Blog Archives
White Dreams & Visions Revisited – Part 3 An Ending of Hope
Although I have documented at least ten significant “white themed” dreams and visions between 2014 and 2017 here on this blog, I am guided to end with just one more today. This will make a trilogy of key dream and vision messages that feel particularly important to share at this time. If you are ever bored and want to explore some of the others, you’ll find them linked above. Only one of them predates this grouping, as it was in 2012 about a narwhal.
It makes sense to me why that three-year span was key. It was the igniting of major change upcoming and what unfolded thereafter, to include our entire span of RV living in the Magick Bus. This included a time period of clear knowing and visions of no longer being here as the me I knew and the invitation to more being granted. Our Magick Bus experience was one of the most important time periods for me – a dream that took about three years of manifesting, but I did it! It was also when I had a life-altering and timeline jump to another parallel reality experience in a river up in Banff that is far too involved and complex to ever write about. It confirmed the messages I kept receiving. I always just simply say, another dimensional part of me emerged and took over the next part of the journey.
Anyway, today’s post comes from an experience that was in the beginning of our Magick Bus journeys – about six months in. I feel that the visions I had at the Blythe Intaglios hold messages for us now.
All of my life, the visions and feelings I’ve had about things have always been “another time” related – future oriented, some would say if one looks at time linearly. I think that because I experience no boundaries in time or realities, and other multi-dimensional aspects of myself in a more seamless kind of way, when I receive insights they often will take time to catch up to. I get the sense this is part of today’s share and the message of hope and renewal speaks to now.
There are so many layers to the visions I received from this experience – this time in full waking life of my tuning in with the energy of the sacred place we explored.
White buffalo and a white horse are part of the potent visions I received. There’s even a short connective thread from a dear friend that the now me sees foreshadowing that we would be returning to Lake Tahoe to live again after the Magick Bus adventures.
I’m going to also link to this blog below that features one of the Magick Stones I created while we were RV living. That was a time period when I received the guidance to paint the special stones I was finding at the incredible areas of exploration. I painted so many beautiful portals. This one connects with today’s reblog, as it’s of a white buffalo on one side, and hawk on the other.
So, yeah…a lot of links in this post to go down rabbit holes of exploration with. I know we have way too many things going on in life, so I don’t expect anyone to explore them all. But I will say that I did lol! It was very meaningful for me to revisit and retrieve the morsels of remembrance. It was fun to find that I even mentioned the 13 crystal skulls at the end of today’s share.
If you’re receiving this by email, the reblog may or may not show up, so you may need to click through.
May the messages awaken cellular memories, but more importantly offer hope when I know many of you feel discouraged.
Magick Rabbit Mother’s Day Sale
A break from our regular themed blogs to share that we are honoring mothers this week by having a MOTHER’S DAY SALE! I announced it last evening on Instagram and am only now getting around to sharing it here. It will go through Sunday May 12th – Mother’s Day and during this week you’ll be able to save 15% on all magickal items at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMagickRabbit.
We still have beautiful Magick Rabbit crystal Talisman necklaces, sweet mini rabbit gardens – some that speak to the sacred feminine and mother energy specifically, original paintings, prints, journals, greeting cards, and more.
You can find that unique gift for the special mother figure in your life, that special friend who’s an amazing mom for either or both of her human and fur babies, that amazing wife, or to yourself for embodying the sacred feminine.
Don’t forget to order early so there’s time to get your gifts to that special woman in your life.
I announced it yesterday on 5/5 – Cinco de Mayo because it was my Russian tortoise’s birthday and as one who carries and fully embodies her name Gaia – she reminds me always to honor the divine mother within us all and our divine Earth Mother she shares a name with.
This day was also the day my twin soul, Nestor’s ashes returned to me 11 years ago and she, too, reminds me of the magnificence and gift it is to be a woman, as well as the importance of balancing that union within.
And so it is that they guided me to kick off this sale for the week.
If you haven’t checked out our shop lately, take a peak and let me know what you think!
Monday Musings ~ The Writer’s Corner: Twas the Night Before Yuletide
My dear friend Mark of Ravenwood Inspired, who also happens to be the wizard behind making me two new fantastically magickal Faery wands (one of which just arrived recently in time for the Solstice), sent me this version, below, of one of the most famous Christmas poems. I have to say, however, that I really love this one a lot more and I think you’ll understand why.
