tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57143195311048699162024-02-19T01:54:51.419+00:00Natural ShamanWoman is by nature a shaman.Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-14804738876918882802015-12-19T11:19:00.000+00:002015-12-19T11:19:12.553+00:00All Planets in Direct Motion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's some interesting astrology for you. From December 25th's Full Moon in Cancer GMT 11:11am, yes, you saw that correctly, 11:11) we have All Planets in Direct Motion for 11 days, till the 5th January 2016. (yes, 11 days)<br /><br />Previously, astrologers would simply mark a chart 'zero retrogrades', however an astrologer, Stephanie Forest, recently saw it in a different way. Rather than zero retrogrades, what she saw was All Planets in Direct Motion. ALL planets moving in sync and harmony together and in the same direction. This only happens at seemingly random times and for differing lengths of time. <div>
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What are these windows of time for? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg728oq4IWTssn2Ji-J0QwQkGPO6joTqRSbgP0C4Fxh8G2Th8lwQ0eGgYeVccH8ADThvoeFG4Ce8jlcq1vnXOi-Y-TPjPoutz1mkNK_KwWodM0gFF0I7p31orUMRysG8k0Pw4Dl1gs8TrsC/s1600/we_create_beauty_together3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg728oq4IWTssn2Ji-J0QwQkGPO6joTqRSbgP0C4Fxh8G2Th8lwQ0eGgYeVccH8ADThvoeFG4Ce8jlcq1vnXOi-Y-TPjPoutz1mkNK_KwWodM0gFF0I7p31orUMRysG8k0Pw4Dl1gs8TrsC/s320/we_create_beauty_together3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How amazing is the ability to look with new eyes, interpret something in a different way and open up a new world of ideas?<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
WHAT TO DO WITH ALL PLANETS DIRECT MOTION™<br />1. We can consider acceleration, movement and velocity as intrinsic to APDM timings, and observe or apply core potential.<br />2. We can open to discovery, information and/or messages during APDM.<br />3. We can meditate and/or dance together, or individually, apply timing and conscious focus to conceive new ideas, organic cures, set the intention, visioning.<br />4. We can BLOG our thoughts, observations and feelings before, during and after APDM cycles, checking for similar themes.<br />5. We can take note of apparent APDM themes including faith, confidence, determination.<br />6. It takes a Village to unpack APDM. our combined participation makes a difference. in fact APDM is all about global participation during the approaching Aquarian Age.<br />7. We can co-create an enlightening experience through a collective vision for the future of humanity.</blockquote>
Read more - <a href="http://allplanetsdirect.com/">http://allplanetsdirect.com/</a></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-67237711751844604732015-12-03T11:58:00.000+00:002015-12-03T12:07:07.696+00:00STOP THE WAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZYuIw4wWN5qBXhgT5pJtgtNglbYpFO0yMvkPbgZQNyIidqIxVDAChBp9i2h-UlLhQZIt1IJ61Hq0WvmdGfmepFUfWu9QIyov1baYyep-vmEnkR1qxjsqDJw1-G40fxLAhKmaczTV48fm/s1600/12304372_10153829657360972_8656231839630062277_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZYuIw4wWN5qBXhgT5pJtgtNglbYpFO0yMvkPbgZQNyIidqIxVDAChBp9i2h-UlLhQZIt1IJ61Hq0WvmdGfmepFUfWu9QIyov1baYyep-vmEnkR1qxjsqDJw1-G40fxLAhKmaczTV48fm/s400/12304372_10153829657360972_8656231839630062277_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />We got the news last night that the UK government has decided to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34992032">bomb Syria</a>. This is wrong on so many levels and will not help the situation. We are not being listened to. Our government is destroying our country. STOP THE WAR. You are not killing in my name. <a href="http://www.isisnotinmyname.com/">#notinmyname</a><br /><br />I have seen many turn their cover photo's on Facebook black. This is a dark situation, this is a black situation, however, we need light, we need colour, we need hope...<br /><br />I created this drawing last night. It flowed out, with little direction from me. A spiky rainbow emerged, colours united, angry and wanting to protect the earth and it's people.<br /><br /><b>Feel free to share and use it as your profile picture to make a stand with light, colour and hope, not more darkness and depression.</b><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/chaoticatcreations">If you're on Facebook come and like my page and share/download the image from there.</a> You can find more of my art at <a href="http://shaktimandala.co.uk/">shaktimandala.co.uk</a>.<br /><br />They want us to be depressed and scared. What better way to defy them by continuing to create, to colour the world and bring light into everyday life?<br /><br />STOP THE WAR<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-48083142986294373622015-12-01T18:20:00.000+00:002015-12-01T18:24:04.848+00:00Recycled wax and pine cone firelighters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On my walk to the shop today, I noticed a load of dry pine cones littering the path. On my way back, I stopped and collected around 20, good sized pine cones. Not too small and not too big.<br />
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A friend had recently mentioned she was going to make some firelighters by dipping pine cones in wax. I had other things to be doing but decided I'd much prefer to have a go at making some with my pine cone stash (the moon IS in Leo!). I had lots of tea light candle stubs, another old candle that was almost all gone, and some old taper candles.<br />
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I placed all the old wax in a plastic soup tub and into a pan of water (like a bain marie) and left it simmering. While the wax was melting, I wrapped some waxed cord around the pine cones. I had waxed jewellery cord to hand and wanted to use why I could find, so decided it would do the job! You could use cotton or jute string. <br />
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Once the wax was melted, I took it out of the hot pan and left it to cool a little. I added some old, out of date clove essential oil. No good for use on me, but all good for the firelighters! You could use up any old essential oils in this way. You still only need a few drops, as too much oil added to the mix will stop the wax from setting hard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXphjaOPPtbOUIjja1ytB8P_FrRe7gEm0ZYtjskEGcCnZC-WvWEkQj_uyRqkXrCrCmCBp7NC5PPAHoJZJZ1ohnebkS-fvgWD33o9PV0LcCzfPIrzbIfo4UocVX38_O6zrVNPHoCNnUl5yR/s1600/1448991526314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXphjaOPPtbOUIjja1ytB8P_FrRe7gEm0ZYtjskEGcCnZC-WvWEkQj_uyRqkXrCrCmCBp7NC5PPAHoJZJZ1ohnebkS-fvgWD33o9PV0LcCzfPIrzbIfo4UocVX38_O6zrVNPHoCNnUl5yR/s400/1448991526314.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a>If you dip the cones when the wax is very hot, not much sticks and you'll have to dip again, if you leave it too long, each dip will go on a lot thicker. If it starts getting solid, just place back in the pan of water and heat up again. I ran out of the first lot that I'd melted, so melted 3 more taper candles to complete all my pine cones.<br />
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They don't need to look pretty (unless you're making them as a gift), so leave it 5 mins then dip one, if you think the coating is too runny, wait a little longer. I placed mine in some old fairy cake cups as I thought they would be messy, but actually, I needn't have bothered. The paper would have been fine.<br />
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Leave them to cool and harden.<br />
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Place in your fire stack and light the cord near to the top of the cone. Lighting paper around the cones will help get them going too. I've stored mine in an old chocolate tin.<br />
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Voila! recycled wax and pine cone firelighters!<br />
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I made 22 in a couple of hours (if that). I'll definitely be doing that again.<br />
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You will need -<br />
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Dry pine cones<br />
Wick - cotton or jute, thin string or cord.<br />
Old candles, left over bits and unused stubs of wax.<br />
Old essential oils, out of date is good! Can't use it on the skin, may as well fragrance the fire!<br />
Old plastic tub for melting wax in.<br />
Pan of water to use as a bain marie.<br />
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-8272517857793645392015-11-17T17:57:00.000+00:002015-11-25T17:59:31.275+00:00The Shamanic Artist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Shamanic Artist by Cat Hawkins<br />
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"It has taken me almost as long to to call myself a shaman (or rather, class what I do as shamanic) as it has to call myself an artist. You never feel that you could possibly be on such a path... surely that kind of thing is for fairytale. Then you realise there is much power and symbolism in the things you see around you, the things that come into your mind and heart, the messages that flow through you and manifest in colour and shape, and they are the only things that excite you and make sense! Following a Shamanic path brings as many doubts and challenges as it does when you follow a path in the arts. Few people take you seriously or understand what you do, quite often you're not even quite sure what it is you do! You can find yourself wishing you were just happy and content in a 'normal' job as it would be much more reliable and straight forward. Art? Spirituality? Shamanism? not exactly the easiest paths to take.<br />
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Being a shaman, working shamanically, means being fully present, living your truth and walking your talk. It calls you to find your authentic self. It calls you to help others and to share your gifts. As an artist, I feel the same level of calling. My art has been the one true and centred voice throughout all my years of finding myself. It helped to unravel and sort through the intense mix of emotions and problems I have had. My art is as important to me as my spirituality, my beliefs and my healing. I look back over my life and I see a dark time. Many people who come to shamanism do so after or during a difficult time in their life. For me, it was depression, a hormone disorder, anger and childhood trauma. Over the years of illness and depression, when life felt it was too hard and unbearable, I would draw, paint and create. I had not been able to finish my degree at art college due to the birth of my second child, but decided that art was at least one subject you could do without going to college. Leaving university gave me the freedom to experiment with my art, try new things. I have always loved mandalas, folk art, symbolic and abstract art, and anything to do with colour healing and symbolism. In fact, over the years of self study into witchcraft, paganism, tarot, colour healing and seasonal festivals, I had developed quite a knowledge and passion for symbols and correspondences..."<br />
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<a href="http://shaktimandala.co.uk/blog/the-shamanic-artist16112015">To read the rest of this article, please click HERE.</a></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-36633196171086128872015-11-12T00:04:00.000+00:002015-11-12T00:04:28.538+00:00A change in direction.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's November, and I promised myself I would start writing again this year... well, the year's not over yet, so let see if I can get into the swing of this again!<br />
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My work with the menstrual cycle continues but my main focus this year has been meditation, art and stepping out into the world with some new ideas, new experiences and figuring out where I'm at after a long period of recovery and learning to manage my moods and menstrual cycle.<br />
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This summer has been intense. So much going on, so much changing and shifting. You can read all about it on the blog at my main art website <a href="http://www.shaktimandala.co.uk/">www.shaktimandala.co.uk</a>.<br />
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4 weeks ago, I was travelling to meet a Shamanic teacher, ready to start a years 1-1 study. The work had already begun earlier that year when she popped up on Facebook with a friend request and we got chatting. On the way to my first day workshop, everything changed. I had a car accident. I was hit from behind by an 18 tonne lorry. It sounds terrifying right? the blessing is that I don't have any memory of the accident at all. One minute I was about to make a turn, the next I was lying on a hospital bed. Apparently I'd got out the car and was breathalysed, so despite physically functioning, my brain chose to lose the visual memories. Thank you brain. I suffered a head injury and damaged my shoulder and spent a few hours having x-rays and scans. This came after 8-10 weeks of solid work to prepare art for a London show. I'd been slowing down, I'd been resting after pushing it all summer, but obviously not quite enough.<br />
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The accident was a shock. An abrupt stop. A forceful impact. I had no choice and I didn't see it coming. When something like this happens you can't help but be forced to stop and re-evaluate, re-assess and recover. The work I had been doing over the summer was great, I enjoyed it all, however, it is pretty alien to me to create lots of work to sell. I tend to potter along creating what I feel like, enjoying the odd challenge in getting a commission, and only recently (as money becomes tighter and tighter) has there been any need to try and sell my work. I had put aside the inspirations that had been tugging at my harem's all year, in favour of working on things more appropriate to the show I was attending. Since the accident I've realised that that has actually affected me quiet a lot, and I needed a real change in direction to get me back in touch.<br />
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I could ramble on forever about everything that has happened, and I may, in future blogs, but for now my intention is to let you know that I have started a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666275273656453/">Shamanic Art group on Facebook</a> where I will share art tips, progress pics, inspirations, astrology info and techniques to get others starting to live more creatively. My teacher told me after I explained how useless and helpless I was feeling after the accident, that I should think of myself as having beginners eyes, Experiencing a Shamanic death leaves you disorientated and almost wary of the world around you. It got a bit Matrix there for a moment!<br />
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If you would like to know more about the Art Group, please <a href="http://shaktimandala.co.uk/blog/something-new11112015">check out my other blog post</a>, and my art page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/chaoticatcreations">www.facebook.com/chaoticatcreations</a>. All are welcome, male and female.<br />
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Once I managed to start drawing again, I drew Ganesh. When I looked at the meanings and symbolism of Ganesh I was blown away! couldn't be more appropriate.<br />
