Margi Halfon’s Painted Body Initiation into the Hidden Petra-like New Mexico Desert

Petra is a DreamTime place. It is a magical and cloistered city tucked away in the desert cliffs of Jordan. The first time I saw an image of the huge temple facade peeking though a slender opening in the canyon walls I was stunned. I have yearned to walk through that portal into that otherworldly place since that day. I had no idea that through moving to New Mexico I was entering the same landscape as “a rose-red city half as old as time.”

Petra

Like Petra, New Mexico is an enchanted and mysterious place. It has its own hidden canyons, caves and tunnels. I have made it my work to enter these worlds and dance with the energies. The Painted Body ritualistic photography series emerged from these explorations in graffiti strewn tunnels and waterways. Now I am sharing these adventures with other brave souls, and we are embracing our fierceness and joy through these initiatory photo shoots.

Margi Halfon is a complex and magnetic person. She has her own deep cloistered parts, and is also a sparkly and engaging spirit. She and her partner Sean Tebor’s vision is to weave together yoga, dance and Tarot creating a community gathering place where Santa Fean’s can explore and embody their own juicy vitality.

Margi entered this Painted Body Process from a place of surrender and awe. She had recently gone through some intense personal shifts and was ready to meet the earth and herself through this collaborative ceremonial process. Throughout the journey she kept pointing out how much the land reminded her of Petra. She had been fortunate enough to visit as a younger woman when she lived in Israel. I had not shared with her yet that I pulled some of my own Oracle of Initiation divination cards and The Stargate deck by James F. Jereb before we met. Both of our ‘Masters of the Stargate’ cards were Egyptian. I found the parallels between her recognition of Petra similarities to this place and each of our connection through the cards to Sekhmet and Re incredible. The world NEVER ceases to amaze me.

Margi and I in a Petra-like portal created by the camera...life is so fascinating

As we wound our way back into my secret cathedral in the stones I was aware of what a gift I have been given by having such a sacred place for my soul. Margi illuminated how rare it is to have a relationship that feeds and nurtures me so deeply. It really is my hidden sacred temple. It is home. The feelings of love, joy, peace and belonging I experience there is what I have always dreamed of. This knowing of my connection to the land is part of the wisdom I share when I take people on these initiatory journeys; a gateway into their own re-enchantment with the Earth Mother.

During the Painted Body process different people need different things. At times the Painted Body shoots have been very shamanic and intense, at other times playful and inquisitive, but always potent and visceral. It really calls forth what transformation that person needs at that time. The process always offers a doorway into delight and wonder through engaging with the raw natural world. The exposure of the nudity, the sensuality of the paints and the soil, the freedom of flowing through the ritualistic container that we create all offer an opening into ones true essence. That really is our work, to reclaim our own inner knowing and engage with life from that innate radiance. We are all creative, passionate, powerful people when we release old programs and constrictions connecting to our pure potential.

Margi met this place of pure potential. She embodied her regalness, her reserve, her exuberance, her vulnerability and her unbridled joy. She danced her own rhythms, she touched her own depths, and the canyon, camera and I witnessed her majestic Spirit. It was an honor to share this experience with her. Life is beautiful. Thank You.

www.OracleofInitiation.com

Water like Fire-Lyric Kali’s Water Spirit Initiation

I.

Water in the desert is extremely precious. I grew up in the lush and mossy Northwest where the water element could be overly abundant at times. Moving to the Southwest has completely changed my relationship to this fundamental structure of life. Many times I will go exploring in the wild and not hear or feel the direct presence of water. This is truly like being a fish out of water.

One of my favorite places on earth is Abiquiu, New Mexico. I fell in love with this magical place three years ago when I visited The Ghost Ranch for the first time. This is the land Georgia O’Keefe claimed as her own, her sacred place; exploring & painting the mesas, arroyos and geological wonders of this expansive landscape for the last fifty years of her life. Abiquiu captured my heart and soul as well, it is the terrain of all of the “above ground” Painted Body images in my Oracle of Initiation deck.

Over two years ago I opened my solitary work with the Painted Body ritualistic photography series to collaborations with others artist, mystics & adventurers. I am thrilled to share some of the images that were created yesterday in a rainstorm with the fierce and earthened Lyric Kali. Lyric is one of those people you do not forget. When you meet her she glows. She is passionate, outspoken, perceptive and fascinated by the complexities of people’s engagement with life.