I thought it would be perfect for today’s Monday Musings. It also reminds me of my Russian Tortoise, Gaia, and celebrates this sweet Eve that is also Joy’s birthday (my sweet angel rabbit who returned to the stars).
If you haven’t heard or read it, I hope you enjoy this enchanting Yuletide rendition that speaks of the spirit of the season and reminds us of its true reason. The poem is thought to be written by C.C. Williford.
We’ll be back to regular Monday Musings next week, which will feature more poetry and other works by a sweet author friend of mine. Stay tuned!
Until then, I hope you enjoy a beautiful holiday evening, however you choose to celebrate this time of year.
I’m about to jump into my snuggly bunny onesie, enjoy Christmas lights by the fire, prep a yummy meal and dessert, and get ready for the continuation of the new Watership Down miniseries and present opening.
Wishing you a beautiful Christmas Eve.
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE YULETIDE
Twas the night before Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When low! The earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
“What happened?” they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
“What caused the earth’s shudder? What caused her to shiver?”
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone’s perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
“My name is Gaia,” the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
“I’ve come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet…”
“I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn’t filled with rich fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that’s mulled or other hot brews.”
“There aren’t any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles’ glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?”
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
“Come, my children,” she said, “Let’s play.”
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered ‘round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun ‘neath the tree’s finery.
They were just reaching home when it suddenly came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.
The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
“Happy Yuletide, my children,” she whispered. “Good night.”
Tiny Aqua Tortoise
I am always enthralled by my dream time and how rich it is. I’ve had many interesting dreams recently again, but the one that stood out most was of the tiny aqua tortoise two nights ago. I love how each time my Russian Tortoise, Gaia, assists me with my writing, she will show up in my dream that very night, or vice versa – show up the night before and I’ll know she has something to share for the day’s writing ahead. I’m so grateful for my spirit family and especially my tortoise and rabbit companions who share their loving support always.
In the dream it actually started out with me on a journey – this time in a smaller RV – and about to embark. Before leaving I catch glimpse of a tiny (baby-sized) tortoise with aqua shell scurrying across the ground of what seemed to be like a garage or storage area. This little tortoise was fast!
The only other tortoise I know to be so fast is my beloved Gaia. She not only had strong presence, patience, and deliberate, persistent action, but she could move between those methodical, soldier-like steps of intention into a speedy sprint.
I knew right away this was a manifestation of Gaia coming through in this mighty and speedy little tortoise. She was reminding me not to forget the gifts and tools I have, not to mention the guiding support to lean into with this journey.
I went after her trying to pick her up, as she dashed quickly in and out of things in this storage area, making it challenging to get her, but also calling forth my not wasting energy, but focusing intentfully on what would be most effective in scooping her up without zig-zagging about.
And soon I did have her in my hands and just remembered how sweet she looked, her deep eyes and almost smiling face, with a fully aqua painted shell home she carried on her back and her coloring reminding me more of a sea turtle – interestingly just the size and similar essence to a tiny figurine I was gifted by a dear friend that sits on my dresser.
That was all I remember.
But as mentioned, since she’d come through that day with writing support and channeling the part of the story I was tapping into, I knew this was no coincidence, but timely and symbolic manifestation on her part.
Her small size felt to indicate these as reminders more than a blaring warning or that I was off-track and needing a huge sign. It also felt like she was helping me to fine-tune these elements and gifts rather than outright teaching me it from scratch. So definitely about honing in on things even more and tweaking so I can optimize.
Aqua happens to be my favorite color, but this is also a color that holds much pertinent energy to my life and this undertaking right now.
It can represent our unconscious and the instincts we have, wanting us to take notice and support. I take this as Gaia sharing to just trust this next flow of information coming through and to surrender to almost what I’d call “automatic writing” that has and will continue to take place. I will not need to dictate anything.
Aqua is also highly creative energy, light-hearted and still carries a strong individuality. This speaks to me too about the writing I’m engaged in and how it is being carried through me, but also of me.
It’s also definitely about inspiration, focus, concentration, communication between heart and spoken/written word, clarity, and even has been linked with the “electronic age” where computers are a form of wide-scale communication. To me speaking to again, trusting the translation that takes place if I let my parts work in balanced partnership and weave thoughts and words from their true source. And of course, I do type on a computer and to understand the collective reach of what’s taking place, not to mention is a way Gaia communicates to me through electronics with her ability to tap into this energy.