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Once I had discovered it had been a huge lorry that hit me, Jagannath had come to mind. Hindu God of the Universe. The word Jagannath is where our word juggernaut comes from. A huge, unstoppable force. He is described as the 'ecstatic form of Krishna', albeit a rather strange one. He is the only God that is made out of wood. All others are made from stone or metal. Jagannath is also significant in that I learnt of him through a half century old photo from my Grandmothers collection of pictures taken in India. She must have visited the temple at some point.<br />
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So.. yeah... lots happening. Hopefully you'll hear from me again soon!<br />
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-24074850348948782932015-07-14T17:35:00.000+01:002015-07-14T18:15:34.137+01:00Chat it's fate magazine.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today, my story came out in the August edition of Chat it's fate magazine. I was contacted by them earlier in the year to share my story about PMDD, the menstrual cycle and my art. I felt this was a way to raise some awareness of how severe PMS can become, along with how I came to heal myself from the worst symptoms. If you would like to read my story you can find it in all larger newsagents for the next month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWAYXQ2B_wRCYQtp0vGC0Z6CykJ9LbfTFQPOorVuhzKBbeyCXzgaLFoCqoSNZ7lUzF0433ScQzS98wB2Ho1HQCrWJkHCmiye_xN-nsmM9YfwCR7q3cz0kuyuWmyTgkfRk4-0dcvlvZ5GG/s1600/11143390_10153414931474898_2774649177580859030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWAYXQ2B_wRCYQtp0vGC0Z6CykJ9LbfTFQPOorVuhzKBbeyCXzgaLFoCqoSNZ7lUzF0433ScQzS98wB2Ho1HQCrWJkHCmiye_xN-nsmM9YfwCR7q3cz0kuyuWmyTgkfRk4-0dcvlvZ5GG/s320/11143390_10153414931474898_2774649177580859030_n.jpg" width="260" /></a>If you are interested in finding out more about PMDD, please check out my <a href="http://meetmypmdd.blogspot.co.uk/">PMDD blog, Meet My PMDD</a>, or visit the UK's <a href="http://www.pms.org.uk/">National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS)</a> or the USA's <a href="http://napmdd.org/">National Association for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.</a><br />
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To find out more about the alternative ways of understanding the menstrual cycle, please have a read through this blog, particularly the article I wrote for <a href="http://indieshaman.co.uk/">Indie Shaman</a> magazine, <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/magic-of-menstrual-cycle.html">The Magic of the Menstrual Cycle</a> and my experience at a <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/creating-menstrual-health-workshop-with.html">menstrual workshop with Alexandra Pope</a>.<br />
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Sign up to learn more about your menstrual cycle with <a href="http://redschoolonline.net/?ap_id=Chaoticat">Red School Online</a>. Red School Online is a new way to learn about your cycle, with peer support, fantastic learning tools and private group chat. Go check it out!<br />
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Red School also features some of my work in their teaching materials, you can find my poster in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShaktiMandala">Etsy store</a>. If you would like to see more of my feminine art work, please visit my gallery over at <a href="http://chaoticat.com/divine-feminine/">chaoticat.com</a>.</div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-33292576754502681732015-07-10T13:21:00.002+01:002015-07-10T13:21:31.195+01:00Hello World. POSTERS back in stock!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You may have noticed it's been quiet and things are slowly changing round here. There are more changes to come, but the most important thing right now is that the Menstrual cycle poster is now in it's 2nd reprint. Orders are being taken and stock will be sent out after 20th July 2015.<br />
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I feel honoured that my poster and chart has made it's way into the new online programme being offered by Alexandra and Sjanie at <a href="http://www.redschool.net/">Red School </a>(formerly the Women's Quest). If you have been after a poster, my apologies! It's been a tricky year so far and I've had to go with the flow as so many others are having to do. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/198887988/the-secret-energy-of-the-menstrual-cycle?ref=shop_home_feat_1">CLICK HERE TO GO STRAIGHT TO MY ETSY STORE</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/198887988/the-secret-energy-of-the-menstrual-cycle?ref=shop_home_feat_1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT-iGipBUJrlPv1WRKj8Hm3EHcjE6_3p8cLq4yrFKPaeZobfBVUluFDkjmFHN60zWwX-PtftMph2PcgBKwkR1gp0psyVhcMrTybEMwInvRC_zkVD7BZuu170z2n8_I5gwgstpG4MKNXGj/s400/etsypic2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The poster has had a few tweaks. A shorter title and updated logo, but other than that it's the same as before. It is now however printed onto 100% recycled paper using eco-friendly vegetable oil based inks. The paper is also chlorine free! Being able to offer my artwork in such a way is exciting and the quality is simply stunning. All posters are sent out in recycled cardboard tubes.<br />
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There is no price increase. It's still £12 for a poster but I'm also offering a discount of £20 for two posters, saving you and a friend money on the posters and the shipping. There is no extra shipping costs if you order two posters. It's an excellent time to buy one for you and gift one to your favourite girlfriend.<br />
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So for now, please go check out my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/198887988/the-secret-energy-of-the-menstrual-cycle?ref=shop_home_feat_1">Etsy store</a> and share with your friends. More changes are coming here, so watch this space (as they say!).</div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-72937579176628494432014-11-03T21:49:00.000+00:002014-11-04T02:56:34.076+00:00Menstrual Cycle Posters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For those of you thinking about purchasing a poster, I am almost sold out of A4 Secret Feminine Energy posters, so if you would like one, please purchase soon as I may not be getting any more printed.<br />
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I have also decided to give away a FREE menstrual guide with every A3 poster purchased while stocks last.<br />
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You can find all my posters in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShaktiMandala">Etsy store</a><br />
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If it's your first Etsy purchase, you can get £5 off if you spend over £10 by clicking this link <a href="http://etsy.me/1xVg453">http://etsy.me/1xVg453</a> (more info can be found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/help/article/4751?ref=buyerref_land_faqs">HERE</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShaktiMandala">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShaktiMandala</a><br />
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-64823483246751489172014-10-12T09:58:00.000+01:002014-10-12T10:03:08.420+01:00My Kundalini Yoga Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This weekend I was to start my Kundalini Yoga teacher training. I tried Kundalini yoga out for the first time just over 18 months ago and completely loved it. I met an amazing teacher who inspired me in many ways, and despite it being a while since I've seen her, still inspires me. It is very true that inspirational and influential people can be met through chance, short or fleeting moments, it is also true that trying things for yourself is the only way to really know if something is right for you or not.<br />
Recently, with the equinox, things in my life changed. Something in me changed. Chatting to another wonderful lady who is also up there on my inspiration list, she shared she was starting a yoga teaching course. I felt again the pangs desire, feelings I have felt many many times over the past 15 years of my on and off dance with yoga. I have always wanted to be in a position to do a teaching course, mainly so I could learn more, know more, and feel confident in my own yoga practice.<br />
I've tried a few types of yoga, most recently something that is commonly called 'yoga flow'. In one lesson I knew this type of yoga wasn't for me, and found myself on the Kundalini training website again looking at their training courses. It's great value for money and the venue is quite local, so I found a way to source the finances and made inquiries. They had spaces and the course started 3 weeks later. <br />
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In those 3 weeks I thought a lot about whether this was right for me. They have an option of doing the first 2 weekends to see if the course is right for you, so I signed up with the added bonus that if for whatever reason it wasn't right for me, I could walk away without losing a lot of money. I felt the fear many times. In my research there were things that didn't sit too well with me, but me being me and pretty open minded, I knew that it's pretty closed and judgemental not to try something just because there are a few reservations or feelings of fear. New things always bring us face to face with fears, the most basic being 'Can I do this?' but I saw it all as a challenge and as a potential way to change my way of life. I enjoy yoga, I enjoy chanting and singing, and I'd loved the way the Kundalini sessions I'd been to had made me feel. So I didn't go in cold, I went to another session local to me and walked out feeling great and positive this was what I wanted to do.<br />
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The course is complete immersion. One weekend a month for 10 months. Living 'ashram style' in shared rooms, basic accommodation with as much importance put on SEVA (selfless service) as attending the lectures, workshops and yoga classes. You are given a SEVA group and throughout the weekend your group is on a rota for preparing and serving food, washing up and clearing, and cleaning duties. Your day starts at 4am. Up ready and showered for Aquarian Sadhana at 5am. I had been to an Aquarian Sadhana at the local Gudwara (Sikh Temple) so I knew what to expect. I had actually enjoyed the early morning practice at the Temple, so although I knew it would be challenging, I wasn't quite prepared for how I would feel on my first weekend. There were many more people there than I had expected (around 50). A mixture of new and old students who were back to complete their training by teaching and leading the new students.<br />
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After overcoming all my fears before the weekend, I got there excited to get stuck in. I felt a little out of my depth straight away as it seemed everyone else had already been there hours and were all happily chatting together. It felt a bit like a first day at school, or crashing a party. I had been show my room where I grabbed a top bunk bed that was situated on it's own in the corner of the room. I wasn't quite ready to sleep right next to a stranger. We had supper and our first workshop and meditation. Bed was at 9 and my room mates were lovely. A couple shared hugs and their own fears of feeling a little out of their depth and we all shared a little about our lives back home. It was difficult to sleep, and I found myself awake for most of the night. I knew I had slept at some point as I had a dream, but the majority of the night was spent tossing and turning trying to shield myself from the smoke alarm light and waiting for the 4am alarm to go off. When the alarm went off it was a relief, time to get up, get showered and into white clothes with head covering for the Sadhana at 5am. The first part of morning practice is the reading of the Jap Ji, a very long prayer, read in Gurmukhi. Sitting in the lotus position (or easy pose) you listen to the sounds and meditate on them. It lasts around 45 mins. Then you go into a 45 min yoga practice. The yoga practice was good, if a little cramped as there were so many of us crammed into a small room. Once the yoga was finished we sat again for the chanting. There are set chants that each last 7 or 5 mins, and one that lasts for 21 mins. A guitarist came in to provide live music which was truly lovely, and I enjoyed singing along to the chants I knew and had been practicing. It's 7.30am by the time you finish and breakfast is served at 8am.<br />
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I found myself feeling really overwhelmed. I'm sure the lack of sleep had a lot to do with it. I cried a little and went for breakfast. Sitting with a lovely girl who had seen me struggling a little the night before, the tears came and I could barely finish breakfast. I shared my feelings with a couple of others back in the bedroom and all were really supporting, loving and caring. No one likes to see someone else crying, and they were all doing their best to reassure me and support me. The problem was, I couldn't stop. The feeling in me was of utter despair. What was I doing here? Why didn't I feel the same as the others? Why did I not come out of the morning practice feeling enlivened and happy? Why did I not feel at peace? I soldiered on, attending the SEVA meeting and learning more about what was involved. I just felt even more overwhelmed. I went to my SEVA group meeting in the kitchen and we did another short meditation as there was not a lot to discuss, and the tears kept coming. By this point I was feeling really embarrassed and conscious that lots of people had noticed me crying. I went and sat near a door with a view to the gardens. The venue was utterly stunning and I wish I had had a good walk around them. My newly adopted friend came and hugged me and asked if I'd spoken to any of the leaders. I hadn't. It all felt so busy and time seemed tight and I didn't want to hold things up or get in the way of the schedule. She went and told someone that I was feeling distressed and a few others came and sat with me and offered support. I missed the workshop. I spent it talking to one of the group leaders, and then another, and then another. All had words of encouragement and advice. All were lovely and supportive and the offer was made for them to support me bit by bit throughout the day so I could at least stay for the next yoga session and teachings in the evening. All wanted me to give the whole weekend a go before I made the decision on whether to continue with the course. I was told to go and catch up on some sleep, as the yoga session had already started by this point, and maybe after some more sleep and lunch I would be able to continue. <br />
