Cougar is a true story about one special Animal Teacher.

In Windwalker’s Message for the World mountain lion Windwalker takes me on a visionary shamanic journey.

The Wisdom of the Wild by Earthfire Institute Director Susan B. Eirich, Ph.D. for The Institute of Noetic Sciences Journal, Issue 18, January 2012. “The animals have lifted a veil and made a connection with us in that place where we are all one. The animals are calling us to council.”

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You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

©2012 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

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Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Tiger and Bagheera Hang Out Photo: Rose De Dan ©2011

Putting it into Perspective

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing Blog was viewed about 16,000 times in 2011. If my blog were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 6 sold-out performances for that many people to see it!

In 2011, there were 46 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 182 posts.

Most visitors came from the United States, with Canada and the United Kingdom a close second.

Top 5 Posts for 2011

Some are old favorites, written before 2011, but the winner was brand-new.

• 1 Bagheera’s Big Day
• 2 Dr. Oz Declares Reiki His #1 Alternative Medicine Secret, Tips on Choosing a Teacher
• 3 Rescued Greyhound Jasmine Pays Love Forward
• 4 What would your animal relatives say about you?
• 5 Animal Reiki Teachers

Many thanks to WordPress for hosting and preparing the stats, and to all my readers who offer support and feedback (I couldn’t continue without you).

As I celebrate the past accomplishments of 2011 they give me incentive to make 2012 even better!

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SHARE THIS ARTICLE
You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

To receive notice of future articles and events, sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

"O Reiki Tree" photo Rose De Dan©2011

Every year I have had a Christmas tree—the holiday season simply would not feel complete without one. When I was old enough to drive I took over the job of choosing from my father who simply did not enjoy the task as I did. To find it I would walk the tree lots for as long as it took. Getting cold did not matter, getting the “right and perfect” tree, did.

I was famous in my family for bringing home the largest tree our budget could buy. We still talk about the year that my youngest sister Claudine and I found the perfect tree for middle sister, Francine. Not only was it really tall it was the most gloriously full tree we had ever seen, and by some miracle it was only $20!

When we surprised Francine with it we discovered that I needed to saw about two feet off the base in order to fit it in, and when the tree was finally upright it filled half the living room! The tree was so large that it turned out that there were not enough ornaments to fully decorate it. My sisters and I still speak of that Christmas tree with awe.

In years since there often has not been room for a full-sized floor tree in my home, so I have enjoyed decorating a table-top size. There are often less choices than with a full-size tree, but the ritual of choosing has still taken time.

Until this year—with the help of a friend, I discovered the perfect method.

Let me back up a little. In the past few years, as my awareness of energy and my shamanic relationship with the Stone People, Plant People and Animal People has evolved, I have been approaching the choosing of the tree differently.

Last year I asked each tree if it wanted to go home with me, but was not getting clear guidance. After a while I wondered what I was doing wrong, and discovered that I had been asking the wrong question. They all wanted to go home with me! So I changed the question and immediately discovered the perfect match. And it was a match based on energy rather than visuals (although it was a lovely tree), which seemed to make a difference.

This year I again went tree hunting with Debbie, the same friend who had witnessed last year’s a-ha! moment, and the most amazing thing happened. I rounded the corner and instantly felt the energy of the tree that was waiting for me in my heart. The feeling was so strong that I actually rushed forward and hugged it, and it hugged me back! If it had been one of those sappy commercials we both would have been running, arms outstretched toward each other, through a field of flowers.

With a huge grin on my face I turned to Debbie who then informed me that she had sent Reiki ahead to the situation so that I would know which tree was exactly the right match. As I basked in the glow of my newly found friend, I idly wondered how popular Reiki might become if this technique were used for dating. Can you imagine walking into a party and immediately knowing Mr. or Ms. Right or Wrong?

But I don’t think that it was the Reiki alone that made the heightened awareness possible. Credit also belongs to Windwalker and the other animals of Earthfire Institute, and the ceremonies that we shared. This year’s A Walk on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild opened my heart in ways I have never experienced before, and my intuition and ability to walk between worlds has increased as well.