It’s also a color of calm invigoration, restoration, recharge of spirits, encourages healing, compassion, and our intuitive abilities that have the ability to open doorways to greater spiritual growth.
I have found this journey with my writing to be all of this and Gaia seems to be encouraging the process and path, sensing I had a moment of pause where I stepped out of that automatic writing place and was stumped for a bit before I jumped back onto the frequency train of allowing.
Aqua is a perfect color to support expression and confidently focus us with our speech and bringing through ways of describing things we might find hard to express. So it’s a wonderful color to surround ourselves with while also enhancing our gifts, help us make decisions, move forward, carry us through successfully, get us out of a rut or indecisive place in life or with a project, and all the while calming our nerves so we can return to center.
Gaia was definitely reminding me of the aura I carry with me with aqua always having been in and around my life, and to surround my process in this essence to carry me to closure with the story.
The things about tortoise/turtles is that they can live and journey both in water and on land, so there is again that balance of diving into our sensitivities and bringing them into concrete form. A bridge between the imagination and manifestation.
Vulnerability will be part of the journey when they show up and at times this will need withdrawing into our “shell” to bring forth something deeper, but also knowing we have the support to share it and that courage will be there when needed.
Normally turtles/tortoises can signify a need to slow down, but in the case of Gaia and this tiny turtle manifestation of her, she was moving quickly. I feel it represents that things will move more rapidly now with things, if I continue to go in this flow she is sharing, but also to be aware of how I can still navigate intentfully and more effectively. By continuing to be aware of my energy out-put and acting instinctively rather than just doing things without engaging my ability to think 10 steps ahead in the moment to understand the flow of energy currents I can ride, I will bring things together with productive results.
When ever I do this, then I meet with harmonious outcomes and merge as one with what is unfolding as an equal partner in tune with the natural rhythms.
There is so much we can learn by symbolism that comes through and many ways and perspectives to receive and see them as, but I believe we are guided to the ones that we need to know most.
I’m grateful to Gaia for her taking time from her ever-full missions she’s on to support me with mine – well….ours. 🙂
Remembering a Courageous Soul & Messages of Faith on the Eternal Journey
Tiny Gaia when she first entered my life
The moment you want to give up is when you need to dig as deep as you can to keep believing even more, as you’re so close to breaking through the veils and into the light of your heart.
It’s one of those time cycles where I feel a stronger pull to my cosmic origins, and needing to remind myself of balancing and grounding in order to fully be present in this current Earthly experience. And while feeling these pulls elsewhere, it’s no wonder I’ve also been sharing reverence for my beloved Russian Tortoise, Gaia, whom has been away on mission since the end of April.
She, along with my beautiful, physically departed Nestor, have been heavily on my mind. And I know that they are both cosmic pilgrims engaged in their soul essence journeys of the heart.
I know many of you have followed along with their stories, in particular Gaia’s of recent, and may remember she had for the first time hibernated for a short period this winter, returning auspiciously before the end of Winter, but right at the perfectly timed moment in my life. And then, not long after she had returned, she then disappeared again and has been gone since the end of April, now approaching 5 months and oddly during the dead of a very hot Summer here.
Gaia checking out my painting Air, as I worked on it in my solarium
I haven’t recently had the sense she is returning, but if she in fact at some point still does, it will be her most surprising and magickal feat to date, which would bring a huge smile to my usually unsurprised self. In the meantime, I have been supporting her energetically in the work she had been called away to do, knowing she is always with me in heart.
But it hasn’t been until recently that I’ve felt the need to honor her more appropriately, especially if she has chosen to move beyond this Earthly realm like Nestor. That’s what it feels like in my heart, and perhaps her original idea of returning has shifted due to my own shifts.
Having gone through what will always be the most heart-wrenching experience of physically losing Nestor in the most dramatic/traumatic of ways at a very challenging soul leap time in my life that nearly took my own breath away, I have gone through the worst and so am able and prepared to handle physical loss, or anything for that matter, with an unconditionally, unattached love and deep honor. Perhaps Gaia chose this way, as mirror to the place I have arrived with this – with no need for closure to the eternal, nor need to physically see and experience that transition from life to afterlife. I am aware that transitions from one dimensional experience to another can be gently chosen, just as much as harshly chosen, depending on what we need to learn and what our attached beliefs are.