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I went and sat up on my bunk bed and knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep. I called home, I chatted to a friend online. I was wrestling with that nasty little voice telling me I was useless, I was wasting an opportunity, I'd wasted money, asking how I could possibly bail out after one measly night... Family and friends back home had all been so supportive and excited for me and I felt a little like I was letting them down. Reassurances from them and words of support helped, and I realised that I wasn't doing this to prove anything to anyone. I had chosen this course and path as I'd thought it would be good for me. I thought it would be fun.. hard work.. but fun, enlightening and transformational. So far I hadn't really felt fun, or happiness, or peace... Again I found myself judging and comparing myself to others. 50 people were enjoying it, or at least seeming to enjoy it. I was not under any illusion that I was the only one struggling, but I was the only one openly showing how difficult I was finding it. I couldn't even put my finger on it... was it the lack of sleep? was it homesickness? was it because I'd felt more like I was in a church singing praises to someone else's God/Guru/Deity? was it because I was in the white uniform? was it because I just felt lost, or unworthy of having time to myself to follow my path away from the family and home? So much was running through my head. I must have lost pints of tears.<br />
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After another hour or so of hiding in the bedroom I looked at the clock. 1pm. If I'm staying I need to sort myself out and prepare myself for another 8 hours of work before bed at 9pm. I was already fragile, the tears wouldn't stop, the thought of another night of no sleep and the lack of energy made me realise that I couldn't stay. I didn't want my hand held through every class, or my absence being noted. I had been told I could sit out, attend or not attend... whatever I needed to do was OK and everyone understood. I had shared some of my story and personal battles and that maybe, it was too soon to be trying something this intense. Despite everything, I made the decision to leave. I immediately felt some relief. Sitting with conflicting thoughts, with two choices and not knowing what to do is uncomfortable, once one path or the other is chosen there is relief the battle is over. I packed up my things, stripped my bed and found the lady I'd been talking to. She understood and with no judgement said she would help me to my car with my things. I hugged all the lovely people that had in such a short time felt like they'd become friends, and gave a couple of them my email address. I didn't feel like a failure, I just felt like I'd made the right decision for me in that moment. I couldn't wait to get home and hug my husband and daughter, be on home ground and have my own bed. I was worried about driving home so tired, but it wasn't too far and I knew that I just had to get home.<br />
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I felt relief and a touch of sadness that it hadn't worked out. Again the voice in my head was trying to pipe up with negative thoughts.. oooh.. what will all your online friends think? you were so excited and told everyone what you were doing.. how embarrassing it will be to share that actually you couldn't hack it and didn't even stay the whole weekend... I shut that voice up quickly and thought about what I had learned about myself in my short stay there. I had learned a LOT about myself. It had been a valuable experience even if it was not in the way I'd hoped. I have learned that there is a reason I've always stayed away from organised religion. Kundalini yoga is not a religion, but it's hard to separate the religious aspect from it. Maybe religion is the wrong word.. let's call it organised spirituality. I turned away from witchcraft many years ago for the same reasons (although I actually felt much more love and support from the Kundalini Yogi's than I ever did when I was in a coven). My spirituality is a weird eclectic mix of beliefs, it's always been pretty solitary, and I'm fine with that. I understand there are processes and techniques out there to speed up or enable your connection to the divine, but as I stood at my back door looking at the stars I realised that I was in my church, I was already doing OK. I have a strong faith, a strong connection to the divine. It's my own little mix of things that allow me to feel it, it's my own journey and experiences that have brought me to this point, and I don't NEED anything else to make me feel more spiritual. I love yoga, but I felt this course was far more than just yoga.. I mean, that's why I chose it! Unfortunately, the other stuff included on the course, the spiritual side was too much for me... I had already worried about not feeling like 'me' by the end of it, and I wasn't comfortable with certain aspects of the experience. I was strong enough to know quickly that this wasn't for me. Strong enough to leave and not feel pressure to stay to try and prove something. I was strong enough to make a decision on my own and despite the embarrassment, strong enough to walk away with no regrets. It made me realise how much I love my life, home and family just the way it is, how much I loved and trusted my close friends and my own judgement to know what's right for me. I would still love to train in yoga, but training the Kundalini way was not for me.<br />
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Everyone says the course is transformational. They are right. In less than 24 hours I learned so much about myself. I left feeling stronger, not weaker. I left appreciating what I have and already know. It was not a waste, it was not a failure. There are some times in life when you need to push through the fear and persevere, and there are times when you just know in your heart and soul that something is not right for you. This was one of those times. I am gutted it didn't work out, I am sad that the path I had though was right actually wasn't, but it's not the first time and I'm sure it won't be the last. Turning up, being present, being open to knew experiences and cultures, new ideas and ways of living is not a bad way to be, but being prepared to listen to your gut, your soul and intuition to keep yourself safe is recommended.<br />
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I got up this morning just before 6am. The MotoGP was on and my husband and daughter were already planning on an early start to watch the race. I got up and joined them. I felt safe again at home with my own bed and the people I love around me. We went for a walk to catch the sunrise and as I stood looking around the gorgeous countryside I realised again that I don't need much more. My connection to nature, the trees, the stars, the Moon, the Sun.. walking with the family and watching the leaves fall off the trees is enough. The whole world is my temple and I have no rules about what time I need to honor them or for how long. I walk in my own way, dancing to my own tune. My art, my crazy weird mixed up set of beliefs, my selfless service to my family is all I need. We are all spiritual beings, we can chose to follow others, abide by rules, chose an established path or follow our own. Freedom is blessing, and if one thing this weekend showed me, it's how to count my blessings and feel good about what I am and already have. I have already transformed my life massively from how I was just a few years ago, and maybe continuing on this course would have led to further transformation. Maybe I'm not ready for that just yet, maybe the Kundalini yoga path is just not right for me and maybe it never will be. I can accept that with loving gratitude and feel at peace with the fact I tried it, first hand and made my own mind up. Who knows what's next for me? For now, I'm happy with what I've got, and happy in the knowledge that my life is just fine. I like the freedom of choice, I like who I am and right now, I don't really need to change a thing.</div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-31910686161892322922014-06-25T10:06:00.002+01:002015-11-10T12:53:30.439+00:00Mandala Painting Workshop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm running a Mandala Painting Workshop next month! If you are local to Winchester, Hampshire, UK, maybe you'd like to come along!<br />
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SATURDAY 26TH JULY 2014 10-5PM<br />
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Friends Meeting House, 16 Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LH<br />
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Mandalas have been created and used for centuries by many different <br />
cultures. From ancient carvings, monuments, rose windows in churches, Native American medicine wheels and Tibetan sand mandalas. The Circle plays an important part of our spiritual history and development all over the globe.<br />
Used as a tool to aid meditation and spiritual growth, Mandalas are an easy, enjoyable way to connect to your creative and spiritual side, even if you haven’t drawn a thing since you were a child!<br />
Mandalas work symbolically as a container for energy, intention and <br />
vibration, and can allow the creator a space for non-verbal expression.<br />
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No previous drawing skills are needed! All are welcome (16+)<br />
You will design and paint your own mandala in a secluded and peaceful <br />
setting. All materials and lunch provided.<br />
PRICE £40 (EARLYBIRD £35 BEFORE JULY 1ST) <br />
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More information - <a href="http://chaoticat.com/workshops/mandala-painting-workshop2672014">http://chaoticat.com/workshops/mandala-painting-workshop2672014</a><br />
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-69884589204378698452014-01-15T11:59:00.000+00:002014-01-15T11:59:25.855+00:00Hello 2014!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Apologies to all of my subscribers and friends who may have disappointed in the lack of posts throughout 2013. Sometimes you just have a year that throws as much at you as possible to see if you'll cope, and it seems 2013 was my year for it.<br />
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So with the arrival of a new year, I feel I should try and update this blog more often, and maybe even give it a facelift. I am so amazed at the fan base that has grown on Facebook... I'm nearly at 1000 fans! which is just crazy! I tend to post more regularly to FB than here, so if you want to keep in touch, you can find my page here. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/naturalshaman">https://www.facebook.com/naturalshaman</a><br />
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Life is pretty good at the moment. I am busy with art requests and paintings, courses and moving my work forward. Despite the rain, I am looking forward to this year with eager anticipation.<br />
Last year, I studied for my PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifeling Learning Sector) certificate, and am currently training to be a Meditation Teacher. I am also studying for a Colour Therapy Diploma. I have ideas and plans and am hoping 2014 is the year things get moving for me.<br />
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PMDD still troubles my life, however to even be sitting in this position, planning a future and setting goals is nothing short of a miracle. Everything I have learned about cycle awareness, seasonal correspondences, observation and mindfulness has got me to this point.. the journey hasn't even finished yet, but even if it had, I am so happy to be where I am now. I'm certain there are some major astrological influences to things changing, but I will not do myself an injustice.. I have worked hard to get to this point. My determination to get my mental health under control, deal with my demons, look after myself, discover who I really am under the mood storms and depression is a relentless, never ending task. Thankfully, my main focus is no longer on just surviving.. now that I have learned how to walk from scratch, I can start thinking about running.. maybe even dancing...<br />
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Here's to 2014... it's gonna be busy and productive...</div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-52799894303610802732013-06-07T23:48:00.000+01:002013-06-07T23:48:28.633+01:00As I prepare to bleed.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I prepare to bleed I am taken over by creative energy. I want to sink into a world of colour and shape. No noise, no demands, just colour and shape.<br />
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Last weekend I delved into a project to revamp (upcycle) an old garden bench. I didn't want to talk. I didn't want to be bothered. I just wanted to sit alone and paint. Sit alone and paint I did, although nothing stops the children talking!<br />
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This is the result. The result of my autumn, my pre menstrual phase. Allowing myself the space and time, focusing my mind, sinking into creation...<br />
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-44736472312412971132013-05-17T21:21:00.002+01:002013-05-17T21:21:59.098+01:00Wonderful Women's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have very kindly been asked to talk about PMDD at a local Wonderful Women's Day.<br />
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The whole day is incorporating lots of activities, including an opportunity to experience Miranda Gray's Womb blessing in the company of others, AND a viewing of the film 'Things we don't talk about'.<br />
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If you live in the Hampshire area, why don't you come along!<br />
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For more details about activities please click the following links.<br />
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Miranda Gray's Womb Blessing <a href="http://www.wombblessing.com/">http://www.wombblessing.com/</a><br />
(You must register with Miranda to receive the womb blessing, chose 12 noon as the time if you are coming along on the day)<br />
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'Things we don't talk about' - Red Tent Movie <a href="http://www.redtentmovie.com/">http://www.redtentmovie.com/</a><br />
(Admission to film only will be at 5.30pm with a suggested donation of £7)<br />
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Event run and organised by The Dreadess <a href="http://www.thedreadess.com/#/wonderful-womens-day/4576189163">http://www.thedreadess.com/#/wonderful-womens-day/4576189163</a><br />
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-9851219981211401582013-05-09T01:40:00.000+01:002013-05-09T01:40:07.142+01:00Micro Blog!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Been really busy.<br />
Life has been like a little girl with a curl.<br />
Been
developing my meditation practice, it's going well. It's inspired me
to teach meditation so I enrolled on a course... or two, yes, I enrolled
on two courses, a PTLLS certificate and a meditation teacher
certificate. New career here I come...<br />
Having to write essays and homework along with all the usual stuff.<br />
Had a nightmare weekend (days 24-25) but I recovered swiftly and day 28 became day 1 today! YES! (urgh cramps...)<br />
I'm off camping soon... come rain or bloody shine, need a night or two under the stars.<br />
Lots of art work to do, good stuff in the pipeline.<br />
Building
the PMDDAUK website, trying to maintain momentum. Dealing with PMDD
queries and stories. Lot's of ideas, too little time.<br />
Started learning kundalini yoga. IT'S FANTASTIC. Possibly my favourite way to spend an hour.<br />
Learning lots of chants and mudras.<br />
Loving