Still grinning like the Cheshire cat, my tree and I made our way back home. As I explored this new way of relating to a cut tree I learned that the spirit of the tree was very happy to be chosen.

I have always blessed my Christmas trees with Reiki (it helps them last longer), but this year my newfound way of relating caused me to send Reiki to the time of my tree’s gathering, not out of sadness, for it was not sad. Rather, the desire came from wanting to honor and respect the tree and its giving nature; the spirit of the tree was happy to be with me and share joy with me, and I wanted to reciprocate.

I discussed this with the tree, and also offered to build a Reiki Bridge of Light for its spirit when it was ready to go, and it accepted.

And so, adorned with twinkling lights, rustic wooden and sparkling glass ornaments, my beautiful Christmas tree sits on my desk in the window overlooking the street where all can see and share in its joy. Every time I look at it I smile and it sends love back to me. O Reiki Tree, how wonderful you are to me!

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To learn more about A Walk on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild 2012 event click here.

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SHARE THIS ARTICLE
You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

©2011 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

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Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Ottamic Pond, Hudson, New Hampshire Photo: Lorraine Cadran ©2011

From time to time I am honored to receive email from people who have enjoyed reading my book Tails of a Healer and want to share their own inspirational animal story. I was contacted recently by Lorraine Cadran, a Reiki Master and empath who had received a copy of my book as a gift from her daughter last Christmas. She shared a remarkable experience she’d had years back with a family of Canada Geese at Ottamic Pond in Hudson, New Hampshire — an experience that had a profound effect on her awareness and her life.

I liked her story so much I asked permission to post it on my blog, and Lorraine kindly made a pilgrimage back to the pond to take the photo seen here. Enjoy!

Goose Neighbors

Back in 2001 I bought a mobile home that sat on pond. I lived alone having been widowed since 1997. The view was beautiful and the pond was alive with Canada geese, ducks, a resident heron, frogs, you name it.

I used to sit quietly by the pond and watch the wildlife. It brought me a true sense of peace and I loved being that close to nature, since my only experiences and contact with nature was a stray cat, dog or pigeons in the park, since I had lived in the city all my life.

Sitting by the pond’s edge night after night gave me the opportunity to witnessed the interaction of geese and ducks with one another. I have always felt we could learn so much by watching animals.

This one Saturday morning I was in my living room and could hear the frantic honking of a goose. It was loud and not a call I recognized. I went to my deck facing the pond and I did not see anything, but the honking continued.

I went to my front door and found my neighbor across the road in a panic apologizing hysterically that “he didn’t mean it.”

I asked him what was going on and he admitted he threw a rock to scare the geese back into the pond because he was fed up with them walking all over and messing the area with their droppings. While doing this thoughtless thing he hit a gosling and the little one was lying lifeless on the ground. The man left the problem to me and ran off.

I was very angry at him for what he did and instinctively needed to go to the gosling and try and pick him up.

I was worried because the male and female goose were there with the rest of their goslings. I walked slowly and approached the little lifeless form and slowly picked him up in my hand.

The family stood by and watched me hold him while he come back to consciousness. I slowly put him back on the ground and started to walk away. He was walking away and collapsed again.

The male goose started honking frantically again and it was then that I realized he was asking me for help!

I was still concerned that I could be attacked if I was not careful. I re-approached the little one, picked him up and held him while talking to him. Once again he woke up.

This time I walked to the water’s edge where I placed the gosling so he could float under the protection of his parents. This seemed to work because he was not exerting himself and water is healing.

I had a realization that all the time I sat studying the wildlife by the pond they were studying me. I couldn’t believe that daddy goose searched me out. I felt honored that he trusted me, and started looking at life a lot differently after that.

I have since studied Reiki and do a lot of art work with animals as my subject. I have moved from the pond and regret not having my sacred friends around to talk to, but I do have a dog I have a very deep connection with.

Thank you for allowing me to share my experience.

—Lorraine Cadran, Manchester NH

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Do you have a story of an animal encounter to share that shifted your perceptions? Send me an email, if chosen your story could help shift awareness for others and benefit the animals as well!