Gaia exploring inside my Amethyst – found her sleeping here several times
I’ve also found it interesting, since both Gaia and Nestor were always not really “all here” when they were, that as such expansively powerful, cosmic beings that they chose these tiny bodies to manifest as. And yet their power was evident, not only in the strength those little bodies physically exhibited, but in their presence and the magickal things they would do each day while with me.
I know part of the reason they came in those bodies, was so that we could be together as we were, and yet as much joy as they brought me in this life, it gives me greater joy to know that they are no longer confined by those bodies in any way and can be the freedom seekers of the Cosmos that they are. Afterall, they spent very little of their time in those bodies, even when they WERE with me, as they were constantly traveling and doing work inter-dimensionally. They remind me of myself and it’s no wonder we have been together across times.
Gaia and Chuck
Gaia was such a mentor for Joy and the two of them were best friends. Gaia also had the opportunity to connect with Chuck, while he was still alive, and was an avid companion of the ethereal Nestor (also a friend of Chuck’s).
I found it interesting that on my desk, where I have some of my crystals that support me daily, that the stone statues of Hematite (Nestor) and Rhodonite (Gaia) that I have carried with me on many of my global sacred journeys to have their energy symbolically and physically present where I was doing spiritual work, have always been next to each other on my desk. And the larger Serpentine stone statue of Joy, who is a bit more Earth-bound than they are, (although truly is the embodiment of a bridge between worlds, is a channeler and Crystal worker), is separate, yet connected by the large Cosmic Crystal between them.
And, both Nestor and Gaia are now physically gone, leaving Joy and I together here on this Earth plane.
Best buddies, Joy and Gaia
Joy is my ever-faithful companion who alerts me to all energetic nuances and presides over our shared domain, as a guardian of the sacred. But over time, even Joy’s presence has shifted, as she used to physically take part in any workshops I taught from home, and now her presence although felt, is no longer there – choosing to remain in my office to support from afar.
Little by little with their support and teaching experiences through them, and as I have shifted into my own empowerment, accessing the connections and communications beyond space and time in a more tangible way, and have released attachments, they have all been able to move into different roles in my life and into their trueness.
The more these transcendent shifts anchor, the more I receive inklings of where my own soul direction is leading and the timeliness of that.
Gaia inside her house
It’s all a beautiful journey and I’ve been reflecting on all of this, as thoughts and memories of Gaia have been flooding me recently. It’s brought some bitter sweet tears and yet joyous ones in celebration of her eternal expansiveness.
And I felt it time to make a memorial of sorts in her honor, regardless if she did in fact one day, out of the amazing blue, return. I want her to know how much I am eternally grateful for all that she is, and all that she has been and will continue to be in my life. Like all of these precious and astounding souls, she has taught me so much and she has saved my life more than once.
Gaia’s sanctuary under the Plumeria
I have decided to keep her home outside where it has been, as a memorial for her, and also to mark the area I believe she entered Earth’s core through. As it is there I discovered her last time when she returned. If she does in fact miraculously return, then she will have her home to welcome her. Although I hope if she does, that I will still be here to welcome her. This is part of why I am not feeling her returning. I trust, as always, that she’s tuned into my messages, even though they have a bit of a time lapse where she is. We’ve never not been in sync, so there’s that. 🙂
Plumeria above Gaia’s house
Interestingly, not too long ago, this area where her house sits that has two Plumeria and one large succulent bush, had completely shifted. The large succulent bush had uprooted itself one night and as it did, had taken down the two Plumeria. I had always reflected on this as a sign of the work she was doing below ground, as well as a mirror of impending change that was to take place and the uprooting in my own life.
Since, the bushes have been replanted and supported, with hopes they would survive, and have. So much so, that the Plumeria are now in full bloom – I just was checking them out this morning when I took these photographs – and I love that they surround Gaia’s house with their fragant beauty.
The perfect reflection of the joy and grace she brought to my life, this time around, when I was most in need.
Plumeria symbolism includes natural beauty, charm, grace, new life, new beginnings, creation and recreation, the Sun, perfection of all things as is, dedication, devotion, love, immortality, healing powers, liveliness, life, and birth.
I believe these are perfect messages for where ever the new journey ahead may lead. And however that is to take form, I can only trust in the faith and belief that I will have the same kind of courage these amazing souls have graced my life with.