She is alive. She can also be intimidating depending on how comfortable you are with your own strength.  Her work is inspiring people through her own story of struggling with self-worth through her physical form. The ways we accept or isolate ourselves because of the size, shape, or color of our bodies. She is a brave woman who embraces the underworld descent as an essential component to reaching the upper world expansion. She carries duality and paradox in a way few people can manage. She is a vision of walking your talk, even with its uncertainties and insecurities. I honor her ability to grab life and ecstatically dance with it.

Lyric became archetypal during this photo shoot. She became the flowing earth; she became the blood red water; she became the flames of power that were pounding off the rocks. She was the graceful bird, the sturdy  rock, the timid maiden, the shape-shifiting priestess, the fertility Goddess in all her glory. She was The Feminine in all its various guises. It was a great honor to witness her beauty through merging with beloved Oshun, the water deity of unbridled passion and delight.

II.

I too had my own initiation with the Water Spirits surging over the canyon walls. I want to point out again the rare opportunities running water in the desert affords. I have been to my blessed Rainbow Canyon at least 40 times. I have seen running water in it TWICE. Both of those times have been in the last three weeks.

It has been my dream since moving to New Mexico to actually see what a flooding arroyo looks like. I was warned that you could be swept away by the strong torrents of rushing water when the sky really opens up. I had never been at the right place at the right time to experience this primordial force. About three weeks ago I did a major release of some fundamental pieces of my life. I had done a process and closed the door on a series of choices and relationships that no longer served me.  Part of the process was to burn some sacred items. I knew I needed to bury the remains in my beloved canyon, for mama earth the transform them.

The day I went up to bury the shards the sky was dark gray; very foreboding. After surrendering my offering to the holy dirt the rains began. The Thunder Beings danced across the skies and the deluge began. It came on so quickly I could understand the warning about being taken away by the currents. I finally got to experience my sacred place when she is drenched in water. I got to hear the sounds, smell the soaked earth, see the channels of red earth merge into the stream. It was incredible. She became alive in ways I had never seen. It literally was the greatest gift I could receive. My prayers of self-liberation were answered with the best day ever. I was soaked and muddy when I walked back along the slippery road to my car. I was totally full and beaming with gratitude and joy. How could it get any better than this?

As I absorbed all of the sights and sounds of this unknown aquatic desert world I heard a powerful sound. I thought it was the reeds in the river beings whipped around by the wind. As I looked at the reeds they were still. What was this jet engine sound echoing off the canyon walls? As I looked ahead there was a massive waterfall pouring off a high bluff across the river. I was stunned. I had never witnessed the water in that way. It was as if the world was upside down, completely changed. Dry one day, moist the next. The oceans returned to this ancient land.

Blood Red Rio Grande

I yearned to baptize my new identity under its powerful vitality, but there was no way to cross the river. I stood honoring this unique miracle and then continued up the road. As I rounded a corner…the angles kissed me. A blood red, wild, rushing flow of water was leaping and pounding over the rocks on MY SIDE!!!

I sat beside the watery temple both entranced and intimidated by its fierceness. I asked my Spirits if I should go in….and they said “naw.”  hmmmm. It was such a calm and centered No that I trusted it. I did analyze why I wouldn’t. This is ME. This is the woman I have become, a woman who disrobes and meets the rushing water at its source. And I got a NO. And I trusted it. So I sat and communed with the flowing altar for a bit. Out of nowhere a little truck comes chugging by; a young couple were out exploring. OH, that is why I was held back. After they passed I asked again, I got a definite yes. So I too, as Lyric just did, met the Water Spirits here on this arid desert landscape.

After each of our immersion rituals the skies cleared and the sun returned warming our satiated bodies.

What a blessed, blessed life it is.

Yraceburu EarthWisdom Indigenous Grandmothers Summit Celebrating Turtle Island in New Mexico

Next week I am blessed to be attending a gathering of indigenous Grandmothers and Elders celebrating Turtle Island here in New Mexico. Yraceburu EarthWisdom through their Sisters’ of Honua organization are hosting this powerful event. I will be undergoing the Kokua Guardian Training, a very subtle and intuitive way of serving Elders as they offers their wisdom and gifts within a community setting. I have included below a description of the event and the insightful article Maria Yraceburu wrote on how to truly serve an Elder through looking out through their perspective, not yours. If you wish to learn more about Yraceburu EarthWisdom and their teaching go to

http://www.yraceburu.org/

Gathering of Hope, Gathering of Future… uneasy embrace… created by women.  Searching, insists that it’s Now and Here.  We cruise slowly through hundreds of beliefs curving down to earth like the rich, vibrant rain of life.  Sweet success… oh Sacred Sisters, we’ve found the freedom.  Hold onto your dreams.  Breaking out, as you fly in… see the wink of pristine and lush truth of the ancient feminine.  The days are over to work underground.  Tasting freedom.