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SHARE THIS ARTICLE
You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

©2011 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

To receive notice of future articles and events, sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Sunset Clouds Above Ocean, Hawaii ©2011 Rose De Dan

In 2010 a group of people gathered at Earthfire Institute Wildlife Sanctuary and Retreat Center for a unique event. Entitled A Wild on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild, it was where I first met resident cougar Windwalker as well as other Animal Ambassadors.

During that event all of the animals took us on a powerful journey of personal transformation, and I learned that Windwalker was a Master Teacher.

In the year following Windwalker and I connected from time to time. As the date for the 2011 A Walk on the Wild Side approached it was clear that Windwalker’s health was failing. With an effort of will, support from loved ones and from Spirit, Windwalker was there to greet us. Throughout the event he offered insight, guidance, and healing. All who attended were forever changed.

On November 5, 2011, one month after our event, Windwalker crossed into Spirit leaving us a legacy of inspiration. Jean Simpson writes movingly of their time together in The Last Few Hours with Our Friend.

But Windwalker was not gone — he had only shed his body. He contacted me from Spirit two days after his passing, and made it clear that he would be continuing his mission from the spirit world, and that I was to listen.

On November 22, I had an interview scheduled with Janet Roper on her radio show Talk2theAnimals. In a previous conversation I had told her about Windwalker and the amazing moments we had shared during the event, and she offered him air time for any message he wished to share.

The following is a transcript of the shamanic journey I took to meet and speak with Master Teacher Windwalker.

Windwalker: Message for the World

The journey began in a great meadow where all the animals were gathered. Windwalker sat in front, grooming.

I greeted him.

Windwalker turned and showed me a vast plain and only a few buffalo, encircled by a fence. On the other side of the fence a man was crying. Windwalker told me that because of the separation that we had created between man and wildlife both suffered. The bison had no freedom without and man had no freedom within.

I heard, “What has been sundered must be made whole again or all will die.”

I asked Windwalker what we must do to become whole again and he put a paw across my shoulders and together we looked out across the land. He said, “We must work together.” I looked at him and asked, “You and I?” He laughed, and with a rough lick to my face rumbled, “I meant people and animals, but yes, we still have work to do together you and I.”

“What must the people do?” I asked.

And he showed me a view inside a person, from heart to belly. Inside that person I saw a landscape where birds sang and plants grew. And as I watched, the tendrils grew, until they were outside the person and reached toward other people each with their own gardens.

“Each person must cultivate a garden within themselves,” he said, “and when they do we — the animals, birds, plants, fish – will reach back to them. Together we are strong. Together we can heal ourselves and this world.”

And he showed me each person tending their inner garden, healing themselves by removing weeds of anger, pain, loss; planting seeds of empathy and compassion in fertile soil nurtured with love and organic nutrients.

The scene changed, and all was dark around me. Windwalker was to my right and I realized that we were swimming deep in an ocean. He was searching for someone or something, leaving me alone and then returning. Out of the darkness a large eye appeared and as we surfaced I saw Windwalker riding the back of a great Whale.

Whale showed me the vast oceans and instead of seeing living animals I saw marine fossils from long ago. Then I saw great bleached bones on the shores of the land — Whale was showing me how long he had existed and the rise and fall of species he had seen, the mass extinctions. And he made it clear that we were facing another such time right now.

And then a great wind reached down and picked Windwalker and I up, spiraling into the clouds, and as I watched Windwalker riding the winds I realized how he got his name. He told me we were going to speak to the winds. I was not sure about this, what would I say?

Around us gathered storm clouds, gentle breezes and all the weather patterns in between.

Windwalker and I were in the center of this amazing gathering, and with speech that I felt rather than heard, the Wayras, wind people, communicated that weather patterns were changing. I was shown buffeting winds, and smoke rising everywhere which I took to be carbon dioxide and pollution. Then they showed me each person planting a tree, their suggestion to help bring things back into balance. They also showed me an image of many feet walking, and more closely knit and smaller communities within cities.

The Wayras told me that they did not want to treat the earth and the people roughly but that balance had been upset and without our help it could not be restored. They also mentioned ceremony, showing me offerings being made. It was suggested that we had forgotten gratitude for the natural elements, and that had made a difference also.