life. Working hard. Taking the highs with the lows.. still losing my
mind occasionally, but there's too much to lose now.. too much to do, to
build to grow...<br />
<br />
Sending love to all of you...<br />
Remember... (always)... It will pass.<br />
<br /></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-62070642707419059772013-04-18T20:51:00.000+01:002013-04-18T20:51:13.965+01:00Dhumavati<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
It was cycle day 25. <br /><br />
I was standing in the garden. Sun was shining and it actually felt like spring! While chatting to to my mother and sister in law, I see a huge, and I mean HUGE black crow, fly straight into the window of the house out the back. Everyone turned round to see what had made the loud noise, and we all watched as the crow that had landed on the porch of the house, launched itself at the window to the right. Another almighty knock and off it flew... We were all amazed to see it fly off unharmed, as the noise was beak cracking.<br /><br />Straight away a memory came to the fore. A few days ago... I saw a crow do the same thing to the same house... Hmm... when had I been out in the garden (there haven't been many days warm enough). Last Monday (Cycle day 20). George was finishing off the shed roof. It was sunny. I was out the back and witnessed the same thing, although this one hadn't come back for seconds, just crashed into the window and flew off behind the house..<br /> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Then, another recent memory pop's into my mind. Last weekend Fae had been singing 'Sing a song of sixpence'. She'd found an old childhood book of mine and found this one ditty very amusing, puzzling and worthy of much chatter. She kept showing me the picture... black birds flying around a pie.<br />
<br />Crows and black birds had been in my mind for a while, I have been planning to draw or paint a crow or crows, and it's not the first time. A couple of years or so ago I was called by the crow. I think now and then our paths cross, only I hadn't really connected before.</div>
<div>
<br />After researching the common meanings of the crow, I googled Hindu Crow (I have been looking a lot at Hindu Deities after hearing Durga's call recently) and up came Dhumavati.<br />
<br />
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<div>
<i>Dhumavati is the hag, the crone, the old, dark goddess. Her name means 'The Smoky One'. </i></div>
<div>
<i>She is the void, the dissolved form of consciousness. Her creature is the crow, a carrion eater and symbol of death and decay. Some stories say she has crow like features. She is often pictured on a horseless carriage with a winnowing basket (a tool used for sorting the wheat from the chaff), a spear or sword, a broom and a kapala (a bowl made from a human skull). She can be found in 'the wounds of the world'... cemeteries, cremation grounds, smoky fires, deserts, ruined houses and wild dangerous places. </i><br />
<br />
<i>She is often named as the seventh Mahavidya. The Mahavidyas (Great Wisdoms) are a group of the ten aspects of the Divine Mother. The 10 Mahavidyas are Wisdom Goddesses, who represent a spectrum of feminine divinity, from horrific goddesses at one end, to the gentle at the other.</i></div>
<div>
<br />
<i>She is now a widow, but was once Shiva's first consort Sati. Sati's hunger was insatiable, she demanded food constantly and could never be satisfied. Shiva refused her demands, so she announced she would eat him instead. After consuming her husband, Shiva, he demanded her to disgorge him, which she did with reluctance. He then cursed her and condemned her to a lifetime of widowhood. On hearing this smoke emanated from her, clouding her beauty. He named her Dhumavati. She was from that moment on, alone, banished to the cemetary where she stole clothes from the dead.</i></div>
<div>
<br />
She obscures and reveals. She reveals those things that are imperfect and disappointing. She is defeat, loss, destruction and loneliness. She is cruel, ugly and disheveled. She is the embodiment of lust and ignorance. Always hungry and thirsty, she yearns for food and drink. She likes to create conflict, arguments and invokes fear. Dhumavati is always in a sad state and represents unsatisfied desires. She makes herself a widow by swallowing her husband Shiva in an act of power, independence and self assertion.<br />
<br />
She teaches us that life is a struggle. You learn from the negative experiences in life and through them, you develop wisdom. She points out the negative, so you can learn from it. The bowl of fire she holds burns ignorance and also symbolises that all things are eventually destroyed. She is often pictured making a boon conferring gesture (Varada mudra) or knowledge giving gesture (Cinmudra). These hand postures open up a more positive aspect to this goddess. A boon is something to be thankful for, a blessing. She represents the wisdom that can be found through experience, the knowledge that hides in the smoke.<br />
<br />
Dhumavati asks us to look beyond small ambitions. She may seem like a dark and negative inauspicious Goddess, but she offers special powers and knowledge. She instills a desire to be alone, to go within, to delve into ourselves. Without a consort she is free to follow her spiritual path, free of family responsibilities.<br />
<br />
"Dhumavati symbolically portrays the disappointments, frustrations, humiliation, defeat, loss, sorrow and loneliness that a woman endures. She is the knowledge that comes through hard experiences, after the youthful desires and fantasies are put behind. Dhumavati thus represents a stage of woman’s life that is beyond worldly desires, beyond the conventional taboos of what is polluting or inauspicious. She desires to be free and at the same time she likes to be useful to the family and to the society." <a href="http://vedicgoddess.weebly.com/3/post/2012/08/devi-dhumavati.html">http://vedicgoddess.weebly.com/3/post/2012/08/devi-dhumavati.html</a></div>
<div>
<br />
The crow symbol also has a positive side. They are symbolic of hearing ‘unheard’ sounds. Crows can hear very low sound frequencies, inaudible to humans. They also show remarkable intelligence. In Hindu belief, crows are considered ancestors as seen during sraddha practice of offering food or panda. Crows ask us to listen carefully to your instincts, feelings and dreams. <br />
<br />
She is associated it the waning and dark moon. Goddess Dhumavati is a good teacher. By obscuring or covering all that is known, Dhumavati reveals the depth of the unknown. Dhumavati obscures what is evident in order to reveal the hidden and the profound. Honor her by lighting incense or creating a smoky fire. Offer her flowers, wine, food and anything else indulgent. Worship her alone. She is for you and you alone. Dhumavati is also known as Alakshmi, the anti-lakshmi. Lakshmi is the Goddess of family, hearth and home. Dhumavarti is the opposite. Alone, away from the home. She looks after unmarried people, the single, widowed, the poor, beggars and the diseased.<br />
<br />
The day after the crow/window incident, my attention was drawn to a local church. It is no longer used as a church, but is now part of the Church Heritage Trust. It is one of my favourite places, and usually quiet and 'abandoned'. I felt I just HAD to go there. I took some incense with me to light in honour of Dhumavati. A walk in the grave yard led me to two black feathers. I went inside the church and placed the feathers on the altar and lit the incense. I sat for a while, alone in the church. The stained glass was memerising, and the incense broke up the cold musty church smell. I left just as a local turned up to the church. Perfect timing! As I drove home, one word popped into my head. Acknowlegement. I hadn't really known why I'd felt compelled to go the church, but on the way back I understood. That simple act had been a show of acknowledgement. She's made me aware of her presence, so I made her aware I had listened and that she existed to me.<br />
<br />
I began drawing on Day 2. Just after the New Moon. In full bleed, with full connection to the energy. Crow images have filled my news feed, and I was having constant thoughts about the smoky Goddess. Images, ideas and visions flowing through my mind. The image had been nagging me for days, it's call getting louder and louder till I could ignore it no more. The image was finished at the same time as I stopped bleeding. When I create a shamanic piece of work, something I am called to create, it flows... it draws itself in a way. I am just a channel.<br />
<br />
The more I read about Dhumavati, the more I could relate her to menstruation. She IS the energy many fear, the energy women with PMDD battle with. She is The Critic, The Bitch, The Unsatisfied. The bleeding phase is attributed to the crone, but where else do we get a description of the crone energy in so much detail as with the legend of Dhumavati? When our pre menstrual tempers fly and we act like a spoilt children, we are showing that insatiable desire, we are demanding it our way. Many times in this phase I have broken off relationships and wanted to walk away from my family... and yes, the desire to be alone with my thoughts, with myself, was powering that. I wanted to be the widow, and I would create the situation so I could end up alone. I would toy with thoughts of death during this time. My worst suicidal moments have been in the days before my period was due. Do I break up with my man and become alone, a widow? Do I walk out on my kids and create that loneliness and sadness? Do I end it all now, be transformed in my death? the ultimate tragic story?<br />
<br />
I look back and I can see the Dhumavati moments. I can recall how I felt. I have felt how Dhumavati feels. I know that desire, that frustration when things don't work out the way you want them, the fear, the deep sadness. What I missed before was the boons, the blessings, the things I could have been learning if only I had understood. When the anger hits, the disappointment, the seemingly random and uncalled for actions and words wanting to destroy everything around you, you are feeling Dhumavati energy. What is REALLY behind the anger? What is REALLY the desire that isn't being fulfilled? Look at your life. What are you denying yourself? What are you hungry for? I think those crazy moments before a bleed are down to those things deep within that want to be fulfilled, lived out, worked on and learned from. Sort the wheat from the chaff, sweep the room, get rid of the rubbish in your life that you don't need... those things that make life harder. Look within. It may be difficult to figure out what it is you want from life, that is the nature of smoke and darkness, but keep looking, it will come, it will become clear. Learn from The Smoky One. Don't allow her energy to rule you, to create quarrels and situations where you end up the widow (unless, that is what you want!) On the other hand, her energy can really help with ridding things from your life you don't need anymore. In some relationships, the widow option is the better one, for the sake of your sanity and future!<br />
<br />
In the winter phase, menstruation, we are cleansing. The unfertilised egg is being cleansed from the body ready for a new cycle. The body and mind feels a sadness for the potential that didn't become a life, maybe we also sense the frustration of a perfectly good egg going to waste... we begin to analyse the rest of our life. Where am I going? What good am I? I've wasted my life, I should be alone, I am a failure... Even in her condemnation, Dhumavati found the positive. She turned to the people that needed help, that are alone, that are outcast from society. She helps us to find the wisdom we all have inside, while at the same time encouraging us to look at whether we are fulfilling our own potential. She helps us to see what is holding us back, and what is good and bad for us in our lives. <br />
<br />
So, with thanks to Dhumavati... <br />
<br />
Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Svaha - Dhumavati's mantra is said to create a protective smoke shield that protects you from negativity and death. It helps remove illusions and allows you to see the unseen. Meditate on the void, the emptiness, the darkness. It enables us to 'read between the lines', to see past our initial judgements and prejudices. Don't look at the subject, look around the subject. <br />
<br />
I never expected that seeing a crow hit a window would take me on such a journey, but it did... and I for one, am very grateful.<br />
<br />
Namaste<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-86055446542363713902013-03-30T23:18:00.000+00:002013-03-30T23:20:24.246+00:00Help a fellow sister!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Colette Nolan founder of <a href="http://cherishthecunt.com/">http://cherishthecunt.com/</a> is looking for funding for her new project 'Honesty'. The following is from her Sponsume page.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>It is our aspiration to become a Community Interest Company called 'Honesty'</b> with the goal to empower and educate women and girls so that they can gain the autonomy and self love to <span class="highlight">make informed choices about their sexual health and mental well-being.</span><br />
We want to provide truthful facts about contraception, menstruation,
body image and sexual health in a fun and accessible way. We wish to
create educational resources and distribute them for free to health
clinics, youth groups and community centres. We also hope to run 8 week
courses based on the resources.<br />
We need money for our rent, bills and resources. We are asking for
£900 which will cover our core costs for three months while we write
funding bids for a bigger amount as a CIC.<br />
In return you will be gifted with Cunt themed treats.<br />
With Cunty Love ({*}),<br />
Colette and Elaine AKA Lady Cunt Love and Madame Mega Muff.</blockquote>
I had the pleasure of meeting Colette on a workshop with Alexandra Pope. Her ventures are brave and inspiring. I have personally sponsored, and am looking forward to my cunty badges.<br />
<br />
An amount as little as £3 will help. Go on, you know you want a badge that says I heart my cunt!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-39889171695385334952013-03-24T22:40:00.000+00:002013-03-24T22:44:43.743+00:00To my friends...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<i>(written to the friends close to me in real life and on
Facebook... wanted to share here with a wider audience and explain why I
have been a bit quiet with posts, and why I may not have responded to
messages/emails recently)</i></div>
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</div>
<div>
<br />
The whole month of March has been a struggle. This past week being (hopefully) the lowest I could get. </div>
<div>
<br />
Lots
of you, my friends, have been worried, and I feel terrible for worrying
you or causing any of you upset. This guilt often means I start to
spiral inwards even more, and the negative feelings grow. It has been a
long time since I have written like this, but I feel it's the only way
to try and help myself, and others, understand.</div>
<div>
<br />
As
most of you know, I have a mood/hormone disorder... at least, that's
how you will understand it in the 'normal' way. The label Pre Menstrual
Dysphoric Disorder is something I am trying to move away from, but it's
the easier label to give when trying to explain what I go through.