At the core of our Annual Grandmothers Summit Celebrating Turtle Island is a basic yet sophisticated understanding of the primary functions and power of women as representatives of the planet we call Earth Mother. To read more about The Grandmothers Summit or order the visionary book Prophetic Voices of The Sisters of Honua featuring many of the Elders from this summit speaking of these changing times go to:

http://www.sistersofhonua.org/

Learn from complementary worlds.  Grandmothers and Wisdom Keepers from traditions all over the world will be in attendance at this retreat to share teaching in a tranquil environment that is perfect for the re-establishment of feminine principles.  The true uniqueness of this retreat is due to the meeting of ancient ways the Four Corners of Earth.  Knowledge will be shared and feminine principles for the future pursued in the pristine mountains of northeastern New Mexico.  Living in a traditional camp setting, enjoying the beauty of the land and the teachings of those that come together with something to say that is very relevant in the here and now.  The way of Women and this moment in history hold a rare opportunity for all.  Our Grandmothers and WisdomKeepers bring with them years of personal practice and experience in their fields.  Humor and practical teaching combined with special life in a completely feminine camp are healing in themselves.

Yraceburu EarthWisdom’s Sisters of Honua Project is honored to host this retreat, providing you with the opportunity to hear our Women’s Legacy and participate in circles of discussion concerning our future.  Whether listening to stories around a campfire accompanied by the calls of owls or collecting wisdom from ancient trees, it will be an experience that will remain in your heart.

Kokua Guardian Training overview

Traditional Elders have the capacity to communicate without words, they have a rich language of their own that utilizes sight, sound, and energetic sensory awareness that eloquently expresses their intent and feelings to their guardians.  Your ability to understand this ya’odishiyo – from where we look out – communication and its particular setting is the cornerstone of working with a Traditional Elder.  Being an akicita – guardian, really means understanding what an Elder is communicating to you, not just what you think might be.  By taking into account the dynamic interaction of various forms of multidimensional communiction techniques, you can serve with ease and grace, becoming a valued and sought after guardian.

Maria Yraceburu

Creative Guardianship 101

by Maria Yraceburu

Egyptian tombs… Russian songs… clans of Native America… Australian Dance… Greek and Roman myth…

Many people come to me wanting to work with Traditional Indigenous Elders.  I have been fortunate enough to grow up around individuals of high spiritual nature and ritualistic lifestyle.  I have been honored to serve many, beginning, but not limited to my grandfather, an Apache HolyMan.

Traditional Elders have the capacity to communicate without words, they have a rich language of their own that utilizes sight, sound, and energetic sensory awareness that eloquently expresses their intent and feelings to their guardians.  Your ability to understand this ya’odishiyo – from where we look out – communication and its particular setting is the cornerstone of working with a Traditional Elder.  Being an akicita – guardian, really means understanding what an Elder is communicating to you, not just what you think might be.  By taking into account the dynamic interaction of various forms of multidimensional communication techniques, you can serve with ease and grace, becoming a valued and sought after guardian.

One of the things we stress is patience and making yourself a student of observation.  Over zealous service and assumptions often close an Elder down to your true intent.  This behavior is common in individuals needing validation of their own power, it is a sign to the Elders that they will end up spending a great deal of time taking care of their guardian, not receiving the help they need from their guardians when working in ceremony and public settings.  As your relationship and understanding of traditional ways mature, apprenticeship into the nature of life’s mysteries simply unfold with growing trust.  If you observe an akicita greeting an Elder, it is always a confident, yet humble approach, never assuming, always bearing a gift of honoring – and ALWAYS being accepted in joy by the Elder. The expression of honor is received gracefully, with an attitude of acceptance by the Elder.  The Elders understands the intent completely.

Unfortunately many beginning guardians try to assume what an Elder needs and try to satisfy needs where there are none.  I recall one frustrated Elders who asked me, “Why do they assume, are they not here to learn?  Every time I try to share what is needed I am cut off by over talking.  I become quiet, give the look that tells to be silent and pay attention, they are assuming and not receiving, but it only gets worse.  Now I have to spend the time we are working with others, constantly correcting the one who is suppose to assist.  Can you train them, so they understand?”

The guardian didn’t understand what the Elder’s communication meant.  By misinterpreting the Elder’s signals and energy, the guardian actually created more work in a less harmonious manner, than it would have been for the Elder to work alone.  Acting on assumptions based in general societal experience created the problem, making the Elder less receptive to help from anyone.  the proper protocol is to watch and learn and ask in the beginning, before acting.