And then the Wayras showed me all of them holding hands, and those hands extended to the people and the animals, and they showed me the heavens and the hands extending from the stars toward us. “All is connected,” they said, “what affects one affects all, but it also means that you have our support. It is time to recall what has been forgotten.”

Tears were streaming down my face, and I hugged Windwalker, overcome with awe and gratitude for what I was being shown. I thanked him, the Wayras, the Stars, and Whale. And with my journey ended, I returned.

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The complete audio version of Tales from a Walk on the Wild Side and Windwalker’s Message from my recent interview with Janet Roper on Talk2theAnimals is now available. To listen visit WRSH website and click on the image of lynx Mr. Pinkerton and I (located in the left hand column of website) to listen.

To learn more about A Walk on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild 2012 event click here.

>>>>>>>>>

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

©2011 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

To receive notice of future articles and events, sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Portrait of Cougar on His Post ©Rose De Dan 2008

While my 2010 and 2011 encounters with Earthfire Institute’s Animal Ambassadors during A Walk on the Wild Side: Answering the Call of the Wild were very powerful, the proof that they were more than very cool experiences came afterward.

I live with a half-bobcat named Cougar, result of an illegal breeding operation. When I first met him, he was living unhappily with people who had good intentions but no understanding of his special needs, and was slated for euthanasia due to behavioral issues.

After a series of physical/emotional traumas, Cougar was an emotional wreck, fearful of everyone. When I was called in professionally to see what could be done it was clear that he needed healing, and that it would need to be done in my home. I had no idea if I could turn him around, but was willing to try. He quickly made friends with my domestic cats, but it was clear that it was going to take a long time for him to trust people again.

Cougar Struts His Stuff ©Rhonda Hanley 2009

Progress was slow. After one year I was finally able to touch him, the result of allowing him to make overtures to me.

Over the years I tried out various energy healing techniques, and Cougar had the opportunity to meet a great variety of students/clients. Gradually he became more approachable, and would say “hello” to frequent visitors with vocalizations. The truly fortunate would have their hand sniffed and might be able to offer a head scratch, but only while he was on the cat post, never at floor level.

Meanwhile Cougar offered me trusting forehead-to-forehead face presses (evidence of trust because it leaves the face vulnerable), but for the longest time I was the only witness—he would never do it when someone else was around.

Then I facilitated last year’s event at Earthfire Institute and when I returned not only had I changed, but Cougar had, too. For the first time he offered face presses and head butts to others. He walked through the middle of my classes without fear, and could be approached by most people when not on his cat post.

Cougar enjoys a face scratch Photo: Rhonda Hanley ©2009

This year when I returned home from our 2011 event there was another shift—a major one. In all our years together Cougar had never slept on the bed while I was in it. Imagine my surprise and delight when I returned from the workshop to discover that he wanted to snuggle up against me just like the rest of my cats!

What made this possible?

A Walk on the Wild Side was created so people and animals could meet in ceremony with the intention of rebuilding the bridge between species. Personal change has a ripple affect; what we heal in ourselves helps create shifts worldwide.

During this year’s event all of the animals (and Master Teacher Windwalker the cougar in particular) took us on a powerful journey of personal transformation. When I returned home my heart felt like it had been cracked wide open. I was a different person, and Cougar agreed.

Cougar Offers Face Press to Rose De Dan ©Rhonda Hanley 2009

Thank you, Earthfire Institute Animal Ambassadors for the trust and guidance you offered us, and thank you, Susan Eirich and Jean Simpson. Without the love and support you offer the animals and the vision that you hold, none of this would be possible.

Cougar and I look forward to next year, but in the meantime I’ll practice what I have learned from my wild teachers. Who knows, maybe he’ll be sitting in my lap next!

To hear more about the messages from the animals and Master Teacher Windwalker the cougar at A Walk on the Wild Side, you can listen to my recent interview with Janet Roper for Talk2theAnimals.  The segment begins at 28:00. To learn more about our 2012 event click here.