It's medical. It's a real disorder. No one knows what causes it or how
best to treat it. It's still not widely known about, or should I say,
it's widely misdiagnosed as bipolar, borderline personality disorder,
depression... Many sufferers feel schizophrenic, although, unlike
schizophrenia, we rarely lose all concept of one personality in favour
of the other, but rather stay in state of transition, the battle, the
fight between two aspects of the self. We also tend to remain
consciously aware of all our actions even when we feel like we have no
control over them. PMDD cycles are monthly and therefore, when the
symptoms are particularly bad, they can really take their toll on your
physical and mental health.</div>
<div>
So I have that
going on... I hit challenging times almost every month, but since
coming off all medications etc I have got a much better hold on this. I
have learned how to manage my month, my LIFE, around it. I know my
energy changes and fluctuates. There are better times of the month for
socialising and times when I have to hide away. I know my cycle well,
and can predict when I will have enough energy to go out and be social
and when I will be struggling with tiredness and need to rest.</div>
<div>
<br />
This
week however, I was not at a point in my cycle when I should be going
through this stuff. Day 7 is usually a time of increasing energy,
busy-ness, lots of ideas and planning.. becoming more social etc I had
had a particularly crap cycle anyway, coupled with my birthday, which
this year I was really not up for celebrating.. the 'depression' had
started right back then. The negativity swallowed me up. I couldn't
see the point in trying. I was easily angered, wound up, hurt, upset...
I did a lot of shouting and stamping about. When these times happen,
it's like I have left my body and am outside watching everything unfold.
I upset my children... I pushed my man away. I rejected my friends
offers of help. The negative thoughts tell me that it's all false. No
one really wants to help. Everyone is judging. People think I am
weird, a pain in the ass, over dramatic... it's like I can hear all the
sighs of everyone when they see another negative status message. Even
with lots of PMDD friends around, who I know will understand, I can't
connect. I can't talk.<br />
<br />
It's like being bound, gagged, blindfolded
and thrown into a pit of terror. We would call this dysphoria, which
is commonly known to include persecutory feelings and suicidal
tendencies.</div>
<div>
For 4 days I barely ate a thing. I
went from not being able to get out of bed despite sleeping for hours
and hours, to being unable to sleep and staying up all night. I
couldn't deal with the kids. By the end of the week they were both
avoiding me and trying to stay out of my way. Rhiannon doing an amazing
job of being a stand in mum for Fae while I am emotionally unavailable.
All of it kills me emotionally.. I do and say things I normally
wouldn't. It makes me feel like a terrible person...<br />
<br />
I've had
uncontrollable flashbacks to times in my life when I was going through
hell, all the emotions from those times surface. I rid myself of one
thought only to be bombarded with more negative imagery and feelings.
Feelings of panic and palpitations which can last all day. Fear of
having to leave the house and face anyone was too much and I spent a lot
of time in the dark, in my bedroom. Thoughts of escaping... running
away... hurting myself. I did not get the usual suicidal feelings this
time, but the desire to destroy, cause myself pain were very strong.
THAT'S when keeping yourself locked away in a bedroom is a good idea.
My mind was taking me to all sorts of crazy places. Should I cut off
all my dreads? should I destroy the last painting I created? I could
burn myself, crash the car, find something sharp... drink a bottle of
vodka... (yes to me, alcohol is a form of self destruction.. it makes me
ill and so would achieve the desired result). All I have to do is hang
on until it passes. Wait, till the demon leaves me. Try and get
through without letting any of these impulses take over. It's not easy,
and as yet, I haven't figured out what I should do in these situations.
What I need is a place to go while going through it all, away from my
friends and family.. but it's not likely to ever be possible, so hey,
you just gotta do what you can. My body has been curled up and tense
all week, the pain in my back and shoulders from the tension is awful.
The exhaustion from the endless thoughts and visions knocks me for six.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgpu8oBmdkcscvq4Z1ahQtm0uYgLaHy6a7ojkcY8MOpuiJWMo44COwQ0YQMeoVQDQxpW1naDDcW48KZcijrTFB39wbitEnjJ0Ek6-_KUfovgAh999A9wK_KFVZPj5PL9ub-6KTkJis64/s1600/yin.yang_.fish_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgpu8oBmdkcscvq4Z1ahQtm0uYgLaHy6a7ojkcY8MOpuiJWMo44COwQ0YQMeoVQDQxpW1naDDcW48KZcijrTFB39wbitEnjJ0Ek6-_KUfovgAh999A9wK_KFVZPj5PL9ub-6KTkJis64/s200/yin.yang_.fish_.jpg" width="200" /></a>So,
if it's happening out of cycle, at a time when I would not expect it,
then I have to look at what else is going on. I follow a shamanic path.
I always have, although when I was younger it took the form of
witchcraft. Moving on from the restrictions and rules that are set when
following such belief systems, led me to where I am now. As a woman,
my cycle is shamanic in itself. Every woman has a direct connection to
the Earth and the Moon. The menstrual cycle echoes the seasons of the
year in it's energetic changes and also follows the phases of the moon.
We are currently entering Spring. Pre ovulation. It's a transition
time. The Spring Equinox this week symbolises this. A time when the
Sun and the Moon are in balance, but also, a time when one half of the
world welcomes in Spring and the other half kisses goodbye to Summer and
is seeing in the Autumn. A duality, a time of balance and extremes all
at the same time. Confusing eh?</div>
<div>
<br />
I digress.
In following a shamanic path, in dedicating myself to it, in stepping
deeper into the mysteries I have to allow the necessary shifts to occur
within me. Thing is, you don't get an email telling you you are about
to go through another shamanic healing process... To be honest, I
wasn't overly familiar with shamanic initiatory illness and it's
symptoms until now, but the more I look at what is going on right now,
the more it makes sense. I could just call it a breakdown, a PMDD
episode that has arisen due to the stresses and strains of life, the
terrible British weather and SAD, but that is almost dismissing the
importance of these happenings (It does make it easier for others to
understand, especially those who think shamanism etc is a load of
bollox). The healing that follows the darkest times are invaluable...
IF you can develop an understanding of why it's happened. </div>
<div>
<br />
LOOK
at the symptoms for shamanic initiatory illness... (these can also be
symptoms of coming off psychiatric meds or the rising of the kundalini)</div>
<div>
<br />
Shaking,
vibration, altered states of consciousness ranging from comatose to
euphoric, extremely long periods of insomnia or hypersomnia, inability
to tolerate eating, food cravings, headaches, nausea and vomiting,
nightmares, suicidality, pain, heart palpitations, fear of going crazy,
feeling tormented, terror, being bed-ridden, agitation, weakness,
cognitive confusion, seizures, muscular rigidity, tingling, impaired
vision, hearing unusual sounds, seeing lights, other hallucinations or
visions, obsessive or impulsive behavior, rages, crying jags, severe
depression, vertigo, seeming drunk without taking any substance,
exhaustion, chills, heat, sweating, tendency to withdrawal and
agoraphobia.<br />
(<a href="http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/91-kundalini-shamanic-initiatory-illness/">http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/91-kundalini-shamanic-initiatory-illness/</a>)</div>
<div>
<br />
I
can tick off many of the above and have just experienced them. There
is much documented about how shamans view schizophrenia and episodes
like the one I have just described. In fact such things as
schizophrenia do not exist in shamanic tribes. Shamans would view these
things as a spirit trying to contact the living world, or a possession
of a body by a spirit. Likewise, PMS or PMDD would not exist in these
circles either. Women's menstruation was seen as a very powerful thing,
and an essential part of their (and the tribe's) spiritual well being.
Menstruation, itself, is an altered state of being/consciousness. You
can read more about how shaman's deal with mental illness in the
following link. It's an amazing article. <a href="http://www.jaysongaddis.com/2010/11/the-shamanic-view-of-mental-illness/">http://www.jaysongaddis.com/2010/11/the-shamanic-view-of-mental-illness/</a></div>
<div>
<br />
I
can't say for sure that this is some kind of shamanic thing going on...
but I also don't class myself as truly mentally ill. I am also not a
flaky character that can't deal with the things life throws at her, as I
have gone through a whole heap of difficult situations and life traumas
over the years and am still here to tell the tale. My counselor, a few
sessions in, told me she is amazed I am still here. My reply, is
always... my kids keep me here. They are the reason I continue to live
out my life on this planet... that and the fact that I have been blessed
with a life, so really, I better make the most of it, however alien the
world seems, and however difficult this particular life seems to be.