Three courageous Star Jasmine
I also found three Star Jasmine this morning that had blossomed “out of season”. Jasmine flowers symbolize many things to many different cultures, including love, romance, sensuality, amiability, nobility, grace, and elegance, but more importantly, they hold strong spiritual significance, as a constant symbol of divinity and hope.
These three Jasmine felt like magickal reminders of these three dear and immeasurable souls in my life, as well as embody, to me, the powerful will of the courageous soul that doesn’t accept the boundaries others choose to believe in and is capable of blossoming in the darkness.
Celebrating Six Years With Gaia
Gaia checking out my painting, “Air”, as I paint it in my Lake Tahoe solarium
I may not physically be with Gaia right now (my amazing Russian Tortoise friend), but am with her nonetheless in heart and celebrating “with” her regardless.
Yes, Gaia is still M.I.A. – and literally she IS “missing in action”, as she is off on another mission from which she intends to, and will only, return once she’s completed it.
I’ve shared before how determined and committed this mighty little one is – a constant guide and teacher for me in this and many regards – and so my sense is that if her mission takes all of her to complete, then she will transcend doing and being her wholeness.
How can I not love her more for that and honor and respect her immensely?
She’s been gone now, deep within Mother Earth (Gaia is within Gaia 🙂 ) for about two and a half months. She went away before to do very intensive energetic work with and in support of the Earth, but returned once that mission was complete. And now has departed again and I await her happy news of another mission accomplished, however that results.
I love her unconditionally and it’s no surprise that the souls in animal companion suits that I (and they) chose to partner up with, are all very committed souls on a mission. Sounds familiar. 😉 And their deep, focused, and unrelenting truth of heart investment into who they are, is the best example and constant reminder for me.
I’ve never known anyone like them in this way.
Anyway, I hadn’t had a dream about Gaia in a while, which is where my animal companions communicate with me, but she did show up the night before last.
I do not remember the dream anymore, like I usually do, except for the fact that it was different from the others energetically and I saw Gaia in her vibrant joy. I have two specific images of her from the dream that keep replaying in my mind from when she and I first came together and lived at Lake Tahoe. They are the images you see here.
Gaia looking out at Lake Tahoe from our home solarium, which was my office/art studio
So I know that wherever she is, she is wanting me to know that she is really happy and in her joyous truth, perhaps mission accomplished?, as well as wants to thank me and remind me of our beautiful friendship, since the images I see in my mind’s eye are from one of our favorite times ever together.
She likely is also remembering our anniversary, as where she is time is different than here and there are gaps in the sending of messages.
I believe she is reminding me of my own truth as well and the things she loves about me.
July 8th, 2008 is when she first came home with me and on the way home from picking her up, I received her name. So this is six years today that this amazing soul has graced this life I am living.
Six brings to mind the symbolism of this number and its spiritual meaning, which I’ve shared on before in my post Hexagons and Healings, since the number six is aligned with the Hexagon.
This includes six representing harmony, balance, soulful integration, perfect union, communication, sincerity, love, truth, enlightenment, naturally revealing solutions for us in a calm, unfolding manner, delicate diplomacy in sensitive matters, reliability, lighting our path in areas we require spiritual and mental balance, and encourages compassion and forgiveness.
These are perfect energies to feel into right now and so divinely reflect the relationship between Gaia and I, as well as focuses that would do the collective well to tune into and embody more.
I’m grateful for this reflection, as I celebrate the mutual love, respect, and honor shared between us. Thank you Gaia for being such a guiding light and powerful force, as well as for being so committed to supporting the Earth collective. I love you!
World Turtle Day – May 23rd, 2014
Many of you may not know that today is the observance of World Turtle Day and I have to say that even I had not been aware of it until recently.
Like any calendar-marked day, these are just extra awareness reminders that each day of our lives, and the lives of all creatures great and small, would experience greater well-being and conscious presence if we were always being mindful of the things these days bring to mind.
World Turtle Day has been sponsored yearly since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue to encourage you to discover the world of Turtles and Tortoises with greater consciousness. It helps brings attention and respect to these amazing ancient Earth dwellers so that we can learn how to support them to keep thriving and bring knowledge to encourage ways of protecting their survival, as well as their disappearing habitats around the world.
Turtles and Tortoises are the world’s oldest creatures and they are also some of the most endangered animals on this Earth.