Maria Yraceburu

Expecting an Elder to communicate and think as the general populous doe will only lead to frustration for you and the Elder.  Instead, learn to interpret Elders by taking what they have to offer and stepping into their world, trying to view life interaction from a multidimensional perspective.  This requires a different thinking process than most people are use to.

Try this simple exercise to demonstrates what I have said in an experiential way – exercise from stone 12.  With powers of great sensitivity, what is of greatest interest?

The point of this “Elder’s view” exercise is to till the soil of your imagination responsibly, to help you sense, in some small way, what things are like from an Elder’s perspective.  A good guardian can receive into imaginative reality the Elder’s communication, interpret it correctly, and then adjust various ceremonial procedures as need be.

The guardian must learn to read the thoughts of the Elder, AND THOSE AROUND THE ELDER TOO.  The guardian must observe closely so that they shall not only be prevented from misinterpretation in human arrogance, but also that they may be able to give the Elder signs of shifting energies and act accordingly in a masterful way that flows in harmony with the task at hand for the Elder.  Whoever can find the answer to the question, “How can I relay this message to my Elder without disturbing the flow of energy?” has won the game and can receive from their Elder whatever they seek to know.

When you approach an Elder in this way, the experience is surprisingly multidimensional.  Not only do you become tuned into your Elder, but you becomes skilled, as well, and the ongoing knowledge you acquire from your Elder’s trust has the potential to bring you into your full potential as you later become an Elder yourself.  an often neglected aspect of the graining process is how the guardian becomes the containing safe space for the Elder’s work, helping others to achieve greater awareness by the guardian-Elder team drawing them in greater degrees of sensitivity, patience and energetic choreography.  This apprenticeship is of the greatest nature.

Often, we speak of ya-odishiyo -from where we look out – a type of telepathy or imagery projection communication, and it’s importance in your work with an Elder.  Ya-odishiyo is standing inside your Elder’s psyche, putting yourself at their center, where they are unique, individual, and understanding them from that perspective.  This is possible only when you want to understand what your Elder is GENUINELY communicating.  To get inside your Elder’s thoughts, to understand from their point of view, you must continually watch, look, listen and feel, since an Elder communicates what is going on through body language, looks, sign symbology, and lastly words.  Ya-odishiyo is not a romantic projection of human thoughts and feelings; it takes into account the whole communication by reading what the major centers of communication are saying.

Your alignment with your Elder will mature into real and compassionate understanding when you learn to blend intuition with multidimensional techniques of earth in a serious grasp of ya-odishiyo and impeccable integrity

Oracle of Initiation cards on the land of their emergence

I took these images Sunday in Abiquiu where the “above ground” Painted Body ritualistic  photographs were taken for my Oracle of Initiation deck. The canyons, waterways and mesas of Northwestern New Mexico are my home. There is a calm, a beauty, a resonance for me in that place that rewires my nervous system whenever I visit.

Below I will share something I channeled after serendipitously finding what I call Rainbow Canyon. The piece below is also how I received my new name, Kwahu, from Maria Yraceburu. I had just moved to New Mexico and went to San Diego where Maria & Lynda Yraceburu were living at the time. Maria is one of my Teachers, and I felt it was time for a new name. Horse Dancer no longer resonated, the Horse Spirits had done their work of bringing me to the Southwest and now I was in a new phase. I asked Maria if she had any thoughts, and while reading the last paragraph of the piece below she dashed out of the room and came back with a card bearing the word Kwahu on it. It means “Eagle Prayer.” She said the calling forth the others is the visionary work of the Eagle Clan, and that was my destiny. Great honor and blessings to being seen and may I learn how to gracefully carry that calling. Love to the land, my Spirits, and transformation. www.OracleofInitiation.com

Ghost Ranch December 2007

I sat on top of the ridge looking down into the canyon below and cried. I cried because of how truly happy I am. I cried because it feels so good to be here, so right. This Technicolor climate with foreign topographies. A land I have not known in this lifetime, but am inexplicably drawn to. I would try to stop crying, but would begin again, a heaving sob of joy over learning how to be truly satisfied. Satisfied for yourself; satisfied through the land and adventure; satisfied because you were brave enough to make a new life and your body knows its real.

You are right where you are meant to be. No longer feeling left out or lonely, no longer seeing what is missing or lost, but holding onto what is honestly yours. Embracing the fullness of this time, and living the life you have always dreamed of living. Walking this pristine land alone, in silence, with the wind and sun and the birds.

A remembrance, a coming home to some part of yourself you never knew. Having come so far into yourself that no one, nothing, can turn you back now. You belong, wholly, completely. You are finally sovereign, unto yourself. You have done it, you belong to only you, and now you can truly share, because you are centered in your power.