Life, now, is actually better that it has ever been.. a gorgeous, loving
and understanding husband, better relationships with family and
friends, two amazing children and my art, my writing, the wonderful web,
and a future that hopefully holds some great things.</div>
<div>
<br />
About
15 years ago, during another challenging time of my life, my tarot
teacher once said to me 'The hardest steel is tempered in the hottest
fire'. That has stuck with me ever since. To be strong, to understand
another person's pain, to feel empathy, to be able to help, heal, you
need to undergo it yourself. I never consciously asked for this path,
it just is... I find most of my life is 'out of my hands' these days. I
rely on my instinct, on catching the wave and feeling the flow. I
guess that with that comes the storms that turn the boat over, throw you
into the water and leave you fighting for your life. What I wish
though is that it didn't affect my family and friendships so much. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
So
I'm doing my best. To understand, to learn, to develop and grow. I
wanted to share all this stuff as I do freak out some times and think
that everyone must think I am completely nuts, or just a depressive
personality with no joy or fun, but that's not the case. I'm just
different, and dealing with some really weird shit that no body gave me a
manual for! Thank you to everyone who contacted me with kind words and
who offered the hand of support. I'm sorry I couldn't accept, and
especially sorry if my actions or words hurt or upset anyone...</div>
<div>
<br />
I'm
still 'coming round', settling down. It takes a while to flush out the
adrenaline and anxiety, it takes even longer to get rid of the guilt
and the feeling of embarrassment and shame, but writing this, focusing
on some art will help, and hopefully I will re-integrate what I've
learned through all this and next time wont be so bad... I have no idea
how many of these I need to go through, but I couldn't actually begin to
count the times that this sort of thing has happened. The last time
was 6 months ago at the Autumn Equinox (pattern? who knows!)</div>
<div>
<br />
Love to you all, and thank you for being a friend, in whatever capacity... (cyber, real life.. it's all the same)</div>
<div>
Cat xx</div>
</div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-9805812727541715292013-03-11T14:56:00.001+00:002013-03-11T14:57:31.613+00:00Pisces New Moon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Tonight is the Pisces New Moon. At 19.54 (UK Time) this evening, the area of the sky called Pisces will have a total of 7 planets occupying it. This is a pretty rare line up. Mars, Venus, Mercury, Chiron, Neptune, the Sun AND now the Moon.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kD1GPY6PB2O4tWQPtriNJ91EZKtOTETio-E-jFLmTTDp56KFnGghF-36W-HykC-FHZG4YTsa_eoh0OAPRvllNgk387cxg-12UHMiU6cGgggdHbncs24xgPKtk2avXqot20I2WhH7I3JT/s1600/pisces_stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kD1GPY6PB2O4tWQPtriNJ91EZKtOTETio-E-jFLmTTDp56KFnGghF-36W-HykC-FHZG4YTsa_eoh0OAPRvllNgk387cxg-12UHMiU6cGgggdHbncs24xgPKtk2avXqot20I2WhH7I3JT/s320/pisces_stars.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PiscesCC.jpg">(C)WikimediaCommons</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My natal Sun and Mercury are in Pisces in the 11th House, so this moon is bringing up thoughts around friends, groups, organisations and the collective. It can also highlight how I become my true self, in relation to the collective groups around me. As it was my birthday just 4 days ago, this new moon and the positions of all the planets will signal the theme of my coming year.<br />
<br />
Mercury is still currently retrograde, and as a mercurial being, I often feel the effects of this. A slowing down, being a little less productive with writing. It can have an effect with my relationship with my partner too as a Gemini Sun, he too finds himself withdrawing a little during a retrograde, and little arguments or misunderstanding seems to occur. Mercury goes direct again on March 17th.<br />
<br />
The energy has been tense to say the least. Myself, and many people around me are feeling the energies at play. It's tense and INTENSE. We've also just had Mother's Day in the UK.. so women and talk of the mother are all over the web. Pisces always brings us back to the spiritual matters in life, it reminds us of the need for a spiritual practice, however small and understated. Symptoms of all this Pisces has been frazzled nerves, daydreaming, strong intuition, messages, signs, intense dreams... being easily distracted... <br />
<br />
<i>(like I just did while writing this.. gazing out the window I notice the roofing on the shed is flapping about very ungraciously in the wind, exposing the wood underneath... it's trying to snow and this could end in shed disaster, so I broke away from the blog to go stick a heavy piece of wood on it)</i><br />
<br />
<i>(oooh... there's the postman at the door with new art materials **big smiling heart** might as well make a fresh cuppa while I'm up)</i><br />
<br />
The antidote, if you like, is to meditate, to dream. It IS to take time out and be still and quiet. It's time to repair, restore and revive. Getting creative just for creation sake is beneficial right now. Recognizing and connecting to your source of power. Honoring it, developing it.<i> </i><br />
<br />
I spent the last couple of days painting. I haven't painted in a very long time<i> </i>With more and more ideas flowing freely. I feel like's I've finally found a way to work on canvas, without compromising my style or changing it too much. It's exciting, and I feel like I just want to go from canvas to canvas.. create, create, create...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY923YBpO-lnpo0q8auIhoTWT3-D9gYy8onJ_Iif1luopZYzco0cgZMIY7ZjJfigbFE6Zu6EiOID8xPbiNAhV36ugaSTLI0EsYyEZJuCgMZ6EWgVXE_kkk758xvmnp3gz_UBPVD_La8nk/s1600/537606_10151543768205972_1558126967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY923YBpO-lnpo0q8auIhoTWT3-D9gYy8onJ_Iif1luopZYzco0cgZMIY7ZjJfigbFE6Zu6EiOID8xPbiNAhV36ugaSTLI0EsYyEZJuCgMZ6EWgVXE_kkk758xvmnp3gz_UBPVD_La8nk/s320/537606_10151543768205972_1558126967_n.jpg" width="318" /></a>Although now, I find myself a bit lost again. I'm due to bleed soon. I've had the warning signs it's imminent. Last month it came 2 days after new moon. My cycle has adjusted itself naturally to the moon. I've been off any form of hormones/birth control for almost 2 years. I ovulate when the moon is fat and round in the sky, I bleed when the moon is dark and new. <br />
I slept all morning today. It's freezing outside, with the strong winds and snow showers making it bitter. I could have happily stayed there, but that nagging little voice that tells me I should be up with the Sun, I should be being productive... so I get up and find something to do.<br />
<br />
Although I want to crack on and paint, focus and write, it feel impossible right now. I think I will happily wander through my day being led in all sorts of directions. I don't really want to speak to anyone, or be anywhere busy. The thought of having to pop to the supermarket is not appealing.<br />
<br />
My body is preparing to bleed. It's almost ready. My mind, as it is so often at this time, is somewhere else. I'm clumsy and forgetful, easily irritated and feeling very lethargic and tired. As a mother I have to push through this and find a solution to the kids getting fed this evening and me staying as calm as possible. Any stress around me now builds up like a gas. One spark and BOOM...<br />
<br />
I don't want any cosmic sized explosions. I know what I need to do, so all it takes is a little preparation. All these energies will dissipate slowly over the coming weeks. This is significant as Pisces is the last sign of the zodiac. A whole new cycle starts when the Sun moves into Aries. With all these planets in Pisces it suggests that many cycles are coming to an end. The planets all move at different speeds, but we see them all arriving at the station at once this year, with them all gearing up to shift into youthful, firey, impulsive Aries. Mars and the Moon leave tomorrow. The Sun changes signs March 20th, Venus leaves March 21st and Mercury then moves on April 13th. Chiron will stay in Pisces till 2019 and Neptune will stay in Pisces until 2025.<br />
<br />
The fog will begin to clear. The light will return. However uncomfortable the energies are at the moment, know that they will begin to shift soon. Clarity and energy will return, and hopefully this will coincide with longer days, warmer weather and a few sunny days.<br />
<br />
In Gaia's year, the Goddess is almost at pre-ovulation. The bleeding may even be over, but she's in that limbo land, where Winter is refusing to let go and allow her to move into the Spring. Patience is needed. Continue to plan, lay foundations. You may feel you are champing at the bit, but a false start will only lead to more problems. This time of year is like the pause between breaths in yoga. It's where there can be a deepening, and extension of the space. It's dark and calm. We will all be able to breathe in deeply again soon and admire the view, but for now we are on our own, in our own little foggy worlds. Enjoy the peace when you can get it. Don't sweat the small stuff. Connect to your higher self and tell them where you want to go, ask them for advice. Insights for the coming year are in your grasp... There has never been a better time.</div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-89399690217101682352013-02-22T12:40:00.000+00:002013-02-22T12:40:24.080+00:00New Posters available!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Finally! After lots of work the Menstrual Cycle Visual Guide is now available for sale!<br />
<br />
A4, printed on heavy FSC paper, this provides a handy visual guide to the menstrual cycle. Useful for education purposes and to aid personal understanding of the cycle.<br />
<br />
Single posters are £8 (price includes worldwide shipping) but are cheaper when purchased as part of a pack or as a multiple poster purchase.<br />
<br />
Just go my my <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/p/shop.html">POSTER SHOP</a> to browse the poster packs available!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/p/shop.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb_qkuBwkX1KFF41RFbJJvLA3afrm9vzd3IU0z6qu7i_OjjrBJ8QUGLd9pqs3Tijjmanbh0GVG-s8j2pfwPlTatE6tS089px2r8l5jX_m4CjA8tcI44iyX6f1wEo20nO1vfKZ_fHmWaf6/s320/ad2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/p/shop.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsDSF8k324ZkJ4eYMPV7X68hST3t0BxxB3Fhg9XQAYgFzeHlFCQpXrNcOae1bncc6Zbr4uTjGV8zwcsY-bWHngA637vCJYv47T5otdz6F5FrCqFbsDCVw4Z98Gjngj90o6o79BSnliuvZ/s320/ad1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-70949913239943862632013-01-28T14:14:00.000+00:002013-01-28T14:14:20.045+00:00This is just fantastic!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9zj4NhC8ahM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-83321538744807225022013-01-26T11:13:00.000+00:002013-01-26T11:13:58.688+00:00Available for sale SOON!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="userContent">**UPDATE**<br /> </span><br />
<span class="userContent">Prints of 'The Menstrual Cycle -
A Visual Guide' should be available for sale early Feb! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">It took longer
than expected to get the image ready for printing (image for web is
different to the quality needed for printing). It will <span class="text_exposed_show">be
A4 in size, available for sale on it's own and in a special offer
package with my other poster <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/p/energy-cycle-poster.html">'The Secret Feminine Energy of the Menstrual Cycle'.</a><br /> <br /> As soon as I know more I will let you know.
Feel free to register your interest below if you would like to purchase.
Price to be confirmed but will be around £8 with free shipping ♥</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfMjb8J2wqH4SGVCerhu-kjeXBmnmwovRhhwcz-kuXY0zbe4SLYKLhDkkM7haiW-LlJ_9HzzynUNUTvoe-FYNEzFvX-69zg04oEKkBRTOm-Bg7LUshIcULkT3Sm4jGU0UJJ37udYSxgU/s1600/MchartLONGsml.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfMjb8J2wqH4SGVCerhu-kjeXBmnmwovRhhwcz-kuXY0zbe4SLYKLhDkkM7haiW-LlJ_9HzzynUNUTvoe-FYNEzFvX-69zg04oEKkBRTOm-Bg7LUshIcULkT3Sm4jGU0UJJ37udYSxgU/s1600/MchartLONGsml.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-37090377123201401692013-01-10T13:16:00.001+00:002013-01-10T17:24:55.716+00:00The Menstrual Cycle - A Visual Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It never ceases to amaze me how many women don't really know what is
going in inside their bodies during the menstrual cycle, or how to chart
their cycle. I don't mean that in an unkind way, it's just an
observation. <b>Knowledge is the best tool you can have, and if you
suffer with PMDD/PMS you need to do a bit of reading and get some of that
valuable knowledge under you belt.</b> It will help as you try and
figure out what happens at what point of your cycle, and having an idea
of the physical changes inside you can really help.<br />
<br />
Over
the years I have come across videos and charts which have helped me to
understand the changes my body goes through. That understanding, in
turn, led me to look for ways to support the changes rather than fight
against them. Timing and planning things around the different energies
is now second nature. <b>Knowing my limits at each point of the cycle has really helped me live with PMDD.</b>
I have the odd breakdown, but I am much more in control on a regular
basis during all points of my cyclical changes. That to me is like
winning the lottery.<br />
<br />
<b>I decided to create a chart just for PMDD/PMS sufferers to refer to.</b>
It shows the fluctuations in hormones, the physical changes, and the
energetic/emotional changes. Hopefully it will give you a good idea as
to what is happening in side you when all hell breaks loose! It also
has key words to give you a feel for the natural energy of each phase..<br />
<br />
I
will go into more about the seasonal correspondences in another post, but it's
quite easy to connect with. Our energy grows after our period, peaks at
ovulation and then slowly wanes until we bleed again. You can see this
cycle happen in nature every year. <b>We have like a mini years worth of seasons in one month!</b> I have blogged about these theories before, you can find some of them <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/magic-of-menstrual-cycle.html">here</a> and <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/creating-menstrual-health-workshop-with.html">here</a>. I also created a poster about these energies which you can find here - <a href="http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/p/energy-cycle-poster.html">http://naturalshaman.blogspot.co.uk/p/energy-cycle-poster.html</a>.<br />
<br />
We
get all stressed out about feeling low, tired or crabby, but if we are
pre menstrual or hitting ovulation there is a simple explanation!