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©2011 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

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I’ll be there along with friends Robyn Fritz, Alchemy West, and Vicki Draper of Vi Miere to answer your questions about energy healing sessions/classes for people and animals as well as assist you in finding the right energetic gift for family, friends or yourself. And I’d love to meet your animal companion as well, please bring a photo as the gallery will be crowded.

Here’s more about what we have to offer:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing: How can energy healing sessions or classes benefit your animals or you? I specialize in support for all family members, and would be happy to help you find the solution that suits. Gifts available for purchase: smudge kits, Peruvian rattles, one-of-a-kind animal totem pendulums, ornaments, magnets, and book, Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism. Website: www.reikishamanic.com

Robyn M Fritz  and Fallon, the citrine Lemurian quartz: Alchemy West. Learn about our intuitive consultation, space clearings, and workshops. Rare crystals from crystal expert Deidre Berg. Fallon Lavender Salt. Gift certificates. Robyn’s book, Bridging Species. Website: www.alchemywestinc.com/events/

Vicki Draper, Vi Miere: Vicki’s Vi Miere Exclusive Essence Collections for people and animals. Website: www.vimiere.com

PLUS: Diane Venti of Alki Arts and a stunning collection of local art. Website: www.alkiarts.com

Bring your friends, have some fun, come tell us what your plans are for 2012! We’ll have tea and treats (I’m baking). Hope to see you there!

Not local? Too busy? Shop online and have your choices delivered straight to your door!

Visit our two online stores:

WRSH website (pendulums, rattles, Peruvian jewelry)

Reiki/shamanic gifts (t-shirts, ornaments, mugs and more)

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SHARE THIS ARTICLE
You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

©2011 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

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When I became an energy healer my creative side, dormant for many years, woke up, and I began to combine my photography and graphic design background with my Reiki, shamanic and animal communication training.

The result? Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing’s Online Store featuring gifts for animal lovers, Reiki and shamanic practitioners.. Designed from my personal art and photos, each piece evokes the primordial soul, supports healing and reconnection, and fosters a sense of joy and playfulness in this dance we call life. (For shamanic supplies such as smudge kits, palo santo wood, Peruvian carved gourd rattles for journeys and ceremonies visit the WRSH website.)

It is now several years, and many designs later. Since it is the holiday season, a time when the search for the perfect gift for a loved one can become stressful, I offer an abbreviated tour.

TRIMMING THE TREE with Ornaments (we have a Reiki Kanji ornament, too)

HATS, T-SHIRTS and HOODIES for the Wild Child, Tiny Tot to Adult or Reiki Spirits of All Ages (Dog T-s, too!)

STUFF STOCKINGS TO THE BRIM with Animal Lover Buttons, Magnets, Mugs or Reiki Gifts

STAY ON TRACK with Calendars and Journals (we have a Reiki Kanji Journal also)

GREEN GIVING for Environmental Consciousness: Animal Lover Canvas Grocery Totes, Reiki Totes and Reiki Water Bottles/Thermos/Mugs

BEACH GEAR, GYM GEAR, YOUR GEAR: Animal Lover Carryalls, Reiki Beach Bags and Reiki Gym/Messenger Bags

DECORATE THE HALLS: Coasters, Keepsake Boxes, Framed Tiles or Reiki Gifts

POSTERS AND PRINTS: Animal Lover Posters/Prints, Note Cards/Greeting Cards or Reiki Prints & Greeting Cards

DOG OR CAT FOOD/WATER BOWLS or T-SHIRTS:
Pet Gifts or
Reiki Gifts for Pets

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
You are welcome to share this article with others by email, on your blog or to your mailing list so long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article. And, you must include the copyright notice and the bio.

©2011 Rose De Dan. All Rights Reserved. www.reikishamanic.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Think Outside the Cage
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing:

Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC, is a mesa carrier in the Peruvian shamanic tradition. In addition she is also a Reiki Master Teacher, animal communicator, author of the acclaimed book Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism, and creator of Animal and Reiki Art. As an animal shaman, she views her role as a healer as one of building bridges between people and animals, and of empowering them to reconnect with Pachamama, Mother Earth.

To receive notice of future articles and events, sign up for our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!