Many may not give much thought about the less than fuzzy, graceful, and more commonly embraced animals. But reptiles, amphibians, insects, crustaceans, etc. are magnificent creatures and some of the oldest to ever set foot on this Earth. Turtles and Tortoises must be doing something right, as they have been on Earth for over 200 million years – long before the dinosaurs.
The Mystic by Tania Marie
The oldest known fossil of a Turtle is 220 million years old, known as Odontochelys. It has a plastron (lower shell) but no carapace (upper shell), as well as teeth.
The next oldest known fossil Turtle, had beaks but no teeth and lived in water – likely salt water. Tortoises are land Turtles that evolved from an advanced Emydid fresh water Turtle (a relative of the Red-Eared Turtle).
All-Creatures.org shares some great information about World Turtle Day and how you can help save Turtles and Tortoises for the next generation at their link I just included.
Also at the link above, Susan Tellem a founder of ATR, American Tortoise Rescue, shares:
“…These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming and the cruel pet trade. We are seeing smaller turtles coming into the rescue meaning that older adults are disappearing from the wild thanks to the pet trade, and the breeding stock is drastically reduced. It is a very sad time for turtles and tortoises of the world.”
Tellem and her Co-Founder, Marshall Thompson, also bring to attention experts’ predictions of complete disappearance of Turtles and Tortoises within the next 50 years. Some of the things that they recommend adults and children can do to help are:
- Never buy a turtle or tortoise from a pet shop as it increases demand from the wild.
- Never remove turtles or tortoises from the wild unless they are sick or injured.
- If a tortoise is crossing a busy street, pick it up and send it in the same direction it was going – if you try to make it go back, it will turn right around again.
- Write letters to legislators asking them to keep sensitive habitat preserved or closed to off road vehicles, and to prevent off shore drilling that can lead to more endangered sea turtle deaths.
- Report cruelty or illegal sales of turtles and tortoises to your local animal control shelter.
- Report the sale of any turtle or tortoise of any kind less than four inches. This is illegal throughout the U.S.
Since 1990, ATR has placed about 3,000 Tortoises and Turtles in caring homes. They also assist law enforcement when undersize or endangered Turtles are confiscated and provide helpful information and referrals to people with sick, neglected or abandoned turtles.
Many of you know that I have a beautiful, gentle, and most magickal Russian Tortoise named Gaia. People may not be aware that my family used to have a Desert Tortoise, named Tee-Ta, and a Box Turtle, named Herman, for years when we were growing up. The two of them were fully outdoor Turtles/Tortoises. The Box Turtle not very social, but the Desert Tortoise Tee-Ta was amazingly social. She would come knock her shell on the sliding glass door to tell us she was hungry every day. She loved me feeding her by hand and was gentle not to nip my fingers. She listened and loved being caressed on her head and neck. When we moved Herman went to a friend who had many other Turtle friends for him to play with and Tee-Ta came with us to Sedona, where she still is.
Then Gaia came into my life in 2008 and I discovered yet another side to these amazing creatures.
From the moment Gaia came home she loved being on my lap when I worked and would snuggle into my clothes. She loved coming by my feet, helping with my painting, looking out the window at Lake Tahoe, spending time curled up with electrical cords and by my computers, as she worked with Binary codes and enjoyed the vibrations that were like her way of communicating, loved all crystals and would climb inside my giant Amethyst, and constantly listened to me when I talked, stopping and cocking her head with her soulful eyes. She came into my dreams before I got her, and she has come into my dreams with messages many times after. She has also traveled to many places with me and been part of a lot of energetic work. She was an indoor Tortoise for almost all the time I’ve had her, until recently.
And if you’ve been following along, she had a magickal hibernation for the first time this year, but is also M.I.A. again now for the last month.
What I came to learn by having a Tortoise companion is how endearing, intelligent, and tender they are in ways people likely don’t think. Most people go for the cuddly companions and yet there are many homeless, abandoned, abused, and neglected creatures that would make wonderful friends, if you chose to take the time and presence to honor, listen to, and get to know them.
Something we could likely receive benefit from doing to everyone and all creatures we meet that are different than us or our pre-conceived ideas.
Today and all days I celebrate these ancient wonders of the Earth.