And the Universe shall meet you from this place, and call your name, and ask you to come forth, offering what you have learned. And it will be glorious, ringing true to those who can hear the call, the call to an authentic life.

Welcome home, you have just arrived.

Land of Enchantment Tarot Symposium in Santa Fe with Mary K. Greer and The Oracle of Initiation as a Cover Girl

Land of Enchantment Tarot Symposium

Santa Fe, New Mexico

October 29, 30^th and 31^st 2010.

Attendance available in Santa Fe or Online!

Local Tarot Meet-Up hosts Carrie Paris, Margaret Letzkus and Robert Hahn have organized the first tarot symposium in the southwest and you are all invited!

The Land of Enchantment Tarot Symposium (L E T S) Meetup site is now up and open for reservations. L E T S will be held October 29, 30, & 31, 2010 in our sweet community of Santa Fe as well as available to our global tarot tribe as an Online option.

L E T S is the first tarot conference in the southwest, and promises to deliver an exceptional divination ‘spirit’ over Samhain, Halloween, and Day of the Dead weekend. Our featured speaker will be Mary K. Greer who is a world-renowned authority on tarot and the author of numerous tarot books. Joining Mary via webcast will be Fern Mercier from New Zealand presenting her informative work on the Oracles of Ancient Greece & the Sybils.

Other presenters include Melissa Weiss Steele of the Oracle of Initiation, Jordan Hoggard, author of The Mysterium Tarot, and many more.

L E T S activities will incorporate the timing of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with the tarot by giving focus to one of the most charged cards in the deck; the Death card. This will be presented through talks that feature ways in which we can transform and celebrate the meaning of life through the cards.

This event is the first of its kind to be streamed live through a video webcast platform allowing participants the choice of attending in person or on-line. This is truly a gathering of the global tarot tribe! The L E T S Meetup site will also offer continuing live stream video classes to L E T S members with exciting instructors from across the globe throughout the year.

As Santa Fe is know for its art, L E T S will also feature the Caliente Bazaar which will be filled with beautiful tarot related objects and more. Raffles for fabulous prizes will be held for both those present as well as online attendees. We hope you will grace us with your presence and the spirit of your fabulous cards!

All of this for only $100 for the entire weekend in person or $50 online attendance. This is an unbelievable deal, and a precious opportunity to expand your divinatory skills and connect with the global tarot community. Thanks again Carrie, Margaret and Robert for bringing us LETS and all of your enthusiasm, wisdom and joy for the magic of Tarot.

For Additional Information or to RSVP Please Visit – http://www.meetup.com/LETSGOTAROT/

A taste of some of the wonderful courses available in Santa Fe and Online as well…

Mary K. Greer

Cartomancers in Western Art from the 16th to Early 20th Centuries.

Presented by Mary K. Greer

Fern Mercier

Oracles, Sybils & Tricks of the Trade

Presented by Special Webcast Speaker 
Fern Mercier from New Zealand

Melissa Weiss Steele

Dancing with Death 
through the Oracle of Initiation

Presented by Melissa Weiss Steele

J. Jordan Hoggard

Tarot in the Land of Mysterium: An Imagination Primer

Presented by Jordan Hoggard

Robert Hahn & Margaret Letkus

The Birthday of Eternity: A Reading on Death

Presented by Robert Hahn

Sacred Space in the Tarot

Presented by Margaret Letzkus

Carrie Paris & Melissa Weiss Steele

Taking the Message Home:

Creating Sacred Space Mandalas with your Cards

Presented by Carrie Paris

Tarosophist Magazine 8^th Anniversary

Oracle of Initiation Cover images

Three limited edition options!!!

Marcus Katz of Tarot Professionals, Tarot Town and Tarosophist Magazine chose three Oracle images as the covers for his eight-anniversary issue focusing on Tarot embodied and death in the cards. The three images are 11. Embarking; 15. Discovery; and 27. Gathering.

Tarot Professionals is a wonderful organization supporting the integrity of the psychic and divinatory profession. His newest venture Tarot Town is an Online international Tarot community offering the chance to meet wonderful like-minded individuals across the globe. Our tribes are no longer constricted to certain locations, we have the entire world to find our family now. You may order copies of the magazine either as a download or print copy through the Tarot Profesionas website under  “magazines” at LuLu.com. Marcus is a wonderful champion for the expansion of Tarot and the divinatory arts. Thanks Marcus for all you do!

http://www.tarotprofessionals.com/

http://www.tarot-town.com/