Hormonal changes! <b>If you are still having trouble during the times
when the hormones level out and are not finding yourself feeling better,
then maybe there are other issues at play.</b> PMDD/PMS will drag you down
during pre menstruation and in some cases, at ovulation too. You
should always feel better at each point between to two, but if you are
not, you may need to look at whether your unhappiness/frustration is
coming from a depression, an unsuitable job, an unhappy relationship, a
past trauma or issue that hasn't been resolved. <b> PMDD/PMS plays a huge
part in our emotional wellbeing, but it's not the only factor. Stress
and unresolved issues can add to the pressure and make an uncontrollable
outburst more likely.</b><br />
<br />
Here is the chart. It clearly shows the fluctuations and changes the body goes through. <b>I
have added where the PMDD crisis points are, along with the seasons of
the year and key words that can give you an idea of the energies present
during each phase.</b> Hopefully it is simple enough to understand,
and below, is a written explanation. Again, I hope I have written it in
such a way that it is easy to understand. I have read many a medical
site that uses such technical words that it gets too complicated to
understand!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfMjb8J2wqH4SGVCerhu-kjeXBmnmwovRhhwcz-kuXY0zbe4SLYKLhDkkM7haiW-LlJ_9HzzynUNUTvoe-FYNEzFvX-69zg04oEKkBRTOm-Bg7LUshIcULkT3Sm4jGU0UJJ37udYSxgU/s1600/MchartLONGsml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfMjb8J2wqH4SGVCerhu-kjeXBmnmwovRhhwcz-kuXY0zbe4SLYKLhDkkM7haiW-LlJ_9HzzynUNUTvoe-FYNEzFvX-69zg04oEKkBRTOm-Bg7LUshIcULkT3Sm4jGU0UJJ37udYSxgU/s1600/MchartLONGsml.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>To chart your periods, you start counting on the first day of bleeding. That is day 1.</b>
You keep counting until you bleed again and the again, the first day of
bleeding becomes day 1. Mark it on a calendar or use an app to keep
track of your period. This helps you to plan around your period by not
taking on too much during the times that could be challenging. I often
count forward and also mark day 7, 14, 21 and 28. That then gives me a
quick view of where I will be emotionally and physically throughout the
month. <b>Lots of cycles are longer or shorter, and that is normal. 28 days is just the average.</b>
Ovulation always occurs around 14 days before your period, so if you
have a short cycle, say, 21 days, you will ovulate on day 7.. if it is a
longer cycle, say 32 days, you will ovulate around day 18. It IS
possible to ovulate twice in a month and to not ovulate at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>The menstrual cycle is split into 3 phases, follicular, ovulation and luteal.</b>
The first phase is the follicular phase and corresponds to when the
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone, produced in the brain) sends signals
to the ovary to ripen and produce and egg.. This then produces more
estrogen from the ovaries to enable the egg to ripen.. <b>At
ovulation, increasing estrogen levels from the maturing follicles cause
the LH, luteinizing hormone, to surge, which releases the egg.</b> The
corpus luteum (a solid body of cells) is left behind at ovulation. The
corpus luteum excretes progesterone and small amounts of estrogen and
causes the womb lining to thicken in preparation for the egg. This is
called the luteal phase. It prepares the body for pregnancy. <b>During the luteal phase, estrogen drops quite rapidly and will fluctuate until your period.</b>
At the same time, progesterone is rising. It spikes around day 21,
and then drops off rapidly. When the egg is not fertilised, the corpus
luteum dies and stops producing progesterone and estrogen, this allows
the womb to shed it's lining and cleanse the uterus.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other hormones involved are those that are produced in the brain that send signals to the ovaries. <b>Gonadotropic
hormones come from the pituitary glad in the brain. They are
controlled by GnRH frequencies that send out pulses to regulate the
production of gonadotropic hormones.</b> In men, this pulse is
contstant and steady. In women, the frequencies change throughout the
cycle which is what gives us a cycle that changes and fluctuates. The
change in frequency is what sends out the right amount of gonadotropic
hormones to our ovaries to trigger the stages of the menstrual cycle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>The
basal body temperature can help clearly indicate ovulation and is
important for those trying to conceive or who use the fertility
awareness method of contraception.</b> By orally taking your
temperature every morning as soon as you wake (before even getting out
of bed) and keeping a record, you will see a drop in temperature at
ovulation and then it will rise from around 36.4<span class="st">°F</span> to 36.7<span class="st">°F.
Other signs of ovulation is the consistency of cervical mucus. At
ovulation, this mucus will be fluid and watery. Some women can tell
they are ovulating just by how wet or moist they get. This fluid helps
sperm to swim more easily into the womb. After ovulation, the cervical
mucus will get thicker and more sticky. This is much harder for the
sperm to swim through, which helps with contraception. For more info on
the fertility awareness method and charting temperature, take a look at
<a href="http://www.tcoyf.com/">TCOYF</a>. Some women do also
experience pain at ovulation. Stabbing sharp pains on either the left
or right side can signify which ovary you are ovulating from! They are
known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mittelschmerz">mittelschmerz.</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><b>By
having even a basic understanding of the physiology of the menstrual
cycle, you can get to grips with why we experience these changes in mind
and body.</b> This is the physical process, but we all know that these
changes DO have a significant effect on our mental health, moods and
wellbeing. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="st">When
you really learn and come to terms with the fact that our bodily
processes are pretty much out of our hands.. meaning, we cannot stop
them, (unless we </span><span class="st"><span class="st">control them with birth control/hormone therapy or hysterectomy)</span>
but we can start to look at ways of how to live and work WITH them. Of
course, we can influence our bodily functions. By eating and sleeping
right, exercising and staying away from stress we can encourage a
healthier system... </span></div>
<span class="st"><b>Never
underestimate stress. Stress can knock out these physical rhythms,
causing the cycle to become off balance. This can lead to irregular
periods, changes in cycle length, missing or late periods and all manner
of emotional symptoms.</b></span><br />
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<span class="st">I
have produced an alternate version of this chart to share on Facebook,
and may look at getting some printed for those who would like a hard
copy to stick up at home... If you are interested in buying a copy,
please message me via my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/naturalshaman">Facebook page</a> or use my Kontactr box. </span></div>
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<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chart
is for illustrative purposes only and includes the main factors
responsible for the menstrual cycle. There are obviously other smaller
players on the menstrual stage, but for the purposes of PMDD education, I
have focused on the star performers!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>If you choose to download and s<span style="font-size: x-small;">hare, please link back to me and do not remove my copyright from the image. Please contact me if you wish to re b<span style="font-size: x-small;">log, so I can give you a shout out in return!</span> Thank <span style="font-size: x-small;">you. xx</span></span></b> </span></span></div>
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<span class="st">© Cat Hawkins 2012 - Art and design by <a href="http://chaoticat.com./">chaoticat.com.</a></span></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-83966848109694960752012-12-26T18:16:00.001+00:002012-12-26T18:18:02.772+00:00Why don't women recognise the power they hold?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A male friend of mine asked this on Facebook today, I wrote a bit in reply and thought I would share for you here. David is also my current astrology teacher and I would highly recommend checking out his online courses and his readings. You can find him here <a href="http://www.davidrowan.co.uk/index.html">http://www.davidrowan.co.uk/index.html</a> and on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Rowan-Astrology-Modern-Applied-Psychology-and-Esoteric-Studies/122164994483?ref=ts&fref=ts">Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="userContent">Ladies, I am confused ... <br /> <br /> I keep
seeing posts that read is if some women believe that the world would be
nicer, safer, more harmonious and less hostile if women had more power
... <br /> and then, I read in neuroscience and biology and
psychology books that a mother is The primary influence in child's brain
development/character<br /> <br /> which means that women are The most powerful people in the shaping of t<span class="text_exposed_show">he trajectory of a boy's, or a man's character <br /> <br /> so I have 2 questions:<br /> <br /> 1 - how come you do not recognize the vast power you already have ?<br /> <br /> 2 - since you already have the power to initially shape the path of mankind, how come there is so much hostility ?<br /> <br />
is it that, regardless of our gender, that all healthy humans are
capable of experiencing every type of human emotion; that men can be
sensitive and women can be angry ... etc ?<br /> <br /> Would it not be
better if we stopped blaming others for circumstances and began looking
at what we can change within ourselves to make life easier and better
for everyone ?<br /> <br /> just a thought ...</span></span> </i><br />
<br />
My reply, was as follows...<br />
<br />
I think that there is a definite up-surgence in the 'feminine principles' or the following of the Divine Feminine and I too have seen and know personally the anger that women hold. Any woman who thinks that the world would be 'better if women were in power is missing the point. It's not about women ruling over men or vice versa (we have plenty of experience of the latter) it's about allowing women to be women and men to be men, and accepting and embracing the differences held within each. It's only through the coming together of the male and female that we experience wholeness, and I mean that in all senses. Within our own selves and in outer relationships. It's about reaching a balance.<br />
<br />
Women have for centuries been held back, repressed and written out of all aspects of history. As women we have experienced mass genocide and propaganda. The problem lies in the lack of knowledge. Women in 2012 do not necessarily have the support that our ancestors would have. Who teaches the mothers? Who is there to help raise our children? Once upon a time, grandmothers, great grandmothers, sisters and aunts would have helped collectively to raise a child, along with the men showing the boy child how to be a man.. rites of passage, the passing on of knowledge. A man has a massive part in raising a boy, more so, in the ways of setting a good example and teaching the child. A mothers love and knowledge can only go so far.<br />
<br />
Girls these days getting pregnant only a few years after starting to menstruate mean they have no experience or knowledge in theer own bodies, let alone the raising of a child. Even older ladies may have no connection to their cycles due to years of birth control. The connection to pregnancy and birth is not as strong when you rely on medical intervention and don't trust or know you're own body.<br />
<br />
In answer to your questions...<br />
<br />
1. How come you do not recognize the vast power you already have ?<br />
<br />
How can we? We have not been taught how awesome the power we have is. Not unless we were lucky enough to have a mother or mother figures to learn from. I have barely known my own mother through my life, so where do I turn for information... EVEN IF she had been there, she was not aware of her power, and nor was my Grandmother before her. No one taught them. In my own history, my Grandmother, Anglo Indian, born in India, her mother before her, born in India... no records kept, my G Grandmother was married at 16 and had 7 kids. But she was a woman in India, and even now in that culture, some women hold little or no power and have very little say in their own lives. So, I digress.. Many women will go through thier whole lives unaware of what they have the power to achieve and the responsibility they hold, but it is not their fault. Women have been told for centuries that their basic bodily fuctions are something to be ashamed of, something to be 'cured'. Men were at the forefront of all the developments, treatments, understandings... why? because the passing on of knowledge through mother to daughter, generation to generation has been lost or ignored. Men have tried to understand the mysteries, but then we deny our own knowledge and believe that they know us better than we do.<br />