If you’d like to read more about the symbolism and wisdom of these magickal beings please visit my blog:
Gaia – Earth Mother and Turtle? Ancient Wisdom for Conscious Living
Turtle D
The Need To Be
I thought I had reblogged this beautiful post, but apparently it was meant to be today. Laura had shared it several days back, which brought it to my attention, but today as I was reflecting on the increased need over the years to be with myself and the relationship I have to the Earth and Cosmos, it came to mind again. And so I’m sharing it with you.
The message is simple, the photos inviting and renewing, and the poem…truly hits home in the heart.
As I head out here shortly for some time in nature – not sure where it will lead…to ocean or hills…I am in constant reminder of the partnership with Mother Earth that guides my heart and fuels my actions.
YES, I feel the joy of being in Nature.
Creating A Path Where There Is None
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
This seems to be a theme in my life and likely, if not in yours yet, you may be pondering making your own way right now as well.
Some of the things that become important when you decide to blaze your own way, is to make a commitment, embrace responsibility, take action to back your words, believe and keep inspired, nurture courage and trust, let go of caring what others think, and follow your heart come what may.
Everyone right now is either creating their new path, in process of making the shifts to do so, are contemplating the idea, or are experiencing challenges because they are fighting what is in their hearts and the fact that time is up in terms of forcing the old to continue, or remaining in denial.
One of my greatest teachers in terms of determined focus, belief, and steadfast fortitude without fail or hindering faith, is my dear friend, Gaia (my Russian Tortoise).
Gaia knows what it takes to do what is in her heart and to follow through with a mission. She also has no concept of the word “impossible” – another important aspect to creating your own path where there is none.
Gaia will relentlessly forge ahead and doesn’t understand it when you say there is no “door” where she is determined to get through. She will sit for hours pushing forward into a corner of a room, because she believes she WILL get to where ever it is her heart is determined to go and she will create a door where there was none to the naked eye.
She also sees herself as much bigger than she physically is in this life, and I never have to be concerned about predator animals around her, as she will emanate an energy that blasts them so much, they go running off in the other direction.
Gaia cares not what you think of her, nor does she buy into the definitions and limiting boundaries you might place her in, given her size and chosen species she embodies in this life. She is unlike any tortoise you think you know.
She knows only her soul essence and its unlimited capabilities. She continues to operate from that all-knowing, all-being, and empowered Source.
Gaia also daily demonstrates that she has a mind of her own and will create a path or bridge where ever she feels called. She doesn’t circle around a barrier to her determined path. She doesn’t move out of the way or let the path define her direction. She simply goes through, the way she feels is the most efficient way that supports her motivations and intents, helping me to see that where there is a will, there is a way and NOTHING can stop your burning belief and heart’s desires, except you.
I was inspired today by Gaia, to share these inspirations. Currently she is indoors again with us, as she showed up back on Earth’s surface a few days before I got back home from my vacation, and with the rains, she is enjoying staying cozy for the moment until she can go back out again.
This morning I watched her, as I often do, create her own path, piggy-backing over Joy’s enchanted stuffed rabbit friend, rather than walking around it. The photos you see are of Gaia creating a bridge where one may have thought there was none.
Gaia has no fear and simply follows her heart.
I also had a magickal little experience with her, as I said good morning to Gaia under my desk where she slept in her favorite place all night near my computer and the electrical wires. As I looked at her a glint of pixie dust lit both of her eyes so ever-slight and sparkly, lasting just a few seconds and then disappeared. Then again more faintly and disappeared. It was not the light, as there was none to shine, and the glints along with the look in her wide-eyes and very present awareness in that moment, spoke much to me. She is often mostly asleep when I find her, but she was quite awake, alive with enchantment, and that sparkle spoke timelessly to me.
May you also be inspired by Gaia and other visionaries to create your own path where there is none.
Gaia – Earth Mother and Turtle? Ancient Wisdom For Conscious Living
In honor of my tortoise, Gaia, and our Earth Mother she is named after, I felt guided to repost this, which is an article I wrote for a Reno/Tahoe based publication while living there that was called “The Willow”. It was inspired by Gaia coming into my life and the dots I was connecting then. Given her recent journey and work in the depths of “Gaia” herself, this felt significant and a powerful exploration, as we journey through today’s potent Full Moon and explore the origins of our authenticity in balance with the natural rhythms. As we share expressions of our love today with ourselves and others, let us not forget our Mother Earth who gifts us in abundance every day of our lives. Love and reverence to ALL of life!