If we are cursed, if we are inferior, if we are not worth the same in societies eyes then how do we believe we are not cursed, inferior or worth the same as men. Feminism went some way to try and bring balance, but I feel it simply tipped it in the opposite direction, the pendulum swinging. What we need to find now is that balance.<br />
<br />
2. Since you already have the power to initially shape the path of mankind, how come there is so much hostility ?<br />
<br />
There is hostility because women are angry their ancestors were badly treated for things we know now to be normal. That the misunderstanding and intolerance has meant that we have not had the mysteries and knowledge passed to us. I can weep for the women who died in the witch trials, for my ancestors who may have died for simply being women in the wrong place at the wrong time, for the babies that have not had a chance in life because of the cultures we have now. I am angry that women do not play as bigger part in our history books as men do, that I have been made to feel an outcast from society for embracing my cycle and femininity.<br />
I do not feel we can make much headway with anger, but I do feel it is justified.<br />
<br />
It is not just a womans job to raise a child, but is is one of the most important jobs a woman can do. Unfortunately again, I see a cultural problem. Women since the 60's have been told they have to go out to work, be equal to men. They need to do this along with bringing children in to the world and raising them.. If they choose work, they are called powerful, successful.. if they choose motherhood they are asked why they didn't want more out of life.. if they choose both, they have barely enough time to enjoy both aspects, and the pressure is on to be the best at it all. All this with usually very little family support as the rest of the family are too, doing the same thing... trying to be the best at it all cos that's what we 'should' have in our lives.<br />
<br />
It's a complicated topic, and one I feel strongly about, so apologies for the long reply!<br />
I don't believe we as women are the most important people in shaping men, I think men need to take some responsibility for that. It is men that set the examples to younger men of what a man is, and how you treat the women in your lives. Women may have power, men may have power, but it's both that is needed to shape a new human being.<br />
<br />
With love<br />
Cat x <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8moyvQp1mPC0-yq58CJBdXG1psW0EF4edjHbO6PWXcT8Hc9S7KgMFypEAJax52DuRqcSLYag6PIcG-xTz9WWAkPMFEOL28YbgmqOrW6w7ghwBQK2Sjy40bcUpYokgSwTLbGOdGvVElvaY/s1600/538px-man-and-woman-iconsvg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8moyvQp1mPC0-yq58CJBdXG1psW0EF4edjHbO6PWXcT8Hc9S7KgMFypEAJax52DuRqcSLYag6PIcG-xTz9WWAkPMFEOL28YbgmqOrW6w7ghwBQK2Sjy40bcUpYokgSwTLbGOdGvVElvaY/s320/538px-man-and-woman-iconsvg.png" width="286" /></a></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-51968380366144238142012-12-25T17:50:00.000+00:002012-12-26T17:50:17.559+00:00Merry Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-CBue6ZZRFiknaTxA90-Ntc561ZLLMC__7ZLg7jQ4B6koG76aRB5vOhMyO_6dYVX8a5PbjqpGS8avCMlgfM8iEtEGUuznCfgSkno0zWNjvVg80vsckqwUUtT65F2ch1qPl-yG4-j-0U/s400/xmas3.jpg" width="382" /></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714319531104869916.post-67440431073332583122012-12-19T17:09:00.000+00:002012-12-19T17:09:12.424+00:00Are you ready for Christmas?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbWN8Oid9HuoArBc_c7L2nmbzLYVaIeoUh3mRS0RwxQR5aflvhl7yl3KJnp9VxjZc6Q9e3bYQzLXSPQAMZ80HnqCdDQhU2DB92ky5OPR2_s1PBcqMbgdDUN7LjVFimRpILjjQqqWmeX0/s200/IMG_0015.JPG" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<b>What part of your cycle will you be in over the Christmas break? If you suffer from PMS or PMDD it can be helpful to know!</b><br />
<br />
I'm
feeling blessed as I am currently on day 4, so in 6 days time, I'll be
hitting ovulation and will hopefully be able to enjoy the festivities
without lack of energy getting in the way. I do feel like I've lost a
load of time this week having to retreat and rest, so I am slightly
anxious at the moment. I'm not a party person, but I do like being able
to enjoy the company of others without PMDD stresses getting in the
way! What I will have to watch however are my frustrations and anxiety,
as ovulation can so easily tip from energy and excitement into anxiety
and anger.<br />
<br />
<b>Where will you be in 6 days time?</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">'Cycle' scopes for Christmas 2012!</span><br />
<br />
<b>Days 1-7 - Menstruation</b><br />
If
you are due to bleed just before or on Christmas/Boxing day then try to
get things organised while you are still pre-menstrual. <b>During menstruation we need quiet time and to relax and rest. </b>
This may be difficult with Christmas arrangements. Hopefully, if you
were aware that your sacred time was due to fall at such a busy time,
you may have been able to plan ahead. Maybe saying no to invites out to
social situations that would be too much for you at this time. If
staying at home with the family can mean just as much stress, then be
open. <b> Make sure you partner knows that you will be in a retreat
time of the month and you may need to rest.. EVEN if it's Christmas.. </b>
PMDD does not know it's Christmas! If you don't feel like cooking,
then maybe taking Mum up on the invite might actually be better and
relieve some pressure. Call on others to help, and if you need to rest
and take some quiet time out then make sure loved ones know that it's
just because you need it to stay well, and not because they have done
something to upset you. <b>If you can muster up enough energy to visit
family then maybe limit the time you are there. Sometimes getting out,
even though we feel terrible can actually help.</b> Go easy on
yourself, and remember a walk outside can help with pain and stress..
Menstruation relates to winter, so at Christmas you have a 'double dose'
of winter as it were. You may find yourself deep in reflection of the
past year and considering what 2013 may bring. It may be difficult to
get through, but when you do you'll be over the worst ready for the
bright shiny new year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Days 7-14 - Pre Ovulation</b><br />
If you are due to be in the pre ovulation stage of your cycle, Christmas may feel a bit too much. <b>You may find it hard to get into the swing of things</b>,
especially if you have just finished bleeding and the last week before
Christmas was a crazy panic as you had tons to do but no energy to do
them in. You may feel the energy coming back and with it a sense of
optimism and happiness, and excitement about Christmas. <b>Don't let anything you forgot to do, or couldn't get done in time cause you stress. </b>
It's ONE day. Nothing is ever perfect and remember that all those
rosy images you see plastered over the TV screens and adverts are just
that.. fantasy. You may experience anxiety, with the rushing of energy
back into your being, but just take some breaths and remember that
everything is OK. You may decide YOUR party time this year is over new
year's eve, when you will be ovulating. <b>You also might hit the sales to find the perfect present for yourself!</b>
You'll reach new year wanting to manifest new things with ovulation.
Ovulation has an energy similar to spring, with new life returning to
the earth. You may want to start looking at some new years resolutions
over Christmas, plant the seed. It will be easier to bring into
fruition in January.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Day 14-21 - Ovulation</b><br />
Ovulation
over the Christmas period may mean you are feeling good and ready for
the festive season. Pre ovulation may have seen you preparing and
organising for Christmas. The rush in energy may have seen you rushing
around buying and making last minute presents. <b> You're spirits may be high and you may be feeling good about any social events you have planned.</b>
The energy is social and busy, it relates to Summer. Many women have
a challenging time with ovulation, the pressure to be 'out there' for
some personalities is too much. The worry about how we look and appear
to the world. Some ladies like make up and getting dressed up, some
don't. Which ever category you are in, be YOU. If you have a fancy
party to go to but hate getting dressed up, and therefore that is
causing anxiety, then just go in something you like. Bend the rules and
find something smart but casual.. it's Christmas! <b> If you don't
want to go, and going will create a disasterous situation then don't go,
but don't beat yourself up about it for the rest of the holidays.</b>
Beware of ovulation anger and frustration. With everyone being home at
Christmas we can easily become angered and irritated by people,
especially those close. Usually it's because there is something we
want to do, but we are not being allowed, or for some reason it can't
happen. <b>This is a good time to practice letting things go and re focusing on the things we CAN do</b>.
Acknowledge that we are upset and why, then move on.. As we tip over
into pre menstruation, we will experience fluctuating symptoms and our
mood can drop. Remember that as much as we will the bad days to pass,
we should try and make the most of the better days too. New year may
feel a bit of a drag to you, so try to have a good Christmas, the cycle
is working with you here, so there is every possibility you could have a
REALLY good Christmas! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Days 21-28 - Pre Menstruation</b><br />
If you will be due on your period at Christmas then you may find it all a bit of a struggle.<br />
<b>The pre menstrual time brings an energy of slowing down and withdrawing, the opposite of what Christmas is all about.</b>
Pre menstruation relates to autumn, and to me that means unsettled
weather. Some beautiful bonus sunny days and some right 'orrible ones.
So do what you can. Ask others to help. Try and keep Christmas
simple and relaxed. It's a bit late now to pull out of plans that
might have been made, but if you really feel you cannot go to something,
remember to try and explain things in a calm way, and that it's no ones
fault! <b>THIS is when you need to delegate and organise.</b>
Ovulation the week before Christmas may have meant you've had some fun
spending and organising presents. You may have felt full of hope and
happiness, but as the wheel turns and you get closer to the big day, you
may feel your spirits dropping and your energy flagging. Remember this
is not your fault, it just is the way things ebb and flow. <b>Make sure loved ones know you are due on and might be cranky (or that they need to be on crisis alert).</b>
This also means that you will be bringing in the new year with your
bleed. Not the greatest scenario, but one that can't be helped. The
new year is a time of contemplation, reflection and thoughts to the
future. You can use your sacred time over new year to really look at
2012 and what you have learned, how far you have come and what you want
for 2013.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PQZj0PiUU4q2R-tYvNr7P10sr15nmFqhKy-kd2MFBaajVhiyWdCpYVe2s0o_hrQlt0c3Cvbj46FlWpWwUeamYSi9NXH-UHL1brY5DjU-YfCNf5Bd910QAZ7eQctRXAqKr0ICTN-o4Hw/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PQZj0PiUU4q2R-tYvNr7P10sr15nmFqhKy-kd2MFBaajVhiyWdCpYVe2s0o_hrQlt0c3Cvbj46FlWpWwUeamYSi9NXH-UHL1brY5DjU-YfCNf5Bd910QAZ7eQctRXAqKr0ICTN-o4Hw/s200/IMG_0064.JPG" width="200" /></a><b>Make sure YOU take the steps you need to to get through the season.</b>
We can explain things to others and in turn they can help, but if you
don't let others know, your moods and actions can be taken in the wrong
way. Running up to bed on Christmas day may seem rude or selfish, but
not if you've explained. <b>An hour or two in bed may mean you have a happier evening, rather than end up snapping at the kids or your partner.</b> You have to look after your own needs, and put things in place so that you avoid as much stress as possible.<br />
<br />
Christmas
can be a really challenging time for many, whether you have PMDD or
not, so try and prepare a little. One of the good things about PMDD is
it is usually quite predictable, so we can look a week or two ahead and
get an idea of where we will be in our cycle.<br />
<br />
I hope this little blog helps, and I hope that your Christmas passes without any form of crisis.<br />
<br />
If
you do find yourself alone and in a dark place, please don't hesitate
to contact someone. If there are no friends or family you can call on
then make note of your local helpline numbers. Don't suffer alone. If
you are a member of mine or any other support groups, remember you can
always post in there, even if it's quieter at this time of year, someone
will respond, and sometimes support comes from unlikely places.<br />
<br />
<b>Sending much love and many Yuletide blessings!</b><br />
<b>Cat xx </b><br />
<br />
Support lines in the UK<br />
<br />
Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90 (24-hour helpline)<br />
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. <br />
Website: <a href="http://www.samaritans.org.uk/">www.samaritans.org.uk</a> <br />
<br />
Sane - 0845 767 8000 (daily, 6pm-11pm)<br />
Charity offering support and carrying out research into mental illness. <br />
Website: <a href="http://www.sane.org.uk/">www.sane.org.uk</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15779168890738302492noreply@blogger